Sindh's Place Under the Sun

July 28, 2007

Dear Friends

I was just listening to a lecture about Korea and its place under the sun. As we all know, there are two Koreas. One of them is South Korea which is a very developed and further developing country. Its technology and standard of living matches that of many parts of europe. Another part of Korea is in a much worse shape. But it may begin to change too.

It made me think about our Sindh and its place under the sun. Again, there are two Sindhs. Karachi is capital of Sindh. It has many problems but is far ahead of the second Sindh which is rural Sindh.

Let us go back a step. "Under the sun", we have USA and Europe who are not only developed but are further developing in every conceivable area of science, technology, living standard etc. Then we have Russia who is coming back in every possible way principally thanks to high prices and income from oil and gas. Then we have Japan, China, Korea, Singapore who are doing well for their people. Even places like Brazil, Mexico, Turkey are moving foward.

Getting closer to Sindh under the sun, we begin to see a different world. We have India which still has a lot of poverty and human misery but it is developing fast with a lot of hope in future. We have oil rich arabs who are enjoying all comforts of the developed world but are faced with enormous unstability and potential wars and disaster.

Coming down from the sun, as we approach Pakistan, we see pockets of significant development such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad. But the country also faces huge unstability and potential civil and international wars. The future is less than bright.

As we approach rural Sindh, we see 20% people having a reasonable living. But 80% are drowned in misery. Is there a future for this place? "NO" if the current trends in terms of political and economic discrimination, ethnic war, lack of water, lack of law and order etc continue.

"YES", there is bright future if we can change the current trends. If we can become a part of political detente and understanding, if we can learn to use ethnic diversity to our advantage; if we can learn to make a better use of availabale water; if we can solve law and order problem etc. Yes, none of that is easy. We hope that our discontent and our political agitation will persude some one else to come and solve our problems. It has not happened so far and is not likely to happen soon.

What will be sindh's place under the sun 20 years from now? For example, our whole coast can be like Dubai -- very developed and prosperous with higher incomes spreading to all parts of interior. Or it could be much worse than it is today. Some one has to make right choices.

Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.

Ali Nawaz Memon

Sindh Development Institute

7204 Antares Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879 http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/

sindhhouse@hotmail.com

How Sindhis Feel: Memorandum to All Parties Conference (APC)

How Sindhis Feel?



Memorandum to All Political Parties and their representatives in APC


Today Sindhi speaking people feel disfranchised in Pakistan. They feel that despite being principle political creators and supporters of Pakistan movement, they have been ignored and left behind in Pakistan. All those who have tried to speak for welfare of Sindhis have been labeled traitors and separatist rather than well-wishers of people of Pakistan who are being ignored and left behind.



Among other things, Sindhis feel that:



Sindhi language and culture have been ignored and has been deliberately pushed back. Sindhis are not in competition with Urdu. They simply seek preservation and development of their language and culture, which are many thousands of years old.


Based on international reports from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank etc, poverty among Sindhi speaking people who reside principally in interior of Sindh is on the rise. It is higher than that in Punjab, NWFP and average rate for whole Pakistan. About 50% of Sindhis live below poverty line while average poverty rate for Pakistan is roughly about 30%.


While Sindhis used to have plenty of irrigation and drinking water, today Sindhi lands and mouths are dry. On the other hand, Sindhis are given undue share of dangerous floodwater and poisonous drainage water from other provinces. As a result, water borne diseases are rampant in Sindh.


Sindhis are deprived of own leadership. While some provinces have been rightfully given freedom to choose own leaders, Federal government has always taken upon itself to impose hand picked leaders on Sindh. In making the choice, priority is given to those who will be acceptable even loyal to others rather than those who will have genuine interest in development of Sindh.


In recent years, Sindh government has been literally handed over to MQM. Rural Sindh has been deliberately handed back to feudal. Law and order has been handed over to tribal Jirgas. Middle class has been crushed in every possible way.


