Time to implement Land Reform Act of 1977

Time to implement Land Reform Act of 1977

                                                                                 Dated 17^th Jan 2012

By Tarique Khan Javed,

President, Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

It is said that a compromise was struck between Quide e Azam and Land Lords that in return of their support for Pakistan, Pakistan government will under take not to carry any Land Reform nor change the status quo of Feudal Lords or tax the Agriculture sector. This was possible due to following background.

Unionist Party ideology of Loyalty with the British:

When the idea of Pakistan was being discussed, the Land Lords of Punjab favored continuation of British Rule. The Unionist Party to whom most belonged was based on this way of thinking. The Muslims of Punjab gained a lot when the Britishers crushed the Sikhs and ended their Rule. This was in 1862. Between 1880 and 1920 Britishers laid 9 major Canal systems in Punjab and turned deserts into highly productive agriculture land. To recoup the cost of these Canals they auctioned it to highest bidders but favored established agriculturists over Commoners. It was a State policy that in order to provide Labour to the farms the poor must continue to remain poor. Therefore the surplus land was given to Informers, Recruiters, EX Service man, Breeders of Horse, Camel and Donkey. 
The breeders on the promise of raising certain number of animals were able to get very large tracks of Land. After 1920s motorized vehicles started to arrive for transportation but the Lands to Breeders were not resumed and are still with them. They must be resumed immediately. 

Those who prospered during the British Rule very much favoured continuation of British Rule even after 1947. They ruled Punjab under Unionist Party on this Manifesto. 

Quide's limited choices and constrains:

Under above circumstances if Quide e Azam did not concede to these demand Pakistan would not have been created. However the Pakistan that he created was bound to remain economically crippled and unfair to the poor masses.

Upto 90 pc taxes in India were derived from Agriculture during the British Rule. Only other tax was that on Alcohol, Salt, Indigo, and road tax. To agree to give up 90 pc income was to make Pakistan fully dependent on Foreign Aid by acting as Slaves of the West. Thus upto 67pc Military budget came from USA till 1965. For civilian expenses and development budget also Aid, Grants, and World, IMF loans became a major source. Under these circumstances an Independent foreign policy became impossible and we were dragged into one Western war after the other. Bring Pakistan were we stand now.

Past Land Reforms:

For Pakistan to become strong the exemption granted to the Landed Class must to taken back. Real 
Land Reforms must be carried out and Agriculture Class must be taxed like others. 

In the past Ayub Khan and Bhutto dared introduce Land Reforms on a limited scale which benefitted only 250,000 families. Ayub' reform was more effective as it benefitted 186, 0000 families. 

Bhutto's so called Land Reform of 1972 only benefited 71,000 families. While out of the resumed land from both the Reforms 2.7 million acres land remain undistributed even after lapse of so much time.

In 1977 Bhutto attempted a Second reform aiming to reduce Land Ceiling to 100 acres. Land Reform Act of 1977 was passed but was never implemented. Bhutto was hanged and Act declared UN Islamic.

For survival of Pakistan as a sovereign state with an Independent Foreign policy it is a must that exemption on Taxes on Landed Class and hold on Land Reform must be lifted. To start with the Land Reform Bill of 1972 must be implemented. PPP has no excuse as both MQM and ANP favor such reforms and also favour Agriculture income.

To start with the Land Reform Act of 1977 must be implemented to reduce poverty in the Country. The Land so resumed and the existing 2.7 million acres available from previous two Reforms must be distributed among Landless peasants. I recommend that distribution at the rate of 2 acres per family of atleast 5 be done. This will help alleviate poverty in Rural Areas in a big. Smaller land holdings will also reduce the income and political power disparity as it exist now. This will also remove the distortion in Water distribution; another major source of poverty in Rural Areas.

Democracy discredited for not delivering:

In recent past the Government has come under severe strain and at time it looked immanent that Democracy would folded again. The major excuse for this was the lack  of delivery of reforms expected in a democratic set up compared to Dictatorship.

In the name of playing safe, all Economic policies of Musharraf era were continued. Except Benazir Fund no radical plans were introduced to relieve the suffering of the common man. Resource constrains and IMF conditions were often cited as excuses however this was not true. In fact it was the laziness and lack of Leadership which did not let the PPP led government to implement Land Reform Act of 1977, which would have been readily favoured by MQM and ANP. MQM has been trying to introduce a Land Reform Bill calling for maximum ceiling of 37 acres per person while ANP’s Manifesto calls for maximum ceiling of 50 acres per family.

They would have welcomed lowering of the ceiling to 100 acres under the Act of 1977 to be followed by further lowering of the limit as per their thinking. Some analyst believe that hold of Land Lords on PPP has become such that any move against their interest will be resisted strongly. Thus no action on this front.

Issue can not be ignored any longer:

World Bank and other professional body reports are adamant that without tackling the thorny issue of  unfair  Land of Water distribution poverty in Rural areas can not be reduced. Running away from this vital source of poverty in the Country will not help. Without resolving this issue the core cause of terrorism in Pakistan can not eliminated. The recruiting ground for terrorists in the Country is poor Rural areas. Therefore reducing income disparity and poverty in the Rural Areas is the most important item on the National Agenda.

Future elections  results in Rural Areas will depend on which party takes what stand on the issue of Land reform. MQM in its last big Rally at Multan promised Land Reforms and gained instant attention, as this is what the masses wish to hear.

PPP in its own interest should take the initiative and implement 1977 Act and pay back the debt of gratitude its members have towards  Z.A. Bhutto their beloved Leader who got this Act passed from the Parliament. Some analysts believe he was hanged for introducing second Land Reform within span of five years. The Land Lords got together and used Islam and the Army to get rid of him and put on hold the process upto now. If democracy is to strengthen popular reforms like above must be introduced. This will enlist the support of Common man in Democracy and weaken the power of Landed Class.

