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Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Journalist-turned-author Jagtar Singh's book traces Sikh struggles over a century
At a time when the Khalistan narrative, pushed by a section of Punjab-origin diaspora , is impacting India's relations with some of the Western countries , it is important to trace its origins. And that's precisely what journalist-turned-author Jagtar Singh's latest book, 'Sikh Struggle Documents 1920 to 2022' does. The book was released at the Chandigarh Press Club on Saturday. Singh, a former political correspondent of the Indian Express, said that the concept of Khalistan first emerged in 1940 as a response to the Pakistan Resolution adopted by the Muslim League. Initially proposed by Dr VS Bhatti of Ludhiana, the idea of an independent Sikh state garnered more attention from Congress than from the Akalis,he added. Jagtar got to witness the rise of militant preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from close quarters after he was transferred from Chandigarh to Amritsar in 1979. The book contains around 180 documents, including the communication between former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and the then Akali Dal president Sant Harchand Singh Longowal that paved the way for the signing of Rajiv-Longowal Accord in July 1985. These documents have not appeared in the public domain until now. In the present-day scenario, the author says, the Khalistan discourse has significantly strained India's relations with Canada and is seen as an irritant in the context of the United States, particularly following the foiled attempt on the life of Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The author's other books include 'Rivers on Fire – Khalistan Struggle', and 'Kalapani: Punjabis' Role in Freedom Struggle'.
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Industrial journey: lost potential and lessons for future
The industrial sector's raw material has also become significantly expensive due to the depreciation of rupee against US dollar. photo: file Listen to article We just celebrated March 23rd, a day that reminds us of the passing of the Pakistan Resolution in Lahore 85 years ago. It may sound fictional, but not far from the ground where this resolution was passed, the seeds of an industrial centre were sown by the 1940s. Lahore was becoming a hub of booming industrial enterprises, driven by hundreds of mistri-turned-entrepreneurs who worked under extremely difficult conditions, relying solely on their own efforts without government support or access to formal credit. In this article, I share some snapshots – and my reflections – from the book Technology Acquisition in Pakistan, authored by Ghulam Kibria and published in 1998. Kibria reveals that "...the Lahore mistris started acquiring technology in 1874 [thanks to the Railway Workshop at Mughalpura],... Ramazan and Subhan set up the first technology-based foundry in 1895 from their meagre savings, not from taxpayers' money . Nor was their technology acquisition part of [the] national plan. It was the same way Habibullah and his co-workers developed machining transfer line technology, Haji Abdul Majid [developed the] diesel engine [in 1920], Shafi [invented the] cinema projector, and other pioneer mistris developed various other technologies." By 1947, Pakistan had a significant industrial base that China, Japan, and South Korea did not possess at the time of their take-off. This included railway steam locomotives, wagons and carriages, steel hydraulic structures for canal regulation, steel bridges, diesel engines, machine tools, electric motors and fans, surgical instruments, and much more – including over 20,000 skilled workers. In 1948, BECO (Batala Engineering Company) was established in Lahore, producing high-quality, exportable machine tools and capital goods. When Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visited BECO, he wished China had attained similar manufacturing capabilities. China placed its first order for machine tools from BECO to set up its own machine tool manufacturing plant. However, in the 1970s, BECO was nationalised and renamed Pakistan Engineering Company (PECO). Ironically, when the government of China later gifted Pakistan the Heavy Mechanical Complex in Taxila, the machine tools used in its construction were manufactured in the very factory China had established with Pakistani assistance. Pakistan's first five-year plan, released by the Planning Commission in 1953, failed to acknowledge the country's existing manufacturing capabilities. "The government planned development as if Pakistan had no technological capability, while people carried out actual development on a significant technology base bequeathed at the time of independence," Kibria observes. Karachi becomes home to private capital Karachi was undergoing a different transformation in its formative years. Independence led to the migration of wealthy, entrepreneurial Muslim families who had previously established banks, insurance companies, shipping lines, and airlