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Voice of People
National crises
Dr Ali Akbar Dhakan
Any unconstitutional system brings illegalities, ambiguities,
crises, odd times, insoluble problems and difficulties etc. We
passed 10+3+11+9 years out of 61 years in uncertain and transitory
circumstances which lost more than half country and an ending
socio-politico and economic crises in the country. These years can
be termed as wastage years when the majority population is under
poverty line, living hand to mouth, and passing a miserable life.
Only a limited group of people enjoy a supreme life. They are not
ready to tolerate to benefit them and get them rid of such harrowing
economic conditions. We can improve their lot if we allow the system
of providing them relief and launch policies for their betterment,
well being and continuity in the system bassed upon democratic norms
and patterns and do not allow the limited group to run the country.
—Via email
Balanced broadcasting
Hashim Abro
A majority of anchorpersons of private TV channels are trying to
influence viewers thru their special agenda. The top management of
the private TV channels is requested, if they genuinely desire
democracy to flourish in this democracy-starved country, to look
into the matter. Broadcasting is nothing but something balanced and
brilliant.
—Islamabad
Housing problems
A A Qureshi
I want to draw the attention of the new government towards the acute
shortage of housing units which has resulted in exorbitant house
rents. I suggest that the government should decrease the mark-up
rate on long-term home loans, like governments do in the west, to
help people own a house. Presently, banks’ mark-up is between 11 and
13 per cent which is too high. This should be brought down to five
to seven per cent with the help of the State Bank.
—Islamabad
Finance Division requested
Rukshanda Jabeen
I, intend to bring to the notice of the Honourable Secretary
Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan Islamabad that my
husband Sajjad Ahmed Superintendent Academy of Education Planning
and Management Islamabad had died in service on 11-05-2004.
That the adhoc relief of Rs 300/- and Rs 100/- per month allowed by
the Government of Pakistan vide Finance Division Islamabad office
Memorandums No F.1 (17) imp/97 dated 05-03-1997 and F.1 (9) imp/99
dated 31-12-1999 respectively had been drawn by my late husband up
to 30-11-2001 and on introduction of the Revised Pay Scales of 2001,
the policy of grant of the said adhoc relief was discontinued with
effect from 01-12-2001. The Finance Division Islamabad vide their
letter No 3 (1) Reg.6/2004-11 dated 16-03-2006 allowed Pensionary
benefit of the said adhoc relief to all the civil employees who were
in receipt of adhoc relief @ Rs 400/-PM at the time of their
retirement, which is substantial and material evidence beyond any
shadow of doubt that the adhoc relief under reference being part of
Pay/Permanent increase in the Pay Scale would be reckonable towards
the Pensionary emoluments.
In my humble opinion, my late husband had opted the Revised Pay
Scales of 2001 on the grounds that in the terms of the Finance
Division’s OM No F.1 (5) imp/2001 dated 04-09-2001, the adhoc relief
of Rs 300/- and Rs 100/- both were allowances and not permanent
increases in the Pay Scale while Law says that adhoc relief of Rs
300/- and Rs 100/- per month being permanent increases in the Pay
Scale would be reckonable towards the Pensionary emoluments.
Reference may be made to the case: -
Managing Director, Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory Islamabad
versus Muhammad Asghar 2003 SCMR 1037. The benefit of the said
Judgement could not be denied to my late husband. Reference may be
made to the case: - Mian Ghulam Qadir and 2 others versus Secretary,
Establishment Division Rawalpindi and 10 others 1989 P L C (C.S)
546. In view of the above adhoc relief of Rs 400/- may kindly be
allowed to be included in the Pay of my late husband in the Revised
Pay Scales of 2001.
—Rawalpindi
Why violation of law?
Abdul Rashid
I, CDA Pensioner would like to bring to the notice of the Honourable
Federal Minister for Finance, Government of Pakistan that a few
policy decisions of the Finance Division are unlawful which are
liable to be amended. Here I give an example of an unjust Policy
decision of the Finance Division, Government of Pakistan regarding
grant of increase in Pension on net Pension instead of on gross
Pension with effect from 01-12-2001. In this regard, the Honourable
Federal Service Tribunal Islamabad vide their Judgement dated
02-06-2003 had allowed increase in Pension on gross Pension, the
relevant part of Para 18 of which is reproduced: - “For the above
reasons we accept all the appeals to this extant only that increase
in Pension shall be allowed on gross Pension which is in fact full
Pension.” That the Finance Division’s appeals No 1305 to 1327 of
2003 against the Honourable F S T Judgement dated 02-06-2003 were
dismissed by the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan on 08-06-2005
and thereafter no Review Petitions against the said Judgement were
filed in the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan by the appellant
(Finance Division).
In view of the above, the Judgement dated 02-06-2003 of the
Honourable F S T Islamabad having attained finality may kindly be
arranged to be implemented to meet the ends of Justice.
—Rawalpindi
PPP on Judges issue
Imtiaz Akhter
I don’t know the wisdom behind the ‘judicial reforms package’ that
is going to follow the reinstatement of the deposed judges. Some
statements by PPP leaders indicate that the party will fulfil its
‘understanding’ with the president and keep him in his de facto
position by working along him like the Q League. There could have
been a deal or understanding between the PPP and the president, but
the people of Pakistan are not a party to it. If the PPP does not
pay attention to the will of the people, it will ultimately have to
face the wrath of the people in the next general election.
—Rawalpindi