Huge income source:

Once the power of Landed Class is weakened they be taxed also like rest of the Citizen and their privileged position compromised.

If reasonable Land rent is changed. This can become the biggest source of income for the Country. The current rates may be reformed upwards to near Mogul and British era. From the new recipients Land this would be an easy process and Government can fix the rate as it wishes. If someone does not like it, they may refuse to take the Land, as was common in the British era. When the Britishers captured Madras and Bobmay they introduced  Ryatwari System  to get rid of the middle man in the form of Zamindars.  Under this system DC used to directly deal with upto 150,000 Ryat or peasant  and negotiate the rate directly without any intermediary like the Zamindar, as was applicable in Bengal and Bihar.

I recommend Ryatwari system for Pakistan.

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Regularise Katchi Abadies and Goths now

Regularize all Katchi Abadies and Goths now!

By Tarique Khan Javed                   Dated: 13 Jan 2012

President, Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

PPP in action finally:

Suddenly PPP has promised to regularize all Kutchi Abadies and Goths in Karachi by 27th Feb 2012! What's the sudden urgency and why they were sleeping over the issue for last four years?

Senator Raza Abidi distributed Title deeds to 5 Goths of Lyari recently and promised to complete the task of issuing title deed to other Goths and Katchi Abadies by the above dead line.

Was it, as popularly perceived a tactics of PPP, to deny the lease as promised in Election, till the time of next election. So it's impact remain fresh in the minds of its voters or they have been forced into action by the sudden popularity of PTI?

What ever is the reason, if this is indeed done, it will help end poverty in the city.  It is said that 80pc population of Karachi resides in these unregularized Areas. They will become solid vote bank of PPP. It is also said that in Karachi only 10pc of Land is occupied by Katchi Abadies and Goths, yet due to intense concentration of population, it accommodates its 80pc population.

Forty pc poverty in the Country is in Towns and Cities and they are located in Katchi Abadies and Goths. If we want to end poverty in urban areas what is required is immediate regularization of these areas.

Iranian example:

In Iran after the revolution the right of every citizen residing in Town and Cities to a dwelling was accepted and Government bought Houses from owners of more than one houses to accommodate them. Recently Ahmedi Nijat sold his 43 year old car to fund making of new houses for homeless in cities.

Giving Land rights to ancient villages in Lyari is not a big favor in fact it is their right, denied by successive governments including 3 PPP's. These villages existing even before Pakistan and its residents are the actual residents of Karachi. Non regularization of these villages and other discrimination against them like non issuance of NICs, has made the residents of these village dwellers very poor.

If one visits Lyari and observe keenly, one can clearly seen demarcation in poverty line. On one side on can see Kharadar, Lee Market area with very tall buildings without much space between them. On the other hand Bihar colony, Agra Taj Area, are again with thick high buildings population. In between the two is located Areas where one sees only one story houses often with tin roof. This is particularly marked around Lyari General Hospital and Benazir University area.

What's the difference between these two extremes?

Robin hoods and their origin:

It is that one area has Title Deed, is regularized with Registered Documents of ownership, thus mortgageable and other is not. In the regularized area there is no poverty, unemployment and crime, while the other area is known for Gang War, Drug trade, Gambling etc and very high rate of unemployment among male youth population. Rahman Dakait (Later Late Sardar Rahman Baloch), Baba Ladla, Ustad Taju, Mama etc are the celebrities of these impoverished area. They are apparently the Robin hoods who do lot of social work in their area out of ill gotten wealth. They are so popular that entire localities come out in their defense when Police goes to arrest them. For Karachi’s peace it is essential that this pocket of poverty is removed. Fortunately we have a very easy means to do that through regularization of this Area. This will also mean substantial income for the Government so starve for funds.

In my opinion if Title deed is given to all these Areas settled since long time, poverty in the area will vanish within few years and living conditions changes drastically. As soon title deeds would become available the Area will be swamped by Builders who would offer to build upto 7 story buildings on these plots. If they offer to give two floors to the owner and keep five for selling. The owner would instantly become rich and get out of poverty trap.

Trouble spots of Karachi:

Like Lyari other trouble spots in Karachi like Banaras, Orangi Town, Kati Pahari, Shohrab Goth, Pahalwan Goth, Essa Nagri, Safoora Goth,  Moosa Colony, Fakira Goth, Hazara Goth,Hydari, etc are in this condition due to their non regularization. Once regularized; they would be pacified.

No more time should be wasted in regularizing all such areas of Karachi and other Urban Centers to reduce poverty and also crime. My Observation of similar situation in other Counties indicate that, discrimination like above is a major contributor of poverty and once such discrimination ends, things improve rapidly.

PPP has support in Katchi Abadies and Goths of Karachi and they should act on urgent basis to cement their hold by regularizing these. This would ensure them huge support of 80pc population even if the remaining 20pc residents of the city in Regularized area do not like this.

Urgent Land and Tax Reforms needed:

1) I also recommend that PPP immediately implement the Land Reform Act of 1977, restricting maximum land holding to 100 acres down from 150 cares as per Land Reform Act of 1972. This will improve their popularity in Rural areas in a big way. As the distribution of million of acres of land among landless will swell their vote bank even if alienate, a small number of Land Lords holding more than 100 acres land. They would be a small number of people and not significant from election point of view. When Bhutto distributed Land in 1972 they did not mount any significant resistance.

To start with Government should immediately distribute the 2.7 million acre land available from 1959 and 1972 Land Reforms.

2) I, also recommend  that PPP consider dismantling the current Regressive Tax system. Which refuses to tax the Rich and only target the salaried Class and the poor for raising tax? Any talk of progressive tax like Wealth Tax to Inheritance Tax is closed by calling it Un Islamic.

