So many TV Channels, so many cameras
Majyd Aziz
The liberal electronic media policy of the government has brought about a revolution dreamt by those who grew up watching just PTV. Gone are the days when “channel surfing” was a luxury enjoyed by TV viewers in developed nations. The Pakistanys used to tune in to BBC to get the bare facts. PTV believed in news that suited the person in power in Islamabad. Political assassinations, bombings of places of worship, and the activities of the opposition, seldom made the news on PTV. Even today, inspite of intense competition from private TV channels, the PTV bosses still behave like the proverbial monkeys who would not see, hear, or speak evil (in this case, “evil” is PTV-ese for anything anti-government). Everything is hunky-dory in the Islamic Republic, according to PTV.
The advent of private channels has enabled the citizens to obtain visual facts, on-spot observations, and authoritative commentary from a battalion of experts and professionals. “Breaking News” has become part of the daily lingo. There is now a plethora of choices for the discerning viewer. Skillfully produced family dramas, jive and slick music programs, and creative news and views editions, all attract the domestic viewers and has ensued into a scenario of trust and admiration from the citizens.
The politicians and the businessmen now bask in the glory too as many are now regulars on these channels, and their activities are vividly covered by the electronic media. This phenomenon has led to a situation now where functions and events are enthusiastically highlighted in the news telecast of these channels.
Today, the cameramen and their assistants vie with others to obtain a vantage point to film the proceedings. They do not want to miss even a single second of activity on the dais. Furthermore, these cameramen also have their favorite personalities among the audience and they focus on them too. Matters become uncomfortable when the hall or room is unable to accommodate everybody and thus the audience faces a wall of camera operators, assistants, and equipment rather than observing and appreciating the happenings on the stage.
From black and white PTV and PTV-2, television in Pakistan has come a long way. There is a growing demand for anchors, technicians, reporters, camera operators, and support staff. The Information Minister says that 25 new licenses would be granted and so there would be that many new channels, cameramen, light men, and cameras taking in all the action.
Apparently then in the future, there would be nearly three dozen cameramen jostling with one another and with a host of photographers. The speaker’s dais would have to be crafted jumbo size to accommodate all the microphones each displaying the channel’s logo. It becomes disturbing when a tardy cameraman tries to place his microphone on the dais and in the process unsettles the ones already, but delicately, placed there.
Although the presence of so many microphones on the dais does profess importance, the fact is that the audience becomes fidgety and uncomfortable as it is difficult to concentrate on the proceedings and, at times, the glare of the light that is totted by the camera assistant becomes rather disconcerting. Even though each cameraman takes enough footage to make it into a regular show of its own, what one actually sees on the evening news is just a couple of minute’s worth of footage.
It is proposed that a common pool system be devised by the higher echelons of the private channels in which one or two cameramen from a couple of designated channels cover a program and relay the footage to other channels. The microphones would have a uniform logo that would be highlighted and promoted by each channel alongwith its own excusive logo. There would be many advantages to this strategy.
o First and foremost each channel would be entitled to footage from every
program or event being held and thus would get an opportunity to telecast it.
o Secondly, the organizers would have to send just one invitation to the
incharge of the common pool instead of inviting every channel.
o Thirdly, the audience would not be stressed out trying to see and enjoy
through the wall of cameramen and photographers.
o Fourthly, the organizers could concentrate on the event’s output rather than
worrying about handling the large force of cameramen.
o Fifth, there would be savings in manpower and equipment for the channels.
o Finally, the hosts and all those present at the function could go home and
surf the channels to their heart’s content, watching themselves in living
color.
=========================================================
June 02, 2005
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Pakistan and Japan Bilateral Economic Relations
Pakistan and Japan Bilateral Economic Relations
Majyd Aziz
Vice President and Founder
Pakistan Japan Business Forum
Government-industry nexus, a strong work ethic, commendable expertise in high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (1% of GDP) helped Japan advance with extraordinary rapidity to the status of second most technologically powerful economy in the world after USA, and the third-largest economy in the world behind USA and China if measured on purchasing power parity (PPP) basis.
It is reassuring that Japan and Pakistan have traditionally been enjoying superb relations. Both Pakistan and Japan are connected through various economic and trade forums such as Pakistan Japan Business Forum, Pakistan Japan Ministerial Commission, etc. Japan is acknowledged as a major supporter of Pakistan’s economic development and is giving formidable economic assistance in the shape of grants, suppliers’ credit, and project loans. Japan is providing support through JICA, JETRO, and other agencies, under technical training and assistance programs. After Pakistan’s nuclear test of May 1998 Japan imposed economic sanctions that were lifted after Pakistan joined the US-led coalition as a front-line state post-9/11. Japan also approved US$ 340 million in grants to Pakistan and agreed to reschedule Pakistan’s debts. However, it is ironic that in this era of economic diplomacy, interaction in economic sphere is not commensurate with excellent and historic bilateral relations. The level of overall trade between the two countries is much less than the desired potential.