For decades Sindhis have been deprived of fair representation in armed forces of Pakistan because they had fought British rule. Tall and strong Sindhis were rejected and short and physically weak non-Sindhis were welcomed in armed forces because they were from communities, which were acceptable to British raj. Enough of this so called “martial race” business.


Sindhis have been promoters, supporters of Pakistan. Sindhis willingly accept their own shortcomings. However, they refuse to be treated as second-class citizens in Pakistan, which their assembly and people supported from the start.


Sindhis ask all political parties and military and civil bureaucracy of Pakistan to treat them fairly. SINDHIS WANT FAIRNESS IN FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN.


Sindhis seek concrete action to ensure that they will be treated as equal citizens of Pakistan. They seek support of all political parties of Pakistan and military and civil bureaucracy for:



Several fold increases in resources to help develop Sindhi language and culture


Quality education and jobs to make up for past discrimination and other measures to reduce poverty to at least average rate for whole Pakistan. This means effective reduction of poverty from about 50% to about 30%.


Full registration of poor rural Sindhi voters.


Transparent national and local elections on basis of which Sindhis will receive fair share in running affairs of their provincial government.


Induction of Sindhi leaders in government who will be sincere to Sindhis rather than those who will be acceptable to MQM and federal agencies.


Large-scale recruitment of Sindhis at all levels in national armed forces until they receive a fair representation on basis of population.


Fair share of national budgetary resources consistent with income generated in Sindh and existing high poverty rate. The resources must be spent on rural development which will improve quality of life rather than spending of the money on some mega projects which benefit a few.


Urgent water and electric distribution policies and schemes to provide irrigation water, drinking water and electricity to rural Sindhis. Sindhis are tired of being the last in the queue.


ABOVE ALL SINDHIS SEEK FAIRNESS IN FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN IN EVERY WAY. SINDHI CHILDREN MUST BE TREATED SAME WAY AS PUNJABI AND MOHAJIR CHILDREN. THEY REFUSE TO CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD.


Reagrds

Ali Nawaz Memon

July 5, 2007

Initiating Self-Sustaining Project at EducateSindh

Dear Sohail
I am glad to hear that EducateSindh is also thinking about initiating a suitable self sustaining project. I shall like to simply repeat what I have said earlier.I agree that we need a proper organization. I think that Sain Iqrar Ali Soomro has identified some essential steps. I am ready to assist in every possible way.
I think that the organization should be primarily based in Pakistan. Those of us who are abroad should support it as needed.
I call upon friends like Dr Suleman Shaikh, Sain Altaf Shaikh, Sain Mushaq Talpur (to name a few) and all of you who have desire to help develop Sindhis, and those who have responded positively to come forward and assist in forming a suitable organization.
IN THE MEAN TIME, IT REQUEST THAT YOU ASSIST NEEDY SINDHI STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTENCE. I AM SURE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU KNOWS ONE OR MORE NEEDY STUDENT WHO SESERVES HELP. PLEASE HELP THEM ON INDIVIDUAL BASIS UNTIL A PROPER ORGANIZATION IS FORMED.Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.
Ali Nawaz Memon
Sindh Development Institute
7204 Antares Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879
http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/
sindhhouse@hotmail.com

From: "Sohail Kalhoro" Reply-To: educatesindh@googlegroups.comTo: educatesindh@googlegroups.comSubject: [EducateSindh] Initiating Self-Sustaining project at EducateSindh

Date: Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:15:47 +0100
Dear All

Firstly, we would like to thank all friends who provided a thought provoking input in regards to establishing a mechanism where some sort of financial assistance could be provided to deserving fellow sindhis. We respect and value this.

We believe, EducateSindh is a result-oriented community of Sindhi professionals where core matters pertaining to the well-being of Sindh are raised & analysed in pursuit of an optimum solution. We have engineers, doctors, scientists, Lawyers, Teachers, business professionals, politicians, Journalists,students and others as part of our team. Our aim is to grow our community and produce results and we believe we are onto it.

When it comes to addressing a specific task, we suggest to address it systematically.
We believe, raising money is not an issue. However, the main concern would be distribution of resources evenly, transparency, etc.
Like various friends quoted that similar projects were initiated in the past but that couldn't withstand much longer due to lack of planning, commitment etc. Therefore, in order to avoid any disappointments we should go for a project at this stage which is self-sustaining, easy to manage, and cost effective. For this reason dedicated friends are required who are excellent team players, enthusiastic, self motivated and able to motivate others to achieve higher standards. Interested friends may come forward and advise what capacity they would like to work.

Once a team has been selected for this specific project, its essential skills, knowledge and experience would be required to formulate a detailed feasibility study covering initiation, planning, execution and completion of this project.

Relevant project information (i.e. target audience, completion dates, end-results etc) may also be made available to those who have any concerns regarding the credibility of this project.

Lets organize a team first, write a detailed project plan and then put it altogether in action.

Any ideas/suggestions are always welcome.

Regards

Sohail KalhoroTransactions Support Executive
Reuters Equity Transactions

Reuters Ltd
Docklands Technical Centre
1 Paul Julius Close
Blackwall Way
London, E14 2EH
(t) + 44 794 777 4141 (f) + 44 208 989 1492
REUTERS.KNOW.NOW
www.reuters.com

Need for a Scholarship Fund organization

June 30, 2007

I agree that we need a proper organization. I think that Sain Iqrar Ali Soomro has identified some essential steps. I am ready to assist in every possible way.

I think that the organization should be primarily based in Pakistan. Those of us who are abroad should support it as needed.
I call upon friends like Dr Suleman Shaikh, Sain Altaf Shaikh, Sain Mushaq Talpur (to name a few) and all of you who have desire to help develop Sindhis, and those who have responded positively to come forward and assist in forming a suitable organization.IN THE MEAN TIME, IT REQUEST THAT YOU ASSIST NEEDY SINDHI STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTENCE. I AM SURE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU KNOWS ONE OR MORE NEEDY STUDENT WHO SESERVES HELP. PLEASE HELP THEM ON INDIVIDUAL BASIS UNTIL A PROPER ORGANIZATION IS FORMED.Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome. Ali Nawaz Memon Sindh Development Institute 7204 Antares Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879 http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/ sindhhouse@hotmail.com

Genius Lost in Sindh

June 16, 2007

Dear Friends
Recently I came accross story of a 12 year old boy. He had never been to school nor could he read or write or count until he was 10 years.
The teacher soon discovered that the boy was genius in arithmetic. Within 2 years of coming to elementry school, he could add series of numbers in his head, faster than the teacher could mannually. A genius was discovered.
I wonder how many genius we have in Sindh who are never discovered. I lot of human talent is lost!
I hope that we, the luckier Sindhis will do everything in our power to stop loss of human and in particular our own genius. As one possible way, please support and give scholarships for any needy child that you know about. educate Sindh.
Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.
Ali Nawaz Memon
Sindh Development Institute
7204 Antares Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879 http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/
sindhhouse@hotmail.com

