Refusing The Sitara-I-Imtiaz Ref: ROMAIR # 11 & 26

Perhaps you were so much offended by the article that you missed the point. I guess the refusal of the award indicates that the authorities conferring it are not sincere in their intent. Its just a gimmick to soothe the public opinion and to hide the fact that the government invests far more in the military than in the educational and other sectors. Of course you would argue that its vital for us to invest in the military sector but if you look at the balance i think there is something very wrong.

The very reason Pakistan is in such a dismal condition from every aspect of the word is largely due to military`s usurpation of all its resources. I think a military which invoked and propelled such an holocaust in East Pakistan, deserves some thing else rather than being conferred medals.

Wassalam

P.S: Dont mind my ignorance, but i keep recalling the name ``GENERAL RANI`` among the Ranks of Our Honourable and Gallant Generals, May be she was given a medal or something too..... BUT i dont recall how many times the TRIPPLE ONE (111) Brigade has conquered its own People & Country. Perhaps you can refresh my memory!!!!!

Refusing The Sitara-I-Imtiaz Dr. Hoodbhoy

It would have been a whole lot meaningful if the government were to allocate you some research funds instead of just lip service like conferring a medal. Nothing is more vital for a researcher than to have sufficient resources to continue his or her endevours.

Your standing does not deserve any official seal. The very fact that a man of you caliber has choosen to stay in Pakistan then to teach in a world class university any where, is more than sufficient.

Perhaps when the establishment of Pakistan would realize the importance of Scientific and Technological education and people like you, we would be much better off.

Regards

Muzammil

Our Blind Nuclear Prophets ROmair # 6

If the generals were so competent as you said they were, why do time and again they jump into the politics of running a country.

May be they get bored of all the booze parties, regal ishaiyas and not to mention the money they have at their disposal which they have accumulated while bleeding the nation dry. Its good to enjoy the taste of power...at least occasionally

One thing more, the so called strategist of the Army do nothing more than to escalate the flash point issues with their neighbour only to justify their own existence.

Lets Destroy The Bamiyan Buddhas! F.R.Khan.

Good work on bringing into light the western hypocrisy on the issue but the points emphasized in your article are too ambigous. It would have been better if you made them more clearer. I do agree that west uses every gesture from taliban be it friendly, naive or plainly defying to its baggering against Islam and its values.

The interpretation of Islam by Taliban has several inconsistancies and reflects their mindset in grip of a self proclaimed liberator syndrome. Their rigidity makes them prone to dogmatic thinking in every sphere and prevents realization of the damage they are bringing to a relatively rational spirit of Islam.

But the Taliban are not alone to be blamed. They were nurtured by their direct patrons in Pakistan Army and indirect patrons in the CIA. To me they are just naive people falling victims of the international power game after the end of cold war. The Pakistani establishment is playing with fire as they back the militia and we are beginning to see signs of fallout in form of mushroom growth of so called Jehadis and fanatics. It is high time for us to realize that we cannot become the chess masters of the region while all our policies are dictated by halls in pentagon.

Letters and Bombs

``India tests surface-to-air Akash missile`` March 2nd, DAWN KARACHI.

I dont know what to say to this, here i read your article preaching peace and coexistance and there i read this news about another missle test. I am sure that these missles are not meant deliver bouquet of flowers to its neighbours or ARE THEY??

Emotional intelligence is a quality rare among the people of this region and is almost extinct when it comes to rivalry of these traditional foes. The citations in your article about peace for mutual coexistence are to me insufficient. The popular belief (as shaped by establishments of two countries) has engendered an acute dislike for one another and is fueled by news items such as above from both parties.

As long as both Pakistan and India are governed by politicians/military whose vested interest go hand in hand with escalation of disputes there is no end to this futility.

In this repect india has a larger responsibility to depict an initiative of peace. The ceasefire in kashmir seems to be a pathetic popularity stunt when viewed in light of effective build-up of weapon of mass destruction. The holocaust that is going on in both contries due to this madness is unbearable. To reconcile, there should be a sincere effort from both sides and while India leads the arms race starting from acquiring aircraft carriers in 60s to nuclear capability in 70s and ballistic missiles in 90s it seems to be a fools fancy.

Four wars have been faught between the two nations uptill now and three of them were naked agression from India onto its neighbour. My view is not to hold India responsible for our ills but this kind of behaviour gives rulers in Pakistan an excuse to spend useful money in defence rather then aliviation of poverty and betterment of the people.

What Constitutes Blasphemy? Ref: hamidm (Post#102) & Urstruly (Post#119)

The taliban version of Islam is not the only interpretation available. They might be severly mistaken, but if they are not....Allah forgive us.

Also, every body who speaks of Islam and its system cannot be branded as taliban. Please remember that the scenario had changed just now, Around a century back West was also clinging onto wht ever was left of their religious beliefs. But Christianity could not adapt to the rapidly emerging industrial revolution and its implications until it was discarded by its own champions.

The same trauma constituted by Industrial revolution and post colonial conditions was felt in the muslim world as well and it emanated various reactions. Some very rigid but others quite moderate. These moderate ones shall constitute a force which will be the hall mark of Islamic faith in the twentyfirst century, Inshallah. (hamidm even in these moderates you wont find it possible to enjoy the booze).