An analysis of bilateral trade reveals that the volume of Pak-Japan trade was US$ 1968.65 million during 2005-06. Pakistan’s exports and imports during 2005-06 were US$ 128.10 million and US$ 1840.55 million respectively, with balance of trade over the years continuously in favor of Japan. Considering that the Japanese global trade volume was US$ 1111.825 billion during 2004-05, Pak-Japan trade is peanuts. In the year 2004-05, share of Pakistan in Japan’s global imports of US$ 516.075 billion was a mere 0.032 percent while Japan’s share in Pakistan’s global imports of US$ 20.60 billion was 7.04 percent.
As a basis for comparison, it is important to mention the trade relationship between India and Japan. Bilateral trade between India and Japan is expanding in the recent years. Japan-India bilateral trade rose to $6.6 billion during 2004-05 with India exporting US$ 2.5 billion and importing US$ 4.1 billion with balance of trade in favor of Japan. Japanese private sector’s interest in India is rising, and currently about 350 Japanese companies have branches in India. This figure has expanded by 50% in the last three years. Both countries have also signed a joint statement "Japan-India Partnership in the New Asian Era” and issued “Eight-fold Initiative for Strengthening Japan-India Global Partnership”.
Pakistan-Japan trade relations can be enhanced and strengthened through joint ventures, technology transfer, and investment cooperation. There is a large potential of joint ventures in the field of textile as this is the core industrial sector in Pakistan. Pakistan’s textile industry is well placed given the raw material base and vertical integration across stages of production to continue to be a major textile and clothing producer. However, to maintain a strong export position, it would require matching the competitors in terms of technology, skills, designs, and quality. Pakistan also needs to produce more value-added and utility-specific textile products that are much in demand. Others potential areas for collaboration and joint ventures are automotive, agriculture, information technology, oil and gas, infrastructure, religious tourism, fisheries, engineering, and chemicals.
Pakistan presents impressive opportunities for trade and investment. Pakistan is strategically placed to be a genuine gateway to South Asia and Central Republics with which Pakistan is integrated through two regional arrangements, namely, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Pakistan surely offers great growth potential due to a vibrant population of 160 million, abundant natural resources, and a universal determination to become a developed country. Its huge market potential is bolstered by its strategic location on the cross-roads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Japan can take advantage of Gwadar Port by establishing a production base (exclusive export processing zone) and tapping the burgeoning markets of South Asia, Central Asia and Middle East. In this context, a US$ 6 billion National Trade Corridor (NTC) is being developed over a period of six years that would encompass modern ports, railroads, road network, and aviation system. World Bank and Asian Development Bank have already pledged US$ 1 billion for NTC for providing transit facilities for trade with Central Asian countries, Western China, Afghanistan, and Iran. Initially, NTC would connect Karachi-Gwadar-Kunjaribi section at a cost estimated at US$ 2.8 billion.
Another landmark development has been the recent inauguration of 10,000 ft. high altitude Sust Dry Port, jointly built by Pakistan and China, near their border. This would not only facilitate bilateral trade, but also make possible the realization of Pakistan’s potential as the hub of intra-regional trade. A Trade Energy Corridor is being developed by Pakistan for Pak-China and CAR inter-connectivity in terms of energy and trade that includes improvement in KKH, development of railway link, installing gas and oil pipelines, road linkages, and even fiber-optics connectivity.
Pakistan Railways is in the process of developing and modernizing railway network both in terms of infrastructure and equipment. The emphasis is to increase the share of freight traffic of railway sector from existing 5.5 billion tonne kilometers to 10 billion tonne kilometers by 2010. Railways have a definite and unmatchable edge over roads for long and bulk haulage, being safe, pollution-free, and most economical, as compared to any other transportation mode.
Both the Government and Private Sector are making concerted efforts to develop infrastructure to boost trade. Sialkot International Airport, a unique self-help basis initiative by the exporters and enterprising business community of Sialkot, was undertaken in 2003 to increase cargo exports as well as handle passenger traffic.
Human Resource Development is imperative for Pakistan as there is a huge gap between demand and supply of human resources and technical skills for setting up and operating the business ventures. The Government of Pakistan wants to maintain GDP growth rate at nearly 8 percent during the next 15-20 years so that employment opportunities can be generated for poverty alleviation. To arrest the growing inequality, it is proposed that the low income group should be provided access to quality education by improving sectoral institutions, fellowships for quality education in the private sector, enhanced technical and vocational training facilities by updating labs, syllabi and teachers training. The Government of Pakistan has established a number of institutions that impart training and skill development. These institutions, such as, Pakistan Institute of Management Sciences (PIMS), Technical Training and Vocational Authority (TEVTA), Provincial Vocational Training Councils, Government Universities, and various other support institutions have however not made an impact in shaping human resource development for industrial sector. Japan can assist by initiating the training and vocational programs specifically for industrial sector so that skilled manpower could be pragmatically utilized for Pakistan’s industrial development.
