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Does Parliament care about fake degrees more than us?

Does Parliament care about fake degrees more than us?

For a week or two different clusters in the parliament have been criticising the media for revealing the issue of fake degrees and the incompetence of parliamentarians. But unfortunately it is also the media that has been debating problems and solutions of national economy more than our honored parliamentarians.

Saqib Omer Saeed July 16, 2010

June and July have been critical months in the national parliamentary schedule because of the federal budget presentation in parliament and then the discussion for its approval. Generally nations anticipate their parliaments to discuss national budgets and come up with ideas and proposals for their well being.

I come across the findings of the report of Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) entitled FAFEN Parliament Monitor. The report reveals just how much our parliament took discussed the federal Budget 2010-11 in the National Asembly in its 2pml-3rd budget session.

According to the report:

Only 114 out of 340 members took part in budgetary discussion i.e. 33% (June 3^rd to June 30^th 2010).

A majority of the parliamentarians commented generally about terrorism and power shortage.

Out of the 660 cut motions introduced, aiming to decrease 41 government and 183 proposed budgetary allocations or demand grants - not a single cut motion was successful.

44% female and 30.6% male parliamentarians took part in general debate on budget.

A majority of parliamentary leaders were absent in the process. The leader of the opposition was present in 14 sittings out of 21 [66.6%]. (The leader of PML attended 9 sessions [42.8%]. The leader of MQM attended 6 sittings [28.5]. The ANP leader attended 3 sittings [14.25%].)

Before saying anything further - let me say it: What a dilemma? A country that is rich in resources and only needs leadership to mobilise is witnessing behavior of a parliament free of seriousness. Can we derive by their fake degrees and general incompetence that parliamentarians are not capable to discuss core of budgetary dynamics.

For a week or two different clusters in the parliament have been criticising the media for revealing the issue of fake degrees and the incompetence of parliamentarians. But unfortunately it is also the media that has been debating problems and solutions of national economy more than our honored parliamentarians.

It was from May 2010 that the media of Pakistan started discussing national economic and budgetary preferences. They have been organizing seminars, conferences and television programs on the issue and there is no doubt that what media has highlighted has to be remitted in the parliament by members for brain storming and decision making. But perhaps parliamentarians only view programs on fake degree and political point scoring programs on television.

It is really unfortunate that the interest of 180 million people of Pakistan is not supreme in the parliament of Pakistan but the honor of 340 people has to be protected by ignoring and not revealing their corruption myths. What sort of hypocrisy is this? I can agree by seeing parliamentary democracy’s history that the graduation clause was unfair as it was imposed by a dictator but who will ensure the capability of parliamentarians in solving national issues. Even to the extent of their interest in affairs of the nation.

After seeing the level of interest of our parliamentarians I think we need to propose a new amendment in constitution that allows showing TV programs in parliament on national issues. I hope this can add to their intellect on national issues. I have no issue whether they write judiciary, journalists and jenerals [General] to make it “Triple J” but being a citizen of Pakistan I am interested in my parliamentarians to being skilled and interested in the management of our national priorities. Economy and budget top the list.

In today's age, parliament is worthless if they have no capability of solving public interest issues. The media in nothing but the voice of a nation. If democracy means supremacy of public interest then the voice of the nation is always supreme. If we see that the media is promoting national interest whereby they discuss the national budget more than our worthy parliamentarians, we can then tolerate some faults within the media. However, if our own elected parliamentarians are not interested in discussing the national budget and economy then our interests will sink from their presence in our parliament.

WRITTEN BY:
Saqib Omer Saeed A financial researcher, analyst and adjunct faculty in CBM, SZABIST, BIZTEK & University of Karachi and blogs at http://www.bizomer.com

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

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COMMENTS (11)

Saqib Omer Saeed | 14 years ago | Reply Agreed with you in totality Omer. Actually we have to take part in all set of political activities. The same happened from 1930 to 1947 and we got Pakistan and now it is the call to uplift our national causes. End of the day time is not going to take our excuse in account that we were so helpless because no one were standing for us. It is actually "WE" who have to stand for our very own country and the future of our forth coming generation.

