Pak elections
Sir,
Elections
in Pakistan have ended. These elections ended on
a predictable note. As per the sentiment in
Pakistan the results were in accordance with
those sentiments. People had resentment against
Musharraf and the results were in tune with that
sentiment.
This
means that by and large these elections were
fair. After all we cannot expect elections in
Pakistan to be fair hundred percent especially
keeping in view the history of democratic
institutions there. But by and large we should
admit that Musharraf was under tremendous
pressure to make it sure that these elections in
Pakistan are free and fair to the best possible
extent. And undoubtedly he has delivered. The
result is no doubt fractured but the mandate is
against him. The parties alligned to him like PML
(Q) and MMA have turned out to be losers. Even
the flamboyant MMA Chief Maulana Fazal Rahman
lost the elections.
After
the assassination of Benazir there was a sympathy
wave for PPP. Had the elections been conducted on
8th Jan as previously planned the results would
have been different. PPP should have easily
romped home with many more seats in the kitty.
Now Pakistan is entering a new and crucial phase.
If the political consolidation as per the
democratic norms does not take place in the
country it will surely be curtains for democracy
in Pakistan. PPP is under pressure from America
to forge an alliance with Musharraf as they still
bet on Musharraf being the best man to carry
forward the war on terror. They want to
marginalise Nawaz Sharief whom they do not trust.
The coming days will prove crucial. Whether PPP
and PML (N) create a coalition and herald a new
chapter in Pakistan remains to be seen. For us
situation is satisfying that atleast elections
were held. They were fair to a large extent. But
it has not removed our worries. A fluid situation
and weak Government there means trouble for us.
In all eventuality we need not be complacent and
lower our guard.
Yours etc...
Piyush Chawla
Gandhi Nagar
Jammu
State housing corporation
Sir,
It
is very heartening to note that the J&K
co-operative Housing Corporation Jammu has
launched many housing projects in the region. The
aim is to build multistoried flats at various
places. One of such projects is being undertaken
at Sidhra. The foundation of the project was laid
by the Minister for Agriculture and co-operatives
(DE, Feb 8).
But
it is sad to note that even though the foundation
stones of such project are laid with much fanfare
and gusto, later no, the same projects do not
take off and the resultant delays become
difficult to bear. This takes out the steam from
the commitment and project planning regarding
such projects. A similar project named Panchvati
Enclave near Mishriwala Phase I and II was also
launched by the concerned Minister way back in
July 2005. But the project is still in infancy.
There seems to be no visible progress on the
ground. No tangible signs of the project are yet
visible. The said project is being undertaken by
the housing corporation. Crores of rupees of
public money has been collected and are lying in
the coffers of the housing corporation. Even the
allotment letters for the plots are still awaited
for the reason best known to the corporation.
If
such is the state of these projects which are
concerned with the all important Housing area
then the resentment and anguish of the people is
understandable. Housing corporation along with
the housing ministry shall have to take personal
and keen interest in such Housing projects and
see that they are completed on time. Otherwise a
very important area of development will slip from
their hands and pass on to private sector which
does not waste time to undertake such projects.
It is hoped that the Housing corporation will
handle the commitment that it has shouldered well
and without wasting any time.
Yours etc...
Soom Nath Sharma
Gandhi Nagar Jammu
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