Currently, the Japanese population growth rate of 65 years and over is higher than the other developed and developing countries. The share of population 65 years and over is 20 percent of the total population of the country as compared to 4.9 percent of India and 4.1% of Pakistan. The export of young and skilled manpower from Pakistan could help Japanese Government to overcome this deficiency.
Pakistan has vast resources suitable for fishing. It provides tremendous opportunities to develop aquaculture both on land and in the sea. However, Pakistan has not been able to make any significant development in the fisheries sector. During 2004-05, the total fish production was estimated at 566,200 tonnes of which share of marine sector were 400,500 tonnes and 165,700 tonnes of inland sector. In 2005-06, the overall production increased to 581,000, an increase of 2.6% of the previous year. The export earnings from fish products were US$ 196.2 million during 2005-06 of which US$ 10.27 million was from Japan, indicating tremendous potential for fish exports to Japanese market. With a planned improvement in processing technology, marketing and branding, Pakistan can substantially boost fish exports to Japan.
The ‘My Karachi Oasis of Harmony’ Exhibition organized by Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry would be held on June 1-3, 2007 at the Karachi Expo Center and would be an International Exhibition. So far exhibitors from ten countries have expressed their willingness to participate in this prestigious event. The exhibition is expected to be visited by over 500,000 people. The participation of Japanese companies in the exhibition would provide an excellent channel to promote Japanese product lines and a favorable avenue to display and sell their products to thousands of visitors and consumers.
The Federal Government recently handed over twin islands of Bundar and Buddo located close to Port Qasim having 12,000 acres of land to the UAE firm, Eimaar, for the construction of state-of-the-art cities at a cost estimated at US$ 55 billion. These cities will be developed with modern infrastructure and will fulfill the requirements of a futuristic world. The development of these cities will not only enhance the current pace of economic growth but it will also attract new foreign direct investment in the country.
It is imperative that Pakistan and Japan exchange trade delegations for active contacts and on-the-spot studies of each other’s market. The challenges faced by foreign investors seeking to establish or enhance their presence in Pakistan are being addressed seriously by the government. All in all, Pakistan is fast developing into an attractive destination for investment, an ideal commercial and industrial base, and a great place to live and work.
Majyd Aziz
Vice President and Founder
Pakistan Japan Business Forum
Government-industry nexus, a strong work ethic, commendable expertise in high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (1% of GDP) helped Japan advance with extraordinary rapidity to the status of second most technologically powerful economy in the world after USA, and the third-largest economy in the world behind USA and China if measured on purchasing power parity (PPP) basis.
It is reassuring that Japan and Pakistan have traditionally been enjoying superb relations. Both Pakistan and Japan are connected through various economic and trade forums such as Pakistan Japan Business Forum, Pakistan Japan Ministerial Commission, etc. Japan is acknowledged as a major supporter of Pakistan’s economic development and is giving formidable economic assistance in the shape of grants, suppliers’ credit, and project loans. Japan is providing support through JICA, JETRO, and other agencies, under technical training and assistance programs. After Pakistan’s nuclear test of May 1998 Japan imposed economic sanctions that were lifted after Pakistan joined the US-led coalition as a front-line state post-9/11. Japan also approved US$ 340 million in grants to Pakistan and agreed to reschedule Pakistan’s debts. However, it is ironic that in this era of economic diplomacy, interaction in economic sphere is not commensurate with excellent and historic bilateral relations. The level of overall trade between the two countries is much less than the desired potential.
An analysis of bilateral trade reveals that the volume of Pak-Japan trade was US$ 1968.65 million during 2005-06. Pakistan’s exports and imports during 2005-06 were US$ 128.10 million and US$ 1840.55 million respectively, with balance of trade over the years continuously in favor of Japan. Considering that the Japanese global trade volume was US$ 1111.825 billion during 2004-05, Pak-Japan trade is peanuts. In the year 2004-05, share of Pakistan in Japan’s global imports of US$ 516.075 billion was a mere 0.032 percent while Japan’s share in Pakistan’s global imports of US$ 20.60 billion was 7.04 percent.
As a basis for comparison, it is important to mention the trade relationship between India and Japan. Bilateral trade between India and Japan is expanding in the recent years. Japan-India bilateral trade rose to $6.6 billion during 2004-05 with India exporting US$ 2.5 billion and importing US$ 4.1 billion with balance of trade in favor of Japan. Japanese private sector’s interest in India is rising, and currently about 350 Japanese companies have branches in India. This figure has expanded by 50% in the last three years. Both countries have also signed a joint statement "Japan-India Partnership in the New Asian Era” and issued “Eight-fold Initiative for Strengthening Japan-India Global Partnership”.