I recommends adoption of Tax system of any of the following Countries: Canada, UK, France, Germany and Holland.

Dividends of Democracy:

The recent emergence of new political forces like PTI and APML, currently without a Manifesto has shaken the old parties like PPP to the core. They have woken up from their slumber and seem ready to act for their survival.

I am hopeful that this healthy competition between political parties will solve this very old problem of Karachi and make it a very peaceful and prosperous place. If Land reform is also carried out it in the same vain it will be a great development and help PPP.

These would be a major dividend of democracy and strengthen it to such an extent that Army will never dare to challenge it. If it does it will face massive popular revolt beyond their control, as existing in established democracies.

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Musharaf's JALSA in Karachi

The article was published as a Leading Article on 14th Jan 2012

Musharraf’s JALSA in Karachi

Dated: 13 Jan 2012

By Tarique Khan Javed,

President, Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

The announced time for 8th Jan 2012, was 1 pm but the Jalsa did not start in earnest till 5.30pm. When I reached at about 6pm and large numbers of people were trying to get out fed up of waiting since 1-2 pm. The organizers tried to close the gate to prevent people coming out thus depleting already low turn out. However it did not work and those who wanted to get out did get out and new people like filled the gap. I was able to reach almost the stage without difficultly.

Bihari, Bengali and Sindhi dominated:

I estimated the crowd to be 1/4 th of what came for PTI on 25th Dec 2011.

A huge turnout from Orangi was evident with strong contingent of Biharis and Bengalis. Chitralies and Khakshalis appeared to be other major components. Reflecting the current leadership of the Party. Tariq Bihari, a Bengali leader were first to speak while Dr. Mujtaba originally from Orangi was the most effective speaker who referred to his Washington connect. Tribal leader Khakshaili was other commanding speaker who had lot of support on the ground. Mr. Uner also drew lot of support when he spoke as he had supporters on the Ground. The Leader from Chitral who invited Musharraf’s to contest election from Chitral also had good number of supporters.

When Musharraf spoke at 7pm he reciprocated the Ground realities and spoke for the right of Biharis and Bengali supporters first and demanded that they be given NICs and passports. He accepted invitation to contest from Chitral and
supported move for new provinces with consensus. He praised MQM and Mustafa Kamala for developments in Karachi, for which he provided funds. Reinforcing the view that soon APML and MQM will join hands.

Claim of Economic achievements;

Musharraf’s based his appeal for support on this score card of 10 years rule in which according to him he hit centuries thus deserved a second chance. He pointed out the low prices in 2007 compared to 2011. He claimed that he will bring back  2007 prices and improve the lot of the Common man.

Baluchistan Policy:

Regarding Baluchistan he mentioned that he bought lot of development in Dera Bugti and Khulo and helped Kalpar Bugtis to return home. The Sardars who want to keep these tribes backward did not like it and rose up against him and tore Pakistani flag which he could not accept than and will not accept now. He added that he did record development work in Turbat, Gawader and Panjgour.

Returning to be arrested:

He announced that he  will return between 27-30 Jan 2012 to Karachi despite threats of arrest. He said he was having a very comfortable life outside but must return to arrest the decline in national economy and society.

Unrealistic promises:

a) Inflation started in 2005:

Everyone with some knowledge of Economics knows that bring back 2007 prices is impossible. While people are not so naïve or forgetful not to remember that the current Inflationary trend started after 2004 after the financial discipline which was the hallmark of Musharraf’s regime from 1999 to 2004 was abandoned. His Economic advises advocated inflation upto 12% in 2005 and by 2007 it touched 18-20%. Following huge excesses, under interim government in 2008 inflation touched upto 30%. Now the inflation stands at 10%.

b) FX rate at 62 was a disaster:

His taking credit for maintaining Rs at 62 is also ill founded as this made the imports were attractive and local products in-competitive against them. The cumulative inflation during period say 40%, made local products that much expensive while the absence of corresponding devaluation in currency gave undue advantage to imports. Local industry was destroyed to benefit foreign companies.

People demand a clear roadmap:

Like the PTI Jalsa, I was disappointed that no concrete Manifesto was announced.

APML must come clear on the following issues:

1.         Land Reform, lack of which is responsible for 60 pc poverty in the Rural Area. Land Reforms are on hold since 1977 when it was declared un-Islamic and Bhutto’s last Land Reform Bill of 1977 which would have brought down land Ceiling to 100 acres from 150 acres as was implemented in 1972 was put on hold. PPP is salient on the subject and does not implement an approved law. PML thinks there is no need of any Reform, PTI is also silent on the issue while ANP calls for ceiling of 50 acres per family and MQM calls for 37 acres ceiling per family.

OPIF recommends maximum ceiling of 20 acres and distribution of 2 acres to land less peasant family of five.

2. Leasing of KATCHI ABADIS which is responsible for remaining 40 pc poverty in the Country. PPP came to power on the promise of granting Lease but has kept the matter pending upto now. As the election nears one of its Leaders have promised to grant lease before 27th Feb 2012. ANP is in favor of granting lease.

OPIF recommends immediate leasing of all KATCHI ABADIS and GOTHS in URBAN areas and payment of Rs 2000 per square yard for the development work done by the residents of such Areas.

3. Printing of massive amount of Notes causing inflation in the Country which keeps pushing common people down and hurting the  economy generally.

OPIF recommends making SBP so independent that it can refuse Governments request to print unnecessary Notes. They should be able to refuse request of Central and Provincial Governments for OD and Loans. They should demand immediate repayment of Rs 1200 billion loan already taken.

4. Regressive Tax system. Which refuses to tax the Rich and only target the salaried Class and the poor for raising tax? Any talk of progressive tax like Wealth Tax to Inheritance Tax is closed by calling it Un Islamic.