Omer Mirza | 14 years ago | Reply @ Mr.Saqib, I agree with what you have to say but we must realize that we cannot cleanse our government bodies of corruption by merely exposing the wrongdoers through the media. They've always found ways to somehow make their way back into the mix of things and the looting continues. We, as a conscious nation need to start taking part in politics, encourage those of us who have the intellect to make their voices heard where it really matters. Our youth needs to get involved in the democratic process if we are to bring about a change at any level. But unfortunately the student organizations of our political parties are in every sense gangs of thugs who're only there for the power they obtain. Thus the change must start at the individual level. Cliched that might sound but Its the only solution. @ Dr.Hassan, I agree with what you said about the media doing the terrorists' task for them. The terrorists intend to spread terror, and terror isn't spread as much by a bomb blast than it is by the sensationalism in the media. We deserve to know, but we do not deserve to constantly live in fear, we do not need to see the remains of the affected. The departed do not deserve to be flashed across TV screens worldwide.

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Saqib Omer Saeed | 14 years ago | Reply Just catch up with some really reasonable and intellectual comments. Real regard to what Dr. Hussain has said. He is absolutely correct when we pointed out commercialization aspect of media. But here we have to troubleshoot, in any case media or private media need to carry some commercial objectives and we have seen this aspect spoil the tone of media where media makes news more than its original caliber. Where media have good aspects so they have bad one also but we have to see the evolution process of media that is not too bad. But here the role policy makers come in the game. To regulate media we need a strong set of parliamentary bodies that guides and convince media to carry their real role in the boundaries of professionalism but do we have the caliber of our leadership to say anything when they themselves are in worst of credibility? We are living in a country where every one of us needs to be regulated. Media is also a part of society that needs training on many aspects of social life. So here we can not stop commercialization because if we hit commercial aspect of media so then there shall be nothing left in media. Yes, media, government and civil society can sit together to draw some SOPs and Code of Ethics that has to be followed. We also have to train our people to see serious programs on TV so they can get more business and then media have no choice to act for those programs. Regarding media assassination of political figures; so, it is all in the hand of political leadership. They have to stop their negative activities that can be covered by the camera or even when they don’t cover. It is not only in Pakistan but in the whole world that media cover the mistakes and corruption of political figures and talk on it. But in any case media have to have strength to criticize their own entity when they do something against ethics. In my view we have to face the reality that media can not be run without commercials or funding. On the other hand government, media and civil society have to set some code of ethics that can draw a line for media but this line can not anyways hit or hurt freedom of speech. I know it is the difficult of task but can be accomplish. Even we can criticize many things about media but they are not our elected members and if we shall stop seeing a part of media so they shall loose their TRPs and business. I think other than media and politicians we need to be trained and thinkable as a nation. In any case if we consider media a business so we have to change our news buying preferences. Media shall automatically be changed. And media can be use for many constructive endeavors. It is actually the nation that makes everything from media to leaderships. National instincts define what they have and what they can have. But again the question is same: Parliament is the supreme body of legislation in the country and we can not deny that what sort of human resources we have in our parliament. We have to admit that the age of respect of positions and power has gone. This is the age of performance. If performance is the reality in the business of life and the country so the one who delivers is respectable and praise worthy. I am very sorry to say where people commits suicide for poverty, terrorists are too free to blast bombs wherever they want, where the a resourcefully rich country has been looted high handedly, where merit is being crushed by the top to bottom leadership of the country, so we deserve to hear and see it on our TV screens. It shall be a motivation to change for those who want to stand up for this country and it can be a frustration for those who are seeking towards skies for a sacred help. God help those who can help themselves. We are the future of Pakistan and we have never been a crying nation. We have been the nation with strong nerves. I don’t know why today we are escaping from what we actually are. We have problems but we also have solutions embedded within the country. We are the country full of resources. But again our top problem is not facing the reality and working to improve it. If we shall see opposite from where we are, we can never understand where we have to be and this GAP analysis has to be promoted on media anyways in the boundaries of ethics. We need to have society more vibrant that can influence media also once they see them going out of direction. Bottom line is we have to improve our own self before anyone. I again thanks for the comments of Dr. Sahab, Omer and Farrell. What we are doing is also media and I think we all have to promote the cause PAKISTAN within our own ranks. InshaAllah we shall get out of all what we say problems but actually they are opportunities.