Pakistan-Japan trade relations can be enhanced and strengthened through joint ventures, technology transfer, and investment cooperation. There is a large potential of joint ventures in the field of textile as this is the core industrial sector in Pakistan. Pakistan’s textile industry is well placed given the raw material base and vertical integration across stages of production to continue to be a major textile and clothing producer. However, to maintain a strong export position, it would require matching the competitors in terms of technology, skills, designs, and quality. Pakistan also needs to produce more value-added and utility-specific textile products that are much in demand. Others potential areas for collaboration and joint ventures are automotive, agriculture, information technology, oil and gas, infrastructure, religious tourism, fisheries, engineering, and chemicals.
Pakistan presents impressive opportunities for trade and investment. Pakistan is strategically placed to be a genuine gateway to South Asia and Central Republics with which Pakistan is integrated through two regional arrangements, namely, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Pakistan surely offers great growth potential due to a vibrant population of 160 million, abundant natural resources, and a universal determination to become a developed country. Its huge market potential is bolstered by its strategic location on the cross-roads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Japan can take advantage of Gwadar Port by establishing a production base (exclusive export processing zone) and tapping the burgeoning markets of South Asia, Central Asia and Middle East. In this context, a US$ 6 billion National Trade Corridor (NTC) is being developed over a period of six years that would encompass modern ports, railroads, road network, and aviation system. World Bank and Asian Development Bank have already pledged US$ 1 billion for NTC for providing transit facilities for trade with Central Asian countries, Western China, Afghanistan, and Iran. Initially, NTC would connect Karachi-Gwadar-Kunjaribi section at a cost estimated at US$ 2.8 billion.
Another landmark development has been the recent inauguration of 10,000 ft. high altitude Sust Dry Port, jointly built by Pakistan and China, near their border. This would not only facilitate bilateral trade, but also make possible the realization of Pakistan’s potential as the hub of intra-regional trade. A Trade Energy Corridor is being developed by Pakistan for Pak-China and CAR inter-connectivity in terms of energy and trade that includes improvement in KKH, development of railway link, installing gas and oil pipelines, road linkages, and even fiber-optics connectivity.
Pakistan Railways is in the process of developing and modernizing railway network both in terms of infrastructure and equipment. The emphasis is to increase the share of freight traffic of railway sector from existing 5.5 billion tonne kilometers to 10 billion tonne kilometers by 2010. Railways have a definite and unmatchable edge over roads for long and bulk haulage, being safe, pollution-free, and most economical, as compared to any other transportation mode.
Both the Government and Private Sector are making concerted efforts to develop infrastructure to boost trade. Sialkot International Airport, a unique self-help basis initiative by the exporters and enterprising business community of Sialkot, was undertaken in 2003 to increase cargo exports as well as handle passenger traffic.
Human Resource Development is imperative for Pakistan as there is a huge gap between demand and supply of human resources and technical skills for setting up and operating the business ventures. The Government of Pakistan wants to maintain GDP growth rate at nearly 8 percent during the next 15-20 years so that employment opportunities can be generated for poverty alleviation. To arrest the growing inequality, it is proposed that the low income group should be provided access to quality education by improving sectoral institutions, fellowships for quality education in the private sector, enhanced technical and vocational training facilities by updating labs, syllabi and teachers training. The Government of Pakistan has established a number of institutions that impart training and skill development. These institutions, such as, Pakistan Institute of Management Sciences (PIMS), Technical Training and Vocational Authority (TEVTA), Provincial Vocational Training Councils, Government Universities, and various other support institutions have however not made an impact in shaping human resource development for industrial sector. Japan can assist by initiating the training and vocational programs specifically for industrial sector so that skilled manpower could be pragmatically utilized for Pakistan’s industrial development.
Currently, the Japanese population growth rate of 65 years and over is higher than the other developed and developing countries. The share of population 65 years and over is 20 percent of the total population of the country as compared to 4.9 percent of India and 4.1% of Pakistan. The export of young and skilled manpower from Pakistan could help Japanese Government to overcome this deficiency.
Pakistan has vast resources suitable for fishing. It provides tremendous opportunities to develop aquaculture both on land and in the sea. However, Pakistan has not been able to make any significant development in the fisheries sector. During 2004-05, the total fish production was estimated at 566,200 tonnes of which share of marine sector were 400,500 tonnes and 165,700 tonnes of inland sector. In 2005-06, the overall production increased to 581,000, an increase of 2.6% of the previous year. The export earnings from fish products were US$ 196.2 million during 2005-06 of which US$ 10.27 million was from Japan, indicating tremendous potential for fish exports to Japanese market. With a planned improvement in processing technology, marketing and branding, Pakistan can substantially boost fish exports to Japan.