OPIF recommends adoption of Tax system of any of the following Countries: Canada, UK, France, Germany and Holland.

5. Deregulation of Oil, Power and other sectors and closing of institutions like Trading Corporation of Pakistan or Food Department responsible for recent Sugar and Atta crisis, are opposed on the Ground that certain Ministers will loose their income source.


OPIF recommends a Small government and closure of 50pc of ministries and Departments to cut cost and remove hurdles in the working of the market system and reduce corruption stemming out of these so called Regulatory Authorities which in fact work as collection point of bribes.

6. Establishment of Chine style Free Trade Zones, in poor Regions to help create jobs  is opposed on the Ground that currently some 84 agencies of the Government who extort income from Trade and Industry are likely to loose their income.

OPIF recommends establishment of 6 FTZs immediately to attract massive investments and creation of jobs. Two in Sindh could be first in Coal rich Tharparker and second between Ghoro and Kati Bander.

7. Whole hearted implementation of SAFTA and SAARC charter and very liberal visa regime within the SAARC. This is opposed by bigoted anti Indian elements promoted by quarters like ARM lobby, benefitting from the current tension.

OPIF recommends fast track move on SAFTA implementation. Opening of 6 additional border posts. Granting of 5 years multiple entry Visas to deserving Indians and other SAARC country National. This will definitely be reciprocated.

8. Create Smaller Provinces to improve governance. Various excuses of ethnicity and   Language are forwarded to stop the moves. OPIF recommends 3 new provinces in Baluchistan, two new in Punjab, one new province in KP and Sindh.

OPIF also recommends relocation of all new Capital in Center of each Province while the Country's Capital should be moved to a central point like Dera Ghazi Khan.

9. Suggestion to create alternative Courts like Nigeria to get rid of 19 lac cases and improve property rights is ignored.

OPIF recommend 3 shifts working of existing Courts and creation of Nigerian style Courts to take care of smaller cases. OPIF also wants the existing Banking Courts to take up financial dispute cases not involving Banks.

10. Teaching of Quran in Urdu and staring working day after Far prayer. Even religious Parties are not ready to adopt these measures as they contend that all Pakistanis should instead learn Arabic as reading Quran in Arabic is superior. Regarding starting work after Fajr they think their support bank among traders will not like it.

 OPIF recommends immediate implementation of these measures to improve understanding the message of Islam and improving Moral base. Adoption of early working hour is not only mandated by ALLAH but can save lot of energy and improve health of the Nation.

11. Adopt Human Right policies as per UN Charter and repeal all laws which discriminates on the basis of Religion, Gender, Race or Caste. This is taboo subject for existing parties, for they think that it will harm their election possibilities. They refuse to listen to the simple logic that while it may not be liked by some it will be liked by others. OPIF recommends full implementation of Human Right Charter of UN, which we have signed, to remove existing torture of weaker sections of the Society.

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My article in defense of Civilians published on 16th Dec 2011 by Leader

Pentagon targets Pakistan
                                                                                       Dated 16th Dec 2011
By Tarique Khan Javed, 
President,Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

The war lobby In USA is working overtime to create justification for imposing War on 
Pakistan.

US and NATO military commanders contend that their Is no local Talban in Afghanistan. If they were they would have found and destroyed them. Thus all attacks on their forces are from Pakistan. Taliban come from Pakistan attack and return to Pakistan.The are trained and protected by Pak army. The 26th Nov attack seems to manifest this line of thinking. It is a major victory of US war Lobby. 

Pakistan seems to be falling in their trap by retaliation dictated by the Army, while the prudent civilian Leadership has been scared shut by making a  hue and cry over Memogate issue. Which may actually be liked with difference of approach between Military and Civilian Leadership. I will not be surprised if it turns out that in some way Civilian Leadership did assist in some way US kill Usama, right under the nose of the Army!! The shaken and astounded Army may have threaten takeover and the alleged memo or message may have  sent by Civilian Leadership in May seeking US protection. If so  this was a justified act of self defense, nothing wrong with it. 

Our dual policy and it's results:

First initiated by Musharraf and letter followed by current Military Leadership it seems that we have been fooling US and now they have discovered it.The BBC documentary which so enraged our Cable Operators that they closed the station tried to establish that even since Taliban Leadership evacuation from Khost in 2000, Pakistan has been helping Taliban because it's Army is adamant to have strategic depth in Afghanistan for which preservation of Taliban is essential.

Like the difference in approach with regards to India, civilian Leadership's approach towards Afghanistan is also different. While Civilian Leadership is convinced that we need not worry about Eastern border,the Military Leadership thinks India is still a bigger threat than the Taliban  die stabilising both Pakistan and Afghanistan. For them preserving Haqqani Group in North  Waziristan is more important than our relationship with ISAF, a force mandated by UN or the World Community. Civilian Leadership if it-can have its say would like to see an end of Taliban and Al Queda and complete control of North Waziristan without further delay. For the Civilian Leadership
Combating extreme poverty is more important than having imperialist ambition over Afghanistan.

Iran model could have been followed by Pakistan:

Iran managed to keep its distance from Afghanistan during all this period. It did not allow Afghan refugees beyond 10 km of its border while we ended up having 3 million of them. 
Pakistan could and can do the same. We should concentrate on getting 100 control over FATA and introducing Pakistani Laws there and leave Afghanistan on their own. Let them fight for ever or learn to co exist in a democratic set up. They should not bother Pakistan and if they do they should be punished severely. They are no match to us and therefore likely to behave.

Who will bell the cat?
US or people of Pakistan?

Churchill once said " war is too serious a business to be left to Generals". However our Generals are not subservient to wise Civilian leadership and always ready to take matters in their hand like they did in Kargil. So the question arises who is going to tame them?