Dr. Altaf ul Hassan | 14 years ago | Reply @Mr. Farrel and Mr. Omer Mirza.Thanks for your valuable comments.My point is that althoug media is commercially oriented every where in the world and undoubtedly it should have been but what is wrong here is that in order to get more and more ads, major part of media does so at the expense of emotional exploitattion of people who dont bother to or cant have an access to free informations or they remain unable to do so due to one reason or another and thus preconcieved notions take the place of testified informations.Their primary focuss is to display the ads.Every thing other than this is secondary and is spiced up as much as possible to glue more and more viewers to their channel.As there is no such code of ethics set to be followed by TV channels to-date,this has created an anarchy like situation which leads to frustration and a sense of desparation among masses. The media has virtually assumed the role of a black-mailer.The character assasination of public figures is done pathetically,a ridicule of of any one of them is being made who is at the target of some anchorperson in a talk show.May this relentless activity be called an independce of media?Despite being a great champion of independent media I feel that some minimal norms of decency must be follwed and their should be a mechanism of check and balance for media also. I believe that media should evolve a strict policy for breaking news( which should be applicable to all TV channels),in particular for those of suicidal bombing.It seems that once such an incidence takes place and media starts its live coverage,the rest of task for terrorists is best served by the media during live coverage.The terroristd might be pleased to evaluate as how succesfully they have hit their targets and they might plan better for the next attack by covering their pitfalls.They also come to know as how much damage they have done and they,being the sadists,might be pleased to enjoy the pains and miseries of the victims. In order to prove it a responsible one media has to make itself accoutable to flurish a healthy journalism.It is also the question of their credibilty too.

Omer Mirza | 14 years ago | Reply The media may be better informed than the parliamentarians on the issues of our national economy but that does not necessarily mean that they act more responsibly. I agree with what Dr. Hassan has to say about there being a race for TV commercials. The media too is comprised of organizations bent on maximizing profits and they feed on news stories. Corruption isn't confined to our ruling elite sadly, and we as a society lack the moral fiber needed to get ourselves out of the multiple predicaments that we face today. The media too is a part of this ailing society and expecting it to play the role of a Messiah is wishful thinking. In our country we've seen the establishment control the media in the past, and now we see strong financial centers influence the content of the news. The truth is lost somewhere in between.

Ovais Omer | 14 years ago | Reply Although our Media is shown itself quite independent & mature but it seems not doing justice in diffrent national issues. Like there was Shoaib Sania affair and their marriage and another one is the beloved Phd. daughter of the Nation, Dr. Aafia. I beleive, the coverage given to Sania Shoaib since their affair exposed till their marriage, if Dr. Aafia's issue is being handle like that, the United States must atleast think about releasing her. Secondly, as for the fake degrees are concerned...one thing must be considered that a person who has CHEATED with the NATION before he/she going to be a representative, how we expect that they WILL NOT CHEAT after entering into the Assemblies...??? A big Question mark..isnt it..??