The ‘My Karachi Oasis of Harmony’ Exhibition organized by Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry would be held on June 1-3, 2007 at the Karachi Expo Center and would be an International Exhibition. So far exhibitors from ten countries have expressed their willingness to participate in this prestigious event. The exhibition is expected to be visited by over 500,000 people. The participation of Japanese companies in the exhibition would provide an excellent channel to promote Japanese product lines and a favorable avenue to display and sell their products to thousands of visitors and consumers.
The Federal Government recently handed over twin islands of Bundar and Buddo located close to Port Qasim having 12,000 acres of land to the UAE firm, Eimaar, for the construction of state-of-the-art cities at a cost estimated at US$ 55 billion. These cities will be developed with modern infrastructure and will fulfill the requirements of a futuristic world. The development of these cities will not only enhance the current pace of economic growth but it will also attract new foreign direct investment in the country.
It is imperative that Pakistan and Japan exchange trade delegations for active contacts and on-the-spot studies of each other’s market. The challenges faced by foreign investors seeking to establish or enhance their presence in Pakistan are being addressed seriously by the government. All in all, Pakistan is fast developing into an attractive destination for investment, an ideal commercial and industrial base, and a great place to live and work.
Karachi: "Asia's roughest, toughest town"
Karachi: "Asia's roughest, toughest town"
Majyd Aziz
TIME magazine came up with this description of Karachi more than seven years ago. Since then, Karachi has had a yo-yo reputation moving up on the positive image graph as the City of Lights and dipping down as the City of Danger. What has happened to Karachi nowadays?
KARACHI, the City of Lights. This sobriquet was cherished with unabashed pride by the denizens of Karachi. Alas, domestic politics, parochial resentment, and influx of aliens in search of employment opportunities, quality life, and relishing the charms of a metropolis, converged into a ball of turmoil that transformed this vibrant city into a perpetual no-go area for foreigners and non-Karachiites. Yet, inspite of all planned or merciless actions to ensure that Karachi becomes the City of Darkness, the people who call Karachi their home are still displaying fortitude and determination to ward off all such intrigues and maneuvers against their city.
Karachi has undergone a monumental transformation over the past decade. Land prices have sky-rocketed, the Karachi Stock Exchange is creating new records every day, industrial units are on an expansion spree, halls and hotels for weddings are booked for months, automakers cannot meet demand inspite of running 24/7, philanthropists are donating billions for social infrastructure, while underpasses, expressways and highways are coming up all over the city, the two ports are geared up for the upsurge in global economic activity, political parties are allowed all freedom, and at times it is difficult to get workers because they are fully employed.
Karachi is also hostage to the land mafia whose objective is to gobble up all available land, and then go a step further by usurping land owned by citizens thru connivance of unscrupulous petty officers in government’s land departments or thru corrupt officers of the law. Karachi is saturated with drug addicts due to the proliferation and easy availability of a plethora of drugs courtesy the drug mafia. Street crimes take place every few minutes while Karachi’s elite residential areas are patrolled by uniformed guards to protect the residents of palatial bungalows from burglaries and kidnappings.
All one can say is that the Mafia groups are the Untouchables. Al Capone, the Chicago Don would have loved to be in Karachi circa 2010. Maybe, just maybe, Eliot Ness, the US Federal Agent who headed The Untouchables team and made life miserable for Capone in the 1930s, would have been his partner and not his nemesis in this metropolitan city.
Karachi is now in the throes of a phenomenon known as “target killings”. This adjective is affixed on most of the free-for-all killings taking place as a matter of the daily culture of murders and sniper attacks. The connotation is ethnic or political. One is not sure whether all murders are a result of focused targets, but even vendetta, jealousy, and casual murders are classified under the cover of target killing. As always, the law-enforcers profess to catch the perpetrators but so far innocents are hauled in while the criminals are safely ensconced in the sanctuaries of their protectors.
Daikho Gay Toh Mil Jayen Gi Har Mor Pay Laashain.
Dhoondo Gay Toh Is Shahr Main Qaatil Na Milay Ga.
The highlight of any aftermath is the appearance of the Interior Minister who pledges to cleanse the city from the venom of the desperadoes within the next seventy two hours. Recently, a highly charged meeting at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry turned into a boisterous and cacophonous condemnation of the Interior Minister who was smart enough to refrain from entering the portals of the KCCI to face this agitated group of small traders as well as industrial tycoons. He did show up the next day, but at the Governor’s House where the KCCI hierarchy were mollified by him and the Governor and where he decided to visit the Shershah Market hanging onto a police mobile a la a Karachi bus conductor.
Meantime, the ravaging floods forced many of the affected citizens to swarm into Karachi where they are living a deplorable existence in make-shift tents, dependant on the largesse of charities of those who desire to care and feed them. Of course, the government functionaries who have been tasked to make life bearable for these victims are, as in the past, finding ways and means to grab the allocated money as well as pilfer the essential commodities. Their nonchalant attitude, their arbitrary decisions, and their discretionary powers have been vividly highlighted in the media and observed by foreign as well as domestic people. It is a pity that altruism is seldom a virtue in officialdom.