The short sighted and tunnel vision of our Generals broke the Country into two , created a mess in Baluchistan and now are ready for suicide attack against the US yet Civilian Leadership is helpless and suffering heart attacks. 

We the people of Pakistan should stand up behind the Civilian Leadership and tell the Army to obey their orders and not define Foreign Policy themselves. 

To fight poverty, to provide drinking water to our people, to educate our children,to provide basic health care and nutrition to teeming millions, we need to close all war theatres to cut military expenditure whether  our Army likes it or not.

Let US go in dignity and than dominate indirectly:

US need to go without much embarrassment and our goal of taking control of FATA  coincides. Decisive action in FATA and ceiling of our borders with Afghanistan Will provide major relief to ISAF, paving a way for a graceful exit. while it will help us take care of 5 million unfortunate people of the Area who have been deprived of basic rights and facilities enjoyed by rest of their compatriot.

Once international forces leave Pakistan will be the dominant economic and military force in the Region. Any kind of Government in Afghanistan will cooperate with Pakistan for survival and vital supply. If they do not we will go and occupy as much part of their Country, as required for our security with impunity.


Conclusion:

The current talk of a major confrontation with US is suicidal. Military Leadership instead of provoking Heart Attacks on Country's elected Leadership should listen to their advise and give up expansionary aims on Afghanistan. Withdraw troops from Eastern border and once for an all take decisive clean up action in North Waziristan and else where in FATA. They should sacrifice HaqqaniRamsfield after 9/11. Only wise Civilian Leadership can save us and Military Leadership should listen to them in their on interest and that of already extremely poor and suffering people of Pakistan!

Overseas Pakistanis and Pakistani Politics,published by The Leader

Overseas Pakistanis and Pakistani politics
By Tarique Khan Javed,President,Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

Plight of Overseas Pakistanis:

The unfortunate lot of Pakistanis which was forced to seek work outside the Country due to economic compulsion are a sorry lot. They leave delicate relations behind, and are unable to turn for years. These relationship often can not tolerate the long absence. Many of them break up in their absence. They end up loosing the very reason they went out for. Their dream that their better earnings will help their extended families survive ends up in a nightmare for themselves. Very few in the Country realize the ordeal an ordinary Overseas Pakistani goes through in his daily life in strangle and hostile environments. Yet they slog along given that few opportunity exists for them in Pakistan. They console them self by reasoning that they do bring their some money to give their dear ones a better living and also help the Country pay its foreign bills.

This sorry lot which now number some 8 million are the back bone of Pakistani economy. They send  USD 12 billion every year which keeps this country afloat. Many of this unfortunate lot have given upon Pakistan and decided to settle else  where like Canada, Australia,Newzealand. These countries welcome them for their education and skill and savings in hundreds of thousands of USD. These countries short of man power are happy to get trained manpower.
Creation of Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum in 1988:

However among them are some stubborn and die hand Pakistanis who insist on coming back to Pakistan and making it one of the most prosperous Countries of the World better than the options they forsake in favor of Pakistan. A Group of such die had Pakistanis decided to form Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum (OPIF) in 1988, with members across the Globe. They undertook the task of educating Overseas Pakistani that contrary to the common belief their part of the World is naturally the richest and most conducive part of the World.

while the riches of the West is based on forcefully looting of the East and their continued exploitation with the help of planted rulers. Once this exploitation is over East will become rich again while West will become poor again, as they were before the exploitation began. This crazy lot was ridicule and made fun of. But they persisted  . Given the situation which prevailed in Pakistan between 1980s and 90s majority of Overseas Pakistani opted to settle in any other Country than Pakistan.
9/11 a watershed a turning point:
Then came the 9/11 and things started to change. Hostility in western Counties made Overseas Pakistani doubtful about their decision and they started of returning back to Pakistan. They started buying houses and land in the Country and the remittances started to sour. While the remittances where in the range of  2-3 billion in 1980s it reached 6-8 billion during 2000s and now have touched USD 12 billion mark.

The rising remittance are an indication of difficulty Overseas Pakistanis are facing in Western Societies,detoriating  Economic Condition of the West and rising hope that like China and India Pakistan will also rise as was predicted by OPIF in 1988.
OPIF Office in Karachi:

In 2008 I was asked by Executive Committee of OPIF to leave my well paying job as a Banker and establish an OPIF Office in Karachi to advocate Policy prescription which like Overseas Chinese pave the way for return of bulk of Overseas Pakistanis home with their USD 1,000 billion savings, expertise, and connections to make Pakistan an Economic Giant as returning  Overseas Workers did in SOuth Korea,Malaysia and China.

Since 2009 OPIF Office in Karachi has held many Press Conferences, participated in in hundreds of Talk shows and written extensive articles and reports on how EConomic problems of Pakistan can be fixed.

I must admit I failed in my task and am thinking of going back to my well paid job by end of next year as my 3 years tenure of Head of Mission in Pakistan ends. Let someone better than me give a try.
OPIF failure can be summed in my own failure and the conspiracy of the Ruling Elite Class of Pakistan, who successfully ensure that any new thought which may challenge the status quo does not reach the masses. Initially I wrote about the development experiences else where which could be rapidly duplicated in Pakistan in English,then I wrote and spoke along with my  colleagues in URDU newspaper and talk shows. In recent times we have paid attention to You Tube, Facebook an Twitter and hundreds of our shows are uploaded. Yet we failed to reach to the people or convince the Politicians  who came in our contact.
OPIF's research and recommendations:
No party including PTI, ANP, JI and MQM is ready to tackle the core problems of Pakistan like:

1. Land Reform, lack of which is responsible for 60 pc poverty in the Rural Area..Land Reforms are on hold since 1977 when it was declared unislamic and Bhotto's last Land Reform Bill of 1977 which would have brought down land Ceiling to 100 acres from 150 acres as was implemented in 1972 was put on hold. PPP is salient on the subject and does not implement an approved law. PML thinks  there is no need of any Reform, PTI is also silent on the issue while ANP calls for ceiling of 50 acres per family and MQM calls for 37 acres ceiling per family.