Development of Sindh

March 31, 2007

Dear Friends
1. We all can agree that Sindhis are falling behind each day. Denial of their rights by others is clearly a very important factor. Denying each other's rights by Sindhis themselves, allowing educational and other institutions to reach state of ruin etc are other significant causes.We need to work simultenously on both sides of issus-- external to Sindhis and internal to Sindhis. However, we should be doing each day what ever we can do.
2. Sain Khalid Hashmani is rightly concerned. In this particular email, he has drawn attention to violation of Sindhi rights by others. He has suggested holding of demonstrations in major cities of USA. Why? Because we need to bring our misery to attention of american society and decision makers. I think it is a good idea. Holding seminars like WSI has been doing and holding demonstrations combined with holding press conferences will be useful. WSI has done a good job of sensitising american stakeholders.
3. I am sure that there are other things that we can do too. Personally, I like to contact concerned persons directly. I like to share two recent experiences so that others may consider the same approach of directly doing something.
(a) About three weeks ago, I learnt from World Bank sources that repackaging of Kalabagh was planned and a senior World Bank team was going to Pakistan for that purpose. I directly contacted about twenty persons who could do something. Thank God, many people were alerted in a timely manner. I am thankful to Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto who issued the following instruction:
"Chairperson desires that the matter below be brought to the attention of the President Sindh as well as the Leader of Opposition Sindh Assembly. They may like to discuss it with their experts with a view for Leader of Opposition to write to World Bank expressing concerns on their proposed visit. Second NGOs may also be asked to write similar letters. Third, parties of Balauchistan and Frontier who oppose the Kalabagh Dam may write to draw attention to their provinces position through the Assembly."
(b) Last week we learnt that admissions for Sindhis at Dow Medical were threatened. I wrote a strong note to past and present MQM chiefs in USA. I received the following response within two hours:
"We are checking up with our London office as well as from Karachi as to the background of this action. Once we have the clear picture we'll revert back to you."

I am waiting for some concrete action.

4. The main struggle for Sindhi rights has to be within Sindh. We all are convinced about the need for unity which can lead to more effective action. In this context, we the overseas sindhis can play a part.

About two years ago, I joined a JOINT MISSION OF AMERICANS OF INDO PAK ORIGIN and travelled to both Pakistan and India to urge peaceful reolution of outstanding issues. People and leaders of both countries welcomed us and listened to us.

I recommend formation and sending of similar team of american Sindhis to Pakistan and other appropriate places to meet people and leaders to try to halt downward slide of Sindhis. Detailed terms of reference can be formulated. I shall be happy to be a part of such a team.5. Personally I like to focus on improving economic lot of Sindhis. I need support for generating 100,000 scholarships for Sindhis. We need to find practical ways of helping individual Sindhis to prosper. How can we persuade businessmen to help sindhis in establishing businesses?

6. Let us hear from others about what should and can be done. Then let us formulate a strategy and ACT. I definately support the idea of demonstrations. But I think we need more.

Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.

Ali Nawaz Memon Sindh Development Institute 7204 Antares Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879 http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/ sindhhouse@hotmail.com

From: To: sanalist@yahoogroups.com, sanaofcanada@yahoogroups.comSubject: [sanalist] A "Sindhi Rights Day" to start a campaign for Sindhi RightsDate: Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:08:04 -0700 (PDT)
Ada Aziz, Piyara Gul, Suhna Saifooji, and SaeeN Ali Nawaz,

Your messages and ideas have moved me and I am sure others to ponder over the latest attacks on Sindhi Rights and what we do. We all know that many of adversaries of Sindhis have unified and have a strategy to overwhelm Sindh and Sindhis. Unfortunately, we are mostly in "reactive" mode and tend to simply show half-hearted reaction to actions that usurp of our rights. In my view, what we also need is a strategy of unquestionable unity on a simple principle that "WE WILL NOT ACCEPT INJUSTICES ANY MORE" and launch a unified movement here in North America that will soon catch on in Pakistan and other countries to bring attention of other Pakistani and world communities to the plight of Sindhis.

Many of us appear to be satisfied with issuing statements and writing e-mails but shy away from any tangible actions that involve moving away from our PCs. When was the last time SANA, the largest organization of North American Sindhis, demonstrated in a major city like New York, Toronto or Washington DC for Sindhi Rights. Almost all of the successful Rights movements have had an activist agenda with rallies and demonstrations not only locally but also internationally. Neither the black civil rights movement in the USA nor people of Quebec would have achieved their lingual and economic rights peacefully without a super activist agenda The first step in achieving and preserving Sindhi Rights is to create awareness about the discrimination and exploitation of Sindhis (refer to the Objectives section in SANA charter) in Pakistan and rest of the world. Without people being aware that Sindhis are under severe attack as their basic rights are being trembled and that they are being forcibly reduced to a minority in their own land, we have no chance of attracting any support and sympathy from others.