The toll of the negative image of Karachi has been further magnified by the continuous load-shedding of electricity, the low gas pressure, the erratic availability of water, the ballooning corruption at all tiers of the government machinery, and the landscaping of its beautiful environment by scattered litter, heaps of stomach-churning garbage, and obnoxious graffiti nearly everywhere.
The question being generally asked by one and all is “who owns Karachi?” and then no one is there to answer. Is it the domain of an ethnic party? Is it the responsibility of the provincial government? Is it a decreed Federal subject? Is it an abandoned orphan? Who does own Karachi? Do the 20 million denizens of this metropolis in the south own it? But then, who are its real denizens? Those who were born here or whose families migrated from their ancestral abodes in India after 1947 or those who come to seek their fortune in this city from the rest of Pakistan and then make their stay permanent, or those who are termed as illegal aliens, coming in from Afghanistan, Iran, Burma, or Bangladesh, etc? Karachi is Pakistan and Karachi will always be Karachi. It does not matter who is out to ruin the peace of Karachi. Karachi lives on. In our souls.
Haqiqaton se bhi inkar hai toh honay doh
Yazid bur sar-e-paikar hai toh honay doh
Hum ahley jabr se manwaain ge haqooq apnay
Sarron pe zulm ki talwar hai toh honay doh
=================================
Karachi, Pakistan, November 02, 2010
Majyd Aziz
TIME magazine came up with this description of Karachi more than seven years ago. Since then, Karachi has had a yo-yo reputation moving up on the positive image graph as the City of Lights and dipping down as the City of Danger. What has happened to Karachi nowadays?
KARACHI, the City of Lights. This sobriquet was cherished with unabashed pride by the denizens of Karachi. Alas, domestic politics, parochial resentment, and influx of aliens in search of employment opportunities, quality life, and relishing the charms of a metropolis, converged into a ball of turmoil that transformed this vibrant city into a perpetual no-go area for foreigners and non-Karachiites. Yet, inspite of all planned or merciless actions to ensure that Karachi becomes the City of Darkness, the people who call Karachi their home are still displaying fortitude and determination to ward off all such intrigues and maneuvers against their city.
Karachi has undergone a monumental transformation over the past decade. Land prices have sky-rocketed, the Karachi Stock Exchange is creating new records every day, industrial units are on an expansion spree, halls and hotels for weddings are booked for months, automakers cannot meet demand inspite of running 24/7, philanthropists are donating billions for social infrastructure, while underpasses, expressways and highways are coming up all over the city, the two ports are geared up for the upsurge in global economic activity, political parties are allowed all freedom, and at times it is difficult to get workers because they are fully employed.
Karachi is also hostage to the land mafia whose objective is to gobble up all available land, and then go a step further by usurping land owned by citizens thru connivance of unscrupulous petty officers in government’s land departments or thru corrupt officers of the law. Karachi is saturated with drug addicts due to the proliferation and easy availability of a plethora of drugs courtesy the drug mafia. Street crimes take place every few minutes while Karachi’s elite residential areas are patrolled by uniformed guards to protect the residents of palatial bungalows from burglaries and kidnappings.
All one can say is that the Mafia groups are the Untouchables. Al Capone, the Chicago Don would have loved to be in Karachi circa 2010. Maybe, just maybe, Eliot Ness, the US Federal Agent who headed The Untouchables team and made life miserable for Capone in the 1930s, would have been his partner and not his nemesis in this metropolitan city.
Karachi is now in the throes of a phenomenon known as “target killings”. This adjective is affixed on most of the free-for-all killings taking place as a matter of the daily culture of murders and sniper attacks. The connotation is ethnic or political. One is not sure whether all murders are a result of focused targets, but even vendetta, jealousy, and casual murders are classified under the cover of target killing. As always, the law-enforcers profess to catch the perpetrators but so far innocents are hauled in while the criminals are safely ensconced in the sanctuaries of their protectors.
Daikho Gay Toh Mil Jayen Gi Har Mor Pay Laashain.
Dhoondo Gay Toh Is Shahr Main Qaatil Na Milay Ga.
The highlight of any aftermath is the appearance of the Interior Minister who pledges to cleanse the city from the venom of the desperadoes within the next seventy two hours. Recently, a highly charged meeting at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry turned into a boisterous and cacophonous condemnation of the Interior Minister who was smart enough to refrain from entering the portals of the KCCI to face this agitated group of small traders as well as industrial tycoons. He did show up the next day, but at the Governor’s House where the KCCI hierarchy were mollified by him and the Governor and where he decided to visit the Shershah Market hanging onto a police mobile a la a Karachi bus conductor.
