NEWSLINE

JANUARY 1999

"Our corrupt bureaucracy is the nation's biggest curse" -- Altaf Hussain, Founder MQM

Q: What is your new year's resolution?

A: We are determined to spread the aims and objects of the MQM and its philosophy of "realism and practicalism" in an effective and organized manner to every corner of the country; to make the people of Pakistan aware of the importance of a genuine democratic order, an independent judiciary, respect for the law and constitution and the need for a clean and just administration; to struggle for the establishment of a truly people-friendly welfare state in Pakistan and the abolition of feudalism. To inform the people of Pakistan and national and international human rights organizations about the unjust and unconstitutional actions of Nawaz Sharif's government, and to struggle through democratic means for an end to this autocratic rule.

Q: Can you state five ways in which you would tackle the current economic crisis?

A: We have to persuade our foreign donors, particularly the IMF and the World Bank, to agree to a long-term rescheduling of our debts. Fresh borrowing should be restricted only to export-related sectors.

Industrial and agricultural production has to be increased to control inflation, we must enhance exports and provide added employment. In the industrial sector, we should be able to export items in which we have a comparative advantage, such as cement, in substantial quantities. The establishment of export-oriented small and cottage industries which have low gestation periods should be given priority. The serious crisis facing the textile industry, which is the mainstay of our economy, has to be resolved on a war-footing.

Government revenues have to be increased and the budget deficit reduced. Every one and every sector has to be taxed without any exception or exemption and irrespective of political expediency. People guilty of wealth concealment, tax evasion, under-invoicing or over-invoicing in imports and exports should be tried and convicted expeditiously; outstanding bank loans should be recovered by auctioning the properties of defaulters irrespective of their status or political affiliation. Practical steps have to be taken to promote investment and saving, which should include the establishment of special industrial estates/processing zones and the provision of appropriate duty exemption and tax holidays.

The most fundamental aspect of dealing with the economic crisis is to tackle the causes of this problem failing which any policy or reform will fail.

Q: How you would tackle corruption?

A: Corruption has become deep-rooted and rampant because of a variety of reasons. From Ghulam Mohammad to the present, all rules have either destroyed the country's established institutions. The frequent use of ordinances has given these ruthless rules absolute power, which is the basic cause of corruption. As long as institutional supremacy is not restored, corruption shall remain endemic. Each successive government has also arrogated the provincial governments' powers. This has created chaos in the provinces, so that the police can freely indulge in massive corruption without being questioned or caught. The decentralization of power is thus one of the essential factors in tackling the menace of corruption.

It is high time also that the country's 'elected representatives' cease to become executors and confine themselves to the role of policy-makers. And as long as elected representatives are not made accountable, it will be impossible t eliminate corruption. Permanent non-political and independent tribunals, both at the provincial and the federal level, should be constituted to take up the cases of corruption by politicians, civil and military bureaucrats and others involved.

In Pakistan, the bureaucracy has proved to be the biggest curse. The lateral entry system - introduced by the late Z.A.Bhutto - which continues to the present, is one of the biggest source of corruption. If corruption is to be eliminated, the bureaucracy has got to be delinked from politics. The recruitment, training, posting, transfers and promotions of bureaucrats need to be made not by politicians, but by an independent service board whose members hold tenure posts.

The provision and exercise of discretionary powers by the bureaucracy is another source of corruption. All the discretionary powers, both, of the bureaucrats and the government, must be withdrawn.

Standing orders, rule, regulations and by-laws are amended by the rulers arbitrarily to suit their own convenience, and for financial gains. Such corruption practices need to be curbed.

Q: What means would you employ to restore law and order in Karachi?

A: What we see in Karachi today is the culmination of a well-orchestrated policy of the establishment based on a three-pronged strategy against the Mohajirs and the MQM. This includes isolation, criminalization and demoralization. Persistent victimization, discrimination, planned massacres and organized attacks in different localities of Karachi. Extra-judicial executions, custodial killings, and torture in custody have become commonplace. These incidents have occurred on different pretexts, but one common denominator in every such incident is the fact that the law-enforcers have taken the law into their own hands. The question thus is, who will restore the law?

The solution lies in addressing the problem in a pragmatic manner. The mandate of the people of Karachi must be genuinely accepted. Those elected by the people must be allowed to run the local administration.

The politicization of the civil administration must cease and all posts must be filled strictly on merit. Only a non-political team of officers can maintain law and order in cities like Karachi. A local police system must be established and those who are not domiciled in Karachi should not be posted here. Zonal/territorial units of elected representatives should also be constituted to evaluate and monitor the performance of the police.

Ultimately, the Sindh Assembly must be restored forthwith, Governor's Rule should be lifted, Article 245 must be withdrawn and summary military courts abolished.

Q: How would you deal with the sectarian issue?

A: The MQM would ensure that all citizens lead their life according to their religion, faith and beliefs. We would pass necessary legislation to ensure that no one is allowed to carry out exploitation or commit injustice in this context and would provide equal opportunities and full protection for religious minorities. In addition, the MQM would educate the people about religious tolerance and refrain from fanaticism.

Q: In what way would you resolve the Kashmir Issue?

A: Through meaningful dialogue and honorable negotiation.

Q: Would the third option be acceptable if the Kashmiris so desired?

A: In my opinion the Kashmiris should have the right to choose; only they can choose the best option for themselves. It is up to them, even if they choose the third option.

Q: How would you deal with:

Illiteracy

A: Unless the prevalent medieval system is abolished, we cannot bring reforms in education or improve the literacy rate. Additionally, a network of schools must be established in every part of Pakistan, and at least up to the primary level, education should be made compulsory and free. Text books should be provided free of charge to primary students.

Population control

A: We have to make the masses realize that the size of a family should only be as large as parents can took after well. They must be able to provide all their children a decent education. Living standards can only be improved if families are well planed. A massive education programme thus has to be launched in this regard.

Healthcare

A: It is essential of establish a network of health centres in every village, town and city of the country. A system in the form of a national health scheme should be established. Simultaneously, a nation-wide health education programme has to be launched. We will also have to undertake an intensive education programme to produce qualified health visitors to educate men. Women and children about healthcare. Medical services and medicine must be accessible to every citizen of the country.

Q: Do you agree the allocation for defence in the budget is disproportionate to the amount allocated to the social sector?

A: No one, including myself, can disagree on this issue. However, certain quarters have strong reservations about this sensitive issue. It needs to be resolved through a general consensus. All the elected parties of the country should be called upon to debate it.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to say to the citizens of this country as the new year dawns?

A: The twentieth century is now almost at its end. This can be regarded as the century of conflicts and wars. The 21^st century needs to be the century of freedom for the oppressed people in the world, of dialogue and negotiations, of the eradication of illiteracy.

We should aim at higher education, discard the medieval system of government, adopt the path of negotiation, endeavour to protect the rights and privileges of every individual, accept and honor the mandate of all sections of society and remove the sense of deprivation and alienation in smaller provinces and among religious minorities. We should establish the writ of the constitution and law instead of being ruled by one man or a few people. We should take the principle of "live and let live" to our hearts.