I propose that SANA President, without any reservation and fear from any reaction of pragmatists, call for holding of rallies and demonstrations on a suitable day in the next few weeks. He should extend a hand of unity to all other Sindhi organizations and ask them to join the "Sindhi Rights" campaign. The SANA President should call for a "SINDHI RIGHTS" day. On this day, Sindhis from all over the world should be encouraged to hold peaceful rallies in front of Pakistan embassies or in locally significant locations (e.g., White House, UK Parliament, etc.). This should be followed up with consistent and diligent activities conducted in a unified manner until the injustices stop and our adversaries are unable to further discriminate and exploit us.

I wonder how many of us are very much content to go on doing what they are doing now comfortably and how many are willing to shed away lethargy and apathy and join hands for a "SINDHI RIGHTS" campaign.

Thanks and regards,

Khalid Hashmani
McLean, Virginia, USA
Aziz Narejo wrote:

It is a part of the Musharraf/Military/ MQM plan to dispossess Sindhis from their cities and turn them into a minority in their own land.
.
.
It should be the priority of all to end the military dictatorship and defeat the terrorists in their designs.

Yes, SANA should play an active role in the struggle for the rights of our people. We had formed the SANA Human Rights Committee to take up the issues affecting the rights of the people of Sindh. Unfortunately that and most other committees couldn't become active.

We need the support of the community members to take up these issues. I would request our friends like Irshad Kazi, Mohammad Ali Mahar, Ghulam Mustafa Soomro, Khalid Hashmani, Dr Gul Agha, Dr Mazhar Lakho, Dr Feroz Ursani, Dr Maqbool Halepota, Dr Aijaz Turk, Dr Mahmood Qalbani, Waheed Shaikh, Dr Valeed Shaikh, Shakeel Nizamani, Fayaz Soomro, Sarfraz Gahothi, Khair Mohammad Kolachi and others to come forward and lend practical support.

.
.
That should be the practical thing to do. Members may also suggest what else we CAN do.

Please help,

-----------------------------------------

Gul Agha wrote:

Ethnic cleansing of Sindhi villages, demolition of Lyari homes, rejection of residence based on parents' domicile, and now ways of keeping more Sindhis out of Karachi.. -----------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, Mar 25 2007 10:41pmFrom: Mushtaque RajparDawn has reported a demonstratoin by Sindhi Students in Hyderaba and Karachi condemning Dow Medical University's new admission policy, under which, as reported, DMU has abolished the 28 reserved seats for the interior Sindh students.
Reported Dow has made it manadatory for students applying for admission to have their parents domicile of Karachi district. ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gul Agha wrote:

We all have our beliefs and should respect each other for them. But what all decent, informed people can agree on is that the Sindhi people have a right to determine their future free of violent coercion. We cannot respect people who would deny the Sindhi people this fundamental moral and legal right. The right of self-determination , enshrined in international law for all peoples, should be freely exercised under UN supervision since we cannot trust the Pakistani style "referendums" and electoral shenanigans. Then the Sindhi people can decide whatever they want, 1940 resolution on autonomy, 1973 so-called "federalist" constitution, 1847 independence, etc.. then we can debate the merits of various options meaningfully, and agree to respect the choice of the people. ---------------------------------------------------------------------


Ali Nawaz Memon wrote:

In a way, we are a minority-- and a very weak one at that.
Looking at history of weak minorities, they linger on, perish or prosper. The way we are going, we are lingering with a downward trend. May be in few decades, Sindhis will be a story of the past.