Meantime, the ravaging floods forced many of the affected citizens to swarm into Karachi where they are living a deplorable existence in make-shift tents, dependant on the largesse of charities of those who desire to care and feed them. Of course, the government functionaries who have been tasked to make life bearable for these victims are, as in the past, finding ways and means to grab the allocated money as well as pilfer the essential commodities. Their nonchalant attitude, their arbitrary decisions, and their discretionary powers have been vividly highlighted in the media and observed by foreign as well as domestic people. It is a pity that altruism is seldom a virtue in officialdom.
The toll of the negative image of Karachi has been further magnified by the continuous load-shedding of electricity, the low gas pressure, the erratic availability of water, the ballooning corruption at all tiers of the government machinery, and the landscaping of its beautiful environment by scattered litter, heaps of stomach-churning garbage, and obnoxious graffiti nearly everywhere.
The question being generally asked by one and all is “who owns Karachi?” and then no one is there to answer. Is it the domain of an ethnic party? Is it the responsibility of the provincial government? Is it a decreed Federal subject? Is it an abandoned orphan? Who does own Karachi? Do the 20 million denizens of this metropolis in the south own it? But then, who are its real denizens? Those who were born here or whose families migrated from their ancestral abodes in India after 1947 or those who come to seek their fortune in this city from the rest of Pakistan and then make their stay permanent, or those who are termed as illegal aliens, coming in from Afghanistan, Iran, Burma, or Bangladesh, etc? Karachi is Pakistan and Karachi will always be Karachi. It does not matter who is out to ruin the peace of Karachi. Karachi lives on. In our souls.
Haqiqaton se bhi inkar hai toh honay doh
Yazid bur sar-e-paikar hai toh honay doh
Hum ahley jabr se manwaain ge haqooq apnay
Sarron pe zulm ki talwar hai toh honay doh
=================================
Karachi, Pakistan, November 02, 2010
Youth Resources: Untapped Potential
Youth Resources: Untapped Potential
Majyd Aziz
Member Steering Committee BBSYDP Sindh
Ex-President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Majyd Aziz
Member Steering Committee BBSYDP Sindh
Ex-President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Preamble:
PAKISTAN is fortunately placed at an envious demographic position as one of the “youngest nations on Planet Earth” with nearly 70% of the population below the age of 35. In fact, the peak youth share is around 21% within the ages of 15-24. The advantage of a young population should enable the country’s planning managers and policymakers to prepare a visionary agenda taking into account the benefits, potential, and value of this young force.
Present Scenario:
PAKISTAN is still unable to enjoy the demographic dividend that this young population can bring. The pathetic educational system in the country does churn out graduates but most of them are not worth having within the working environment. Technical training centers are set up all over the country managed by the various provincial authorities. At the same time, organizations such as Skill Development Councils have played a defined role in providing skill development and vocational training opportunities to the youth. The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Program is a visionary and practical initiative undertaken for the youth of Pakistan. Moreover, the employment opportunities for the youth, at this moment in time, are relatively very few, very uncertain, and very low paying. In fact, the absorption of youth in the labor market has been limited to a large extent.
Present Challenges:
PAKISTAN is in the midst of the unrest being generated by the sense of deprivation and dejection faced by the youth. The young people are entering or ready to enter the job market and are waking up to the stark reality that jobs are scarce, that they are not properly trained to deal with the available jobs, and that they are not sure of the tenure of the position if they are lucky to land a job.
PAKISTAN is at a crossroads when it comes to handling the youth. The benefits of the demographic dividend are not possible if the youth do not enter the labor market, but then if there are no opportunities to become economically active then the youth would be stranded and lost at sea. This here is the challenge. Youth unemployment is endemic and continues to rise. The rhetorical statements of politicians assuring the youth that jobs would be available become stale news once these politicians are safely ensconced behind the portals of power. The dissatisfaction among the youth increases especially when they are exposed to the electronic media that is showing them a different world and in the process creating wants and desires which cannot be satisfied.
PAKISTAN is also subject to other negative outcome of the frustration of these young people. These youth become readily available fodder for extremist forces who take advantage of this deplorable situation. At the same time, many youth, especially in urban areas, have become unwilling partners in crime and this is substantiated by the phenomenal increase in street crimes and petty burglaries. The proliferation of drug use among the youth is a matter of serious concern too.
PAKISTAN is also beset by other factors that have impacted negatively on the economic viability of this country. The billions that are spent on the Global War on Terror, the burgeoning inflationary trends, the pressure on the currency, the increasing cost of petroleum imports, the physical infrastructure handicap, the dependence on borrowings from the multilateral agencies resulting in a dictated economic policy framework, the disconnect between the provinces due to parochial and ethnic compulsions, the political instability, and the excessive non-developmental expenditure, have not only been demoralizing but have seriously affected the viability and sustainability of trade and industry. Unemployment has become the Number One cause of gloom and doom among the populace.