One such example is the Al Refah party in Turkey. Out of the ashes of forgotten ottoman empire rose this resurrgence. I think they had set an example to the world that in a secular state (secular than thou), people will revert to Islamic faith not because of any subjugation but because they are not comfortable with the so-called secularist system.

Islam offers a complete and distinct system which had developed after centuries of evolution. This system is at par with all presented so far. It also shows the capability of facing all upheavals be them Industrial, Information or Social.

Only thing required is a fresh interpretation in complaince with post modern era while holding fast the Islamic Shariah. This adaptation would not be easy to come by.. it requires a clear & rational thought on part of the clergy and thinkers of Islamic World.

Moreover, one thing should be kept in mind that phenomena like the Taliban are sponsored and run by western nations to fuel their bogey of Islamic fundamentalism. They in no manner can depict the character of Islamic civilization which has flourished for a millinium and half.

As for people, who like to tarnish Islam just for the heck of it will have their reward on day of judgement.

Wassalam

Muzammil

What Constitutes Blasphemy? Ref: tamheed Post 58

Actually my post was directed towards scout Post#3 and was referring to the same when i wrote `` the desired freedom......

I was trying to critcize the behaviour to assume western standards of freedom of speech/thought while living in a theocratic society. These cannot be applied while living in Pakistan which is based on religious legislature. The duality that one can have his beliefs as well as secular standards is futile. so if someone is a proponent of western standards then he should explicitly mention that the theocratic foundations of the country be replaced by secular one.

By the way i am not such proponent and admire deeply the system offered by Islam due to its moderation and spirit of tolerence unprecedented in other doctrines.

Wassalam

muzammil

What Constitutes Blasphemy? Ref: Post 4 (Scout):

The desired freedom of speech is a borrowed terminology propagated by the west and its hulligans. This freedom was nowhere to be seen when the west was struggling under the influence of christian church until they descided to let go of all religious inclinations. What they came up with is the so called modern thought.

This thought when applied to a society still under the clutches of clergy may result in confusion and chaos. Untill republic of Pakistan alludes to religious foundations we will have to live within limits imposed by it.

It is not a question of wheather the belief is so fragile that it cannot resist a blow like the article published but that the norms of a theological society cannot be challenged beyond certain limits of repectibility.

If you are a proponent of modern standards of freedom (as practiced and preached by west) then clearly denounce the continuation of Pakistan as a theological republic and vindicate its becoming a secular one.

Regards

Muzammil

IT Is Not A Magic Wand What Dr Hoodbhoy has pointed out seem to be rational arguments but the enthusiasm displayed by Dr. Ata to uplift the IT industry shows an approach very rare in Pakistani Establishment.

The deficiency of trained professionals in Pakistan is a grave drawback and an obstacle in transition from a developing IT market to a flourishing one. However, having talked to many pakistanis related to said field i can gather that there is a lingering spirit in pakistanis abroad especially in the US to contribute whatever they can to this drive.

What the government should realize that even if they managed to pull these professional into Pakistan for greater good, it would be very difficult to keep them there. The spactacular difference between salaries of IT professionals in the west cannot be offseted even with very high level of salaries in Pakistan.

It is equally important for the Government to think on these lines as to attract foriegn investment. The IT revolution throughout the world was instigated not because of heavy investments into the sector but by ingenious and brilliant minds.

Regards

Muzammil

Ghazali On Women In Islam WOMEN IN ISLAM

What is the first impression you get from reading this article, well i agree that it varies from person to person but for me it is an abhorent propaganda against Islam and Muslims propelled by hatred and animosity prevailing in rest of the world.

The contents of this article need not be commented as they clearly represent a purely biased state of mind from the first stroke of the key to the last.

Islam is by far the most tolerant of all religions , it follows a pragmatic approach towards all aspects of human experience. The concept of Women in Islam as preached by the Holy prophet is quite rational.

following are some excerpts from Quran and Hadith that reflect and verify this viewpoint.

SPIRITUAL STATUS OF WOMEN

The Qur`an states categorically that men and women who practice the principles of Islam will receive equal reward for their efforts:

1- ``Surely for men who submit (to Allah) and for women who submit (to Allah), for believing men and believing women, for devout men and devout women, for truthful men and truthful women, for steadfast men and steadfast women, for humble men and humble women, for charitable men and charitable women, for men who fast and women who fast, for men who guard their chastity and women who guard, for

men who remember Allah much and for women who remember ¾ for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a mighty reward`` (AL QUR`AN 33:35).

Notice that this Ayah is addressed to both Men and Women and never for once Allah forgets to Mention the role of Women so that someday the disbelievers like the author would not comment on them being Neglected.

2- Again Allah says:

``Whosoever performs good deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer, We shall surely make him live a good life, and We will certainly reward them for the best of what they did`` (AL Qur`an 16:97).

In this Ayal the lord talks abt whole life of a person inclusive of all their deeds. There is no segregation between reward to a devout man or a DEVOUT WOMEN.