OPIF recommends maximum ceiling of 20 acres and distribution of 2 acres to land less peasant family of five.
2. Leasing of KATCHI ABADIS which is responsible for remaining 40 pc poverty in the Country. PPP came to power on the promise of granting Lease but has kept the matter pending upto now. As the election nears one of its Leaders have promised to grant lease before 27th Feb 2012. ANP is in favor of granting lease.

OPIF recommends immediate leasing of all KATCHI ABADIS and GOTHS in URBAN areas and payment of Rs 2000 per square yard for the development work done by the residents of such Areas.

3. Printing of massive amount of Notes causing inflation in the Country which keeps pushing down economically.

OPIF recommends making SBP so independent that it can refuse Governments request to print unnecessary Notes and giving it to them as Loans. Repayment in full of Rs 1200 billion loan it has taken.
4.Regressive Tax system. Which refuses to tax the Rich and only target the salaried Class and the poor for raising tax. Any talk of progressive tax like Wealth Tax to Inheritance Tax is closed by calling it Un Islamic.

OPIF recommends adoption of Tax system of any of the following Countries: Canada, UK, France,Germany and Holland.

5. Deregulation of Oil,Power and other sectors and closing of institutions like Trading Corporation of Pakistan or Food Department  responsible to recent Sugar and Atta are opposed on the Ground that certain Ministers will loose their income source.


OPIF recommends a Small government and closure of 50pc of ministries and Departments to cut cost and remove hurdles in the working of the market system and reduce corruption stemming out these so called Regulatory Authorities which in fact work as collection point of bribes.
6. Establishment of Chine style Free Trade Zones in poor Regions to help create jobs  is opposed on the Ground that currently some 84 agencies of the Government who extort income from Trade and Industry are likely to loose their income.

OPIF recommends establishment of 6 FTZs immediately to attract massive investments and creation of jobs. Two in Sindh could  be first in Coal rich Tharparker and second between Ghoro and Kati Bander.

7. Whole hearted implementation of SAFTA and SAARC charter and very liberal visa regime within the SAARC.

OPIF recommends fast track move on SAFTA implementation. Opening of 6 additional border posts. Granting of 5 years multiple entry Visas to deserving Indians and other SAARC country National. This will definitely be reciprocated.
8. Create Smaller Provinces to improve governance. Various excuses of ethnicity and    Language are forwarded to stop the moves.OPIF recommends 3 new provinces  in Baluchistan, two new in Punjab, one new province in KP and Sindh.

OPIF also recommends relocation of all new Capital in Center of each Provinces while the Country's Capital should be moved to a central point like Dera Ghazi Khan.

9. Suggestion to create alternative Courts like Nigeria to get rid of 19 lacs cases and improve property rights are ignored.

OPIF recommend 3 shift working of existing Courts and creation of Nigerian style Courts to take care of smaller cases. OPIF also wants the existing Banking Courts to take up financial dispute cases not involving Banks.
10. Teaching of Quran in Urdu and staring working day after Fajr prayer.Even religious Parties are not ready to adopt these measures as they contend that all Pakistanis should instead learn Arabic as reading Quran in Arabic is superior. Regrading starting work after Fajr they think their support bank among traders will not like it.

 OPIF recommends immediate implimentation of these measures to improve Understanding the message of Islam and improving Moral base. Adoption of early working hour is not only mandated by ALLAH but can save lot of energy and improve health of the Nation.

11. Adopt Human Right policies as per UN Charter and repeal all laws which discriminates on the basis of Religion, Gender, race or caste. This is taboo subject for
Existing parties for they think that it will harm their election possibilities. They refuse to listen to the simple logic that while it may not liked by some it will be liked by others. 

OPIF recommends full implimentation of Human Right Charter of UN which we have signed to remove existing torture of weaker sections of the Society.

Convert OPIF into Reform Party of Pakistan.
Before the end of my tenure in Karachi Office in Dec 2012, I wish
 To give our efforts a last major push by creating a new Political party with above 11 points as it's Manifesto. I would also like to create an Internet Channel on You Tube in which the proposed Party views are aired. The aim of such Party which may be named Reform Pakistan Party (RPP)  would be initially to put pressure on existing parties to adopt some points of Manifesto in theirs. Even adoption of few of the Reforms by main stream established party may be considered sufficient achievement from our point of view. We may consider taking part in election in 2018.