The Way Forward:
PAKISTAN government must plan and promote the National Agenda for Youth Resources (NAYR), in consultation with industrial and trade associations, WEBCOP, economists, and educationists, etc. There is an imperative and urgent need to focus on the various modalities and concepts that would enable the formulation and implementation of the NAYR. The major areas would be:
(a) Ensuring literacy
(b) Provision of skill development and vocational training
(c) [Alternatively, entrepreneurship development]
(d) Internship and practical training
(e) Placement opportunities
PAKISTAN is endowed with talent and resources, both natural as well as human. There is a high priority requirement to indulge in out-of-box thinking and prepare this NAYR. The major areas enumerated above can be further elaborated as follows:
PAKISTAN policymakers have to revisit their educational priorities. A sad reality is that the allocations for education in the Federal as well as Provincial budgets diminish every year. The dismal environment in the government-owned schools has affected the proper schooling of children and this has been transformed into a horrific foundation for the youth. At the same time, most of the private schools profess to provide superior education but the cost to parents is alarming, Of course, the educational institutions set up by social or community-based organizations are playing a paramount role in providing decent education. It is proposed that trade and industry associations, chambers, as well as large enterprises must be mandated to set up educational institutions on their own or must financially support organizations such as Citizen’s Foundation so that quality education becomes universally available.
PAKISTAN government must ordain TEVTAs that have been set up in every Province to initiate projects on Private-Public Partnership basis to modernize, upgrade, and renovate the existing technical and vocational training institutions and also must prepare and plan centers and curricula in consultation with WEBCOP and Skill Development Councils as well as trade associations so that the Pakistani youth can enter the global economy as a well-trained and tested professional.
PAKISTAN has a functioning Higher Education Commission and this organization must assist and direct the various educational institutions to develop alternate programs to introduce and impart knowledge-based education to inculcate entrepreneurship in the youth of Pakistan. This would enable trained or skilled youth to become owners rather than depending on employment.
PAKISTAN has not been successful in ensuring that most of the present technical institutions have a working relationship with trade, industry, or the service sectors whereby programs could be planned to provide on-job-training as well as practical working knowledge of the concerned skill. There is also no system of mentoring the youth. This gap has to be reduced and it is essential that the trainee is able to obtain this hands-on facility and resource.
PAKISTAN political government must ensure that it is essential to take on board the chambers and associations to come up with a systematic and pragmatic program that would encourage the members of the associations and chambers to tap into the pool of these trained or skilled youth and utilize them in their establishments. However, it is pertinent to note that market-demand skills should be taught to the youth rather than depending on outdated or routine curriculum.
Essential Areas of Employment:
PAKISTAN policymakers have to accept that the objective of NAYR would be to ensure that training is provided in sectors that conform to the requirements of the global economy as well as addressing the cultural, traditional, and national dynamics of the country. It would be beneficial to the nation, to the individual and to the employer.
PAKISTAN has a strong agriculture base. The youth should be trained in operating equipments that are imperative for mechanized farming. This would increase productivity as well as streamline the cultivation of various crops. Training in proper usage of fertilizer, seeds, and other inputs would surely make a marked influence on the economies of the rural areas. At the same time, there is immense scope in fruits and vegetables, right from plucking down to the eating. The fruit and vegetable farms can provide much needed employment to the young people.
PAKISTAN is also increasing its share in the services sector. Educated youth can fill the demand for human resources in various fields in the services sector. Call centers, software programming, hotel and restaurants, sales representatives, cell phone repairs, food catering, enumerators, security services, event management, and transport drivers are areas where formidable job opportunities can be created.
PAKISTAN is going to witness a boom in construction, especially in low-cost housing. There is a backlog of over nine million housing units that have to be built to cope up with housing demands. Private sector is ready to provide training for trades associated with the construction industry. Skilled operators are required for bulldozers, dumpers, loaders, and other construction equipment. BBSYDP does provide short term training for masons, plumbers, electricians, floor tilers, painters, etc. At the same time, there would be ample job opportunities in cement, paint, sanitary fittings, cables, fans, geysers, tiles, and other nearly 40 industries due to the housing boom. There are not that many skilled workers at present to cope up with the upcoming demand by the housing sector.
Conclusion:
PAKISTAN can get out of the economic morass if concerted efforts are made with passion and with sincerity. It is also incumbent upon the youth to be serious in acquiring the skills and knowledge to prepare for a career in their chosen fields. Needless to mention, a working youth will generally not resort to fraternizing with extremist elements nor would the youth subscribe to unethical and objectionable activities if one is busy with his vocation. It is only then that Pakistan will greatly gain from and benefit from the demographic dividend deriving from the large potent youth population. The Great Poet Allama Iqbal expressed his admiration for those young people who are achievers:
Mohabat mujhe oon jawano se hai
Sitaron pe jo daaltay hain kamund
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March 19-2011
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