Farrell | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Sir I agree with you on this article, it is well poised as per your articles are always. And I too believe that the media is improving. I Agree with Dr Altaf that the media tries to put in spicy news in between so as to be the competitive channel in the today’s rat race competition of different media channel, but my friend this is the strategy this is how they function almost every where I agree that in few cases the over spiciness of this news tends to mere confusion and hot debates but then we can not consider everything to be on the track as each norm has its ways of operation and their merits and demerits as we are revolving around the country with people holding different psychological states of minds. Why is it that the good directional news is never appraised but a mistake is stressed upon and enlightened more as different perceptions and I feel if the media covers a particular scandal and we are drawn into the news then we too need to find the actual truth at this so basically it is up to us then to use our wit in the right direction as you must be well aware that “ Information is not knowledge , and knowledge is not correctly utilized without wisdom” Hence with the info we have we can then utilize it my friend to go deep down and get the actual truth leading to not picking the person for stating wrong statements but rather a conclusion based on our facts, findings and a conceptual perception of beliefs based on it. Mr Ammar my friend, I am sure you must be aware that the political dynamics and the economic allocations of Pakistan is a topic that is very wide and nothing changes in a day, while in perspective to the sentence “ Media is nothing but the voice of the Nation” ……. Am really confused, as on the contrary its contemporary. We need to be aware that the people who hold fake degrees in their hands how can their discuss about the fate of the nation, the media although has stressed a lot on this but atleast it’s the awareness that we required as we will never be able to improve economically until we are ready to face these tough bitter truth and eliminate them cause it then stands as we are not in the right direction. Why do we always go to achieve results from the short path? in order to gain we need to endure pain , hence to make a better economic plan , budget relating to proper usage of allocations as per the canons of the budgets and expenditures we need our selves to be hovered that requires literacy and hard work with no illegal and imbalanced shorts cuts.

Dr. Altaf ul Hassan | 14 years ago | Reply Media is coomercially oriented and there is a neck an neck race for commercials between such a large media with little market space available.So every channel wants to glue viewers to it which is possible only by exploitation of public emotions.The result is that even house hold women are watching more talk shows than TV dramas.Their ultimate target is to display the advertisements in between their talk shows and which is done by scandlization and making the news more and more spicy.

Saqib Omer Saeed | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Ammar: Thanks for your comments and they are indeed respectable. Issue of Fake Degrees, Exposing corruption myths of politicians, Voice against honor killings, uplifting missing person’s talks, inducing rescue activities while earthquake in Northern Areas, Restoration of Judiciary, brining silent qualified Pakistanis to talk on national reconstruction plan and many more in last seven years of media. If it is a mouth piece of establishment so there is no harm in hearing it but actually it is not because it goes against power players. It is even not a justification on a cluster of media that is irresponsible but we can not generalize it on whole media. But here the acts of parliaments are much generalized. Regarding complete truth, so hardly can I write it in one piece but for sure we wrote; you can browse Tribune pages & www.bizomer.com I hope you shall find more about other issues and even really courageous writings. Even then anyone is free to talk on media’s undesirable role as I pointed out in later line of the para that you quote i.e. The media in nothing but the voice of a nation!! If democracy means supremacy of public interest then the voice of the nation is always supreme. If we see that the media is promoting national interest whereby they discuss the national budget more than our worthy parliamentarians, *****we can then tolerate some faults within the media*****. It means the faults within the media are not the point of discussion in this piece but we are aware of it and we within media always care to improve. Being a relatively new media, I must say our performance is not that bad. Have a nice time.

Ammar | 14 years ago | Reply "The media in nothing but the voice of a nation" What a joke! I'll definitely give the statistics of number of articles written on Economic condition, and those written on government/President/Politicians' bashing, but I need time. Can we talk about perception? The perception is that most media are mouth piece of the ESTABLISHMENT. We will give 80% to debt servicing and defense and remaining to the administration and development which will drain into the pockets of corrupt bureaucrats, ministers, and business class (mafia). We will give not more than 2% to health and education and expect people to spell 'JENERAL' with 'G'. The writer is so witty that he must know, how many articles he and his coleagues wrote about bureaucratic corruption (both civil and military). And I understand why you people do that. After all the bureaucrats have to be in some media outlet, to give their expertise, if they drop the options to settle abroad or becomming the part of business mafias. You look for easy target to sell your writings and don't have courage to write complete truth about political dynamics and economic allocations in Pakistan. Peoples’ representatives are not the voice of nation and you are! What a Shame!!

Hira Shah | 14 years ago | Reply "it is also the media that has been debating problems and solutions of national economy more than our honored parliamentarians." as if they will agree!! nice piece!

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