My article" Mahmood Kot after the Floods,published by Daily News

Mahmood Kot after the floods Heavy rains in Swat in July 2010 and its aftermath By TARIQUE KHAN JAVED Mahmood Kot and areas around it located between Muzzaferghar and Kot Addu were one of the worst effected areas in the 2010 floods. Muzzaferghar canal broke its bank and water rushed sweeping away houses, cattle and people around 7th August 2010. The heavy rains in Swat around 26th July had already devastated KP and water was approaching down stream. Yet no precaution was taken nor people warned adequately. The weather station of Malam Jabba which could have warned the people of impending disaster was closed for security reasons and KP, in particular Charsadda suffered a lot. Enough time was available between water destroying Charsadda and MAHMOOD KOT but authorities were least concerned and left people at the mercy of nature.Is this a proper and responsible behavior of a nuclear power state in this age of Google and Satellite technology? One can ask reasonably. People fled almost at the last moment leaving behind every thing including cash necessary for survival. Thankfully they had mobiles with few minutes of power and balance left which enabled them to inform of their plight to their dear ones elsewhere in the country. Relatives and friends rushed balances for their mobile phones and funded them through easy paisa before embarking on physical relief efforts. Most people reached the safety of Muzafferghar where private and Government relief camps were set up. NGOs proved to be the most effective force in particular NGOs from Turkey at least for this area. When Muzzaferghar itself was threaten and it's low lying areas became submerged people had to move again as far as Layyah and Multan. The constant moves took their tool and many weak ones perished. Government announced payment of Rs one lac for each effected family through WATAN CARD. How only Rs. 20,000 has been paid so far. That too many did not get. People are expecting to get the remaining Rs. 80,000 by 15th Dec 2011. But I have my doubts. I did not see any houses built by Government in this area at least. Hats off to NGOs particularly Turkish: If it was not for NGOs to come to the rescue of the uprooted shelter less people of the, they would have destroyed. But the Turkish and other NGOs are busy even right now complete model villages, modern schools, madarsas, clinics and impressive mosque. Their work around MAHMOOD KOT is so impressive that people of the area have become indebted in gratitude for ever. The side effect of the floods is that the relatively less futile land of the Area has become very fertile. The soil color has become almost black. Water table has been raised considerable thus reducing the cost of boring for water and pumping it out. It can said that with the help of NGOs, who also provided Micro credit, the general condition of the people of the area has improved in Dec 2011 compared to what they had in August 2010. Sugar Cane issues: People of the area have moved to cultivating sugar in a big way and even now rows and rows of sugar cane farms can be seen while lot has been cut and sent to sugar mills already. If price of Sugar cane is not dropped substantial as is being feared, farmers can get good income to improve their lot. However I was told that price is already cut to half of last years level by the cartel of Sugar Mill lobby. Wheat issues: Plantation of wheat has started in earnest and people are hoping that Government will buy their stock at the improved price of Rs 1050 per mound. Let's hope the problems of last years in terms of actual purchasing is not repeated and. condition of lot of the farmers is improved. However people expect that Government will not by much and they will be forced to sell their wheat for as low as Rs.800 per mound to traders. Conclusion: The massive losses of floods of 2010 were largely avoidable in a modern welfare state. Not working of Malab Jabba and other weather stations is not excusable. Time between 26th July when heavy rains struck Swat and 7th August when water reached MAHMOOD KOT was enough to prepare a response. The fact that it was not is also not excusable.Tall claims of rehabilitation effort by Government in press and not delivering in practice is also not excusable. Political parties responsible for this apathy should pay a price in next election. On the one hand NGOs effort are making houses and giving Micro credit even right now laudable. While for media and Government this is dead story Turkish NGOs are busy rehabilitating the people in the area. I beg the Government to at least release the promised Rs 80,000 overdue under the WATAN CARD. Let the Government make the expectation of the people that the payment will come by 15th Dec come true and close the file.

My article on Kohlu, published by Daily News

By TARIQUE KHAN JAVED

The drive to Sakhi Sarvar through the rising plains early in the morning was enchanting. From that point the Sulemain Mountain begins in earnest. Winding road gets more interesting as height is gained. With greenery increase and temperature dropping the view down below is worth the effort of the drive till this point. Soon one reaches KHAR almost at the top of the mountain. This is a small town with terraced farming around it. Beyond This a short drive to the east takes one to the famed Fort Munro hill station at the summit of the mountain, some 8,000 feet high. This resort and watch post has a Dc office, hospital two lakes and number of hotels including TDCP resort hotel located in front of a Lake and a beautiful Park. There is water fall to the East.
I must say that of all the places I have visited in Pakistan this spot is the most remarkable. It provides bird eye view of a large track of Punjab and Balochistan. With powerful binoculars one can see hundreds of kilometers. Britishers kept watch of actives of hoarding parties from Baluchistan from this point. A major concern of Britishers after taking over Punjab in 1861, was alleged raids by Marri and Bugti tribes into settled areas of Punjab. They used these raids as an excuse to takeover Baluchistan by 1879. I recommend few days stay at this hill station to every Pakistani particularly for people leaving in the vicinity of Multan. This is a affordable escape from scorching heat of summer in the plains
RAJNI at height of 5,000 feet: A short drive down the road takes on to the RAGNI the first town of Baluchistan. This point is around 5,ooo feet high. By the side of river this is burstling market. Tourist facilities in this place is very basic yet it an important cross road. This town at a border of Marri and Pakhtun territories had a mixed population of both communities. From here the main road leads north to KUNRI and LORALAI, while a small road towards South east takes one to BARKHAN and KHOLU. Having traveled to LORALIA before I decided to travel to Kholu.
BARKHAN by the river: This entailed taking double cabin to BARKHAN passing through elevated valley with patches of farms in depressions supporting small number of families. BARKHAN itself is a small town with a DC office located in a wider valley. After praying Juma prayer in a mosque and resting I walked through the town to reach its other end where the Double cabin for KHOLU was waiting. BARKHAN town appeared to have mixed population of Marri, Pakhtun and Punjabis while it's rural area is Marri land. The drive through the valley is blocked by a substantial mountain range. Thus a tough drive begins on curling road. The view of the valley below by the side of river is breath taking. At the summit is located a well manned FC check post,where Ids are checked to ensure that no unwanted person crosses this point.
KHOLU the MARRI stronghold: A short drive down brings one to KHOLU town. It has a DC office, Hospital a major FC and Police complex at a hill top in the middle the broad valley. A a bustling market lay just beyond this point. It houses number of Mosque and some very basic hotel accommodation. I walked through the market to its end where a very large base of MARWIND RIFILS, the local Levies force is located. Beyond this point lies the eastern side gate of the town. The gate has a plaque declaring that the construction of Road from RAGNI to SIBI began in 2001. However to my dismay I was told that although on paper this extending road to south east is ready actually it is broken beyond a small village of MARWIND just few kilo meters away. All travel beyond MARWIND is disallowed by FC so there is no public transport system going West beyond MARWIND. Finding my path to West blocked I inquired if I could go south to DERA BUKTI on my way to KASHMOR. I was told that this road is mined and thus FC does not travel on this road as well.