---------------------------------------------

Saifullah Shaikh wrote:
.
.Indeed I was not surprised to see,and as expected---there wasno practical approach/strategy for combinedmovement---- -same old Rhetoric -------all newspapersclearly r indicating that there is no sign of unity inSindh. During last 72 hours---Jeay Sindh,s BashirQureshi is marching through whole Sindh ---as a lonelywolf!---and have made repeated appeals to otherNationalist leaders to join him?! but nobody hasresponded. Law attorneys/advocates r suffering fromhead injuries---but still Nawaz Sharif/Benazir renjoing tea/biscuits and r not able to understand theconsequences of lack of organization in their ownso-called political parties!!,and 24 hours ago AltafHussain from London has issued statement/warningfor/in favor of Provincial autonomy and have openlychallenged Composition of Pakistan state on the basisof 1940 resolution? Atleast I m not seeing any sign ofunity among Sindhi politicians- --and i m notsurprised!.On coming Thursday we r going to attendanother political/huge gathering in Karachi on thishot issue of Provincial Autonomy---- --so our dearSindhi Friends--we r waiting for any plan/action onthe ground to watch any sign of unity/real strugglenot only to support Pakistan lawyers movement,but forpractical steps towards provincialautonomy---particul arly from Nationalist leaders andfrom PPP/Sindh leadership-- -whole Sindh is watchingclosely. Sincerely, SaifullahShaikh-----presentl y in Khairpur Mir,s Sindh.

Sindhis have to prosper

Dear Friends
In a way, we are a minority-- and a very weak one at that.
Looking at history of weak minorities, they linger on, perish or prosper. The way we are going, we are lingering with a downward trend. May be in few decades, Sindhis will be a story of the past.
What about the third option i.e. Prosper!. Looking at some of the minorities of our times, they chose to prosper. They include Ismailies (Agha Khanis), Ahmadis, Jews, Sindhi Hindus, Mormons (a minority among Christians). How did they do it?
They focussed on education, business and charity for each other. Whatever they earned, they contributed about 10% for community development. The money was used for better education, better and more business development, and more community support. eventually, a majority of them prospered.
This option is open. We know that many Sindhis have accepted this or a part of this formula. There are many who have focussed on business and are doing well. The missing ingrediant for them is community help and development. Then there is the question of bringing in rest of the community in business development.
It is a tall order. But please start spending 10% of whatever you earn on community development. Give it to needy relative as a scholarship or help some one in openning a shop. Do something,
Once we are financially and educationally strong, political strength will follow.
Ali Nawaz Memon

Good GovernanceAttributes

Dear Friends
We often talk about good governace. I have been looking for a good defination. I have just come accross the following attributes. Let us apply this to our circumstance and see what we ought to do.
The United Nations Committee for Development Planning in its report issued in 1992 entitled “Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development: Goals in Conflict?” identified the following as being part of the attributes of good governance:


1. Territorial and ethno-cultural representation, mechanisms for conflict resolution
and for peaceful regime change and institutional renewal;

2. Checks on executive power, effective and informed legislatures, clear lines of
accountability from political leaders down through the bureaucracy;

3. An open political system of law which encourages an active and vigilant civil
society whose interests are represented within accountable government
structures and which ensures that public offices are based on law and consent;

4. An impartial system of law, criminal justice and public order which upholds
fundamental civil and political rights, protects personal security and provides a
context of consistent, transparent rules for transactions that are necessary to
modern economic and social development;

5. A professionally competent, capable and honest public service which operates within an accountable, rule governed framework and in which the principles of merit and the public interest are paramount;

6. The capacity to undertake sound fiscal planning, expenditure and economic
management and system of financial accountability and evaluation of publicsector activities;


7. Attention not only to central government institutions and processes but also to the attributes and capacities of sub-national and local government authorities and to the issues of political devolution and administrative decentralisation.

I hope and pray that during next PPP government, we shall be able to deliver on all of the above. Good governance is not easy but can have lasting positive impact.
Your input and help towards development of Sindh is always welcome.
Ali Nawaz Memon
Sindh Development Institute
7204 Antares Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 20879 http://sindhdevelopmentinstitute.blogspot.com/
sindhhouse@hotmail.com