INTELLECTUAL STATUS OF WOMEN

3- ``The search for knowledge is a duty for every Muslim male or female`` (Al Hadith Source: Sahi bukhari)

Women in Islam have equal freedom as men to educate and enlighten themselves in Religious as well as Worldly Disciplines of Knowlegde. Note in the quote cited, it is written ``Search of Knowledge`` which encompasses all forms of knowledge and is not restricted to Religious knowledge alone.

``Knowledge`` for a Muslim is not divided into sacred and secular, and the implication of these sayings of the Prophet, in modern terms, is

that every Muslim boy or girl, man or woman, should pursue his or her education as far as it is possible, bearing in mind the words of Allah in

the Qur`an:

4- ``Only those of His Servants who are learned truly fear Allah`` (AL QUR`AN 35:28)

One of the most famous women in the history of Islam is Umm-ul- Momineen Hazrat A`isha, the Prophet`s wife. And the quality for which she is remembered primarily is that of her intelligence and outstanding memory. She is considered to be one of the most reliable sources of hadith by virtue of these qualities. More than a thousand ahadith are reported by her and she is

regarded as one of the greatest teachers of the hadith.

There are numerous other examples of Women like RABIYAH and NAFISA who were greatest of clergy in their times and Commanded the Respect of Whole Ummah.

MAIRRIAGE IN ISLAM

The treatment expected from the husband, whether or not he is on good terms with his wife, is clearly laid down in the Qur`an:

5- ``Live with them in kindness; even if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike something in which Allah has placed much good`` (AL QUR`AN 4:19).

6- ``Then keep them (your women) in all decency or part from them decently. It is not lawful for you to take anything you have given them`` (AL QUR`AN2:229).

The Holy prophet was quoted as saying

7- ``The best among you are those wh are who are kindest to their wives``.(Al Hadith: Sahi Muslim)

Kind treatment of wives and families is a part of the religion in Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad has said:

8- ``From among the believers are those who have the kindest disposition and are kindest to their families, such are those who show most perfect

faith``.(Al Hadith)

On the Issue of Divorce, Islam imposes Stringent requirements on Man as follows:

9- ``Of all the things Allah has permitted, the one He most dislikes is divorce``. (Al Hadith)

The Shariyah Enforces on all Muslim men to Pay the ``Mahr`` on divorcing their wife. This Mahr is always agreed to in advance between the two parties. This reflects an inherent mechanism on part of Islam to provide security to women in marital agreement.

The list could go on for ever, but i hope the reader must be able to detect the stark constrast in author`s portrayal of Islam and REALITY..

With the Grace of Allah, Islam offers answers to all question be them moral, social, economic, political etc... and the ``Shariyah`` (encompasing Quran, Hadith, Sunna, Fiqh, legislature) has long been evolved to a point, where it offer solutions to all kind of questions.

It should be clear to the author that Islam is not Christianity nor Hinduism nor Budhism which can be discarded as mere dogma.

Islam has evolved into a unique civilization as cited by Political Scientist like `Samuel P. Huttington` and theologians like `Karen Armstrong`. They all refer Islam as a social order that is organically related to all aspects of human life.

The author is advised that a sincere approach would be that instead of become the mouth piece of western propaganda, he should make a sincere effort to discover the re-interpretations of Islam. Such interpretations have been given by several Mujadids of present time.

My intent is not to offend any individual or group of people belonging to different sects. And i believe this should be approach to run a healthy debate. In this respect i would humbly request ``Zehra/Rizvi`` not to contaminate this forum with secterian views.

Wassalam

Muzammil Iqbal Khan

Education Reforms: Yet Another Sham Dr. Hoodbhoy,

What you have written in the last passage of this article is the reason for all our ills.

As long as we have people who are anything less than experts in their respective fields and empowered to make descisions in that regard, we would keep listening to more whimsical ideas and irrational ambitions.

Also, you have very rightly pointed out the dismal condition of faculty at our universities especially in science and technology sector.

The people in power better come to understand what is written on the wall or it would be to late to keep the country from decending into league of failed states.

Dear Chowk Readers Dear Dr. Hoodbhoy,

My introduction is that i am Ph.D student at University of delaware USA, in the Electrical Engineering department.

I have been a regular reader of your aritcles and books, and i sincerely admire your effort to boost scientific and rational thinking among people of Pakistan. My best wishes for the success of all your efforts.

One thing I would like to add is, your emphasis on pure science education is very rational and comply with its importance in growth of a civilized nation, but i would also request you to shed some light on Technological aspects of science, that are immensely affecting our way of life.

In this respect, there is a rapidly advancing field of Information Technology which needs our attention. The potential entailed in the particular field, if tapped properly can atleast get Pakistan out of its economic turmoil.

Nowadays Science & Technology ministry is working in this direction but due to lack of experts in said field, in my opinion they are not making much progress as was expected.

I would request you to write some words in this regard.

Wassalam

Muzammil Iqbal Khan

Defend the Country, not its Government The issues discussed above apply to Indian army as well, and there are numerous adventures in past half centure that can be related to its part, making Kargil episode look trivial.

The author should also cite atleast some of many such events initiated by Indian army to bring a more universal/subcontinental prespective to this article.