I started my journey at 7am from MAHMOOD KOT and reached KHOLU at 4pm and thus was tiered and decided to stay over night at KHOLU. I found a hotel room with 5 beds for Rs 150 per night. It was much colder in KHOLU compared to MAHMOOD KOT so I wore all my warm cloth and had to use two blankets to sleep.
The town has small shops, bakeries, and tea shop. It has cable service with 20 channels. Besides the market located towards the left side of the valley there is large number of mostly mud houses on the right side of the valley. The farm base of the town extend much beyond is substantial thus supporting a substantial population .base by Baluchistan standard. The town itself has large number of Punjabi traders besides Pakhtuns. I was told that most Punjabi traders were servants (MUJABIRS) of SAINT SAKHI SARWAR thus tolerated.
Acute income and political power disparity: I was told that the entire market of the town was owned by one person who is also a current Senator. The common Marri appeared to be very humble, poor, weak, short in height and non aggressive. This was contrary to the image I had of them based on the alleged daring raids into low lying areas of Punjab and Kalat areas. Mal nutrition was obvious on the face of men and women of Marri tribe I met. I was told that local feudal war lords do not encourage education and people are bound by their tribal allegiance and are not free to express their views or vote freely. I found few walk chalking in favor of BNPAwami of Dr Malik but I was told that this was irrelevant. Talking to broad section of mpeople including transporters, a policeman, a cable operator I got the impression that the secessionist movement has died down in the Area at least. This may be due to the isolation of the area and denial of link with the rest of the Baloch speaking Area. If my observation Is true this quite an achievement as the current insurgency in Baluchistan started here when General Musharaf came to lay foundation stone of a Cantonment and rockets were fired at him The Extended resistance and confrontation with Rulers have taken tool on the common Marri. They have become very poor and tired. Was common Marri rebelling? Most probably not! May be it was the whim and fancy of their absolute local leaders who have by design kept them so poor that they did not the capacity to resist their orders and follow their rebellious strategy; as alleged funded by foreign powers. Such absolute Rulers can and have done what ever they fancy without any regard to the long term welfare of their almost slave like followers.
The GINI Co Efficient of this Area is probably the worst possible 1. Concentration of wealth like the above mentioned ownership of the entire town Market by one individual may also explain the extreme poverty of the common people of the Area. In my judgment their depth of poverty is even worse than poverty of some of the desert Regions like Tharparker or Cholistan.
I wish and pray that Democracy gets established in the Area and traditional leaders are replaced by Leaders from Common Marries and wealth is evenly distributed. Common wisdom will not allow follies of the past to be repeated. Media can and should play a strong role in this.
On to Duki - the COAL boom town: With road to west and South blocked I decided to travel north to Duki and Quetta. This is Pakhtuns territory beyond the large mountains.
The Hi Ace journey costing Rs 800 was not easy. We started at 9am and first back tracked about 5 km to take a left turn. After passing through some large farms in the depressions we came across formidable hurdle of large mountain. Negotiating a zigzag road with paramonic view of the Valleys below we reached the summit by the name of KARHI KACH. This was also a major check point. Winding down we were in a small valley with some farms and few house till we were blocked by another substantial barrier of another range of high mountain. Reaching the top of this mountain was quite a struggle for the vehicles. There was check point to wards the end of these mountains. Then suddenly we found ourselves in a very large valley where several roads from East met the main road. This valley unlike other valleys was barren. Some farms at the edge could be seen with small villages. The only significant point on this road was shrine of CHOTA ALI located in small village. Road beyond this point had disappeared the journey became tougher making many in the bus sick. Majority of passengers were females and they suffered most. Their male members, all Marri told me that most women were traveling to Quetta for treatment. Finally we reached a point were suddenly my Mobil link phone rang after absence of 20 hours as in BARKHAN and KHOLU area only U PHONE works. My ZONG connection also failed me. Substantial houses in large compound was in contrast to the houses in this poor Region. It turned out that we have reached the COAL producing town of DUKI. The hassle and bustle of DUKI was pleasing. Prosperity in this remote area was a welcome site. Ads of a number of Grammar school pointed to the fact that if Pakhtuns have money they prefer their children go to English schools.
Cross road of SANJAVI: After by passing the main town of DUKI we came to a modern road leading to a river with a long bridge. After crossing the bridge another mountain blocked our path. We negotiated that and ended up in small valley through the road passed as the modern road along the mountain is still in the making. Beyond the villages road become good leading to point where one road goes to LORALIA and another to SANJAVI. We took the SANJAVI route.
SANJAVI at the foot of largest mountain of Balochistan -"KHILAFAT is a major agriculture of the Region where fruits produced in the mountains and vegetables produced in SANJAVI are sold. From here one can go south to HARNAI and KHOST on way to QUETTA. However we took the higher altitude but better road path. Passing over 8,000 feet high mountains of ZIARAT we reached QUETTA at around 8 pm.
Conclusion: The purpose of describing my journey in detail was to establish the fact that the Stronghold of Marri tribe, who has been at odds with successive Pakistani regimes, is finally capped and sealed. They have been isolated from rest of Baloch speaking Pakistan. They are now fully dependent on all supplies from DERA Ghazi Khan. They travel to the city to seek treatment and get education. The economic, social integration with Punjab will intensify with time and KHOLU and its surrounding Area will become in effect part of DERA GHAZI KHAN. This is likely to change the political set up also and eventually the strong hold of feudal Lords will wither away. If this happens it will be good for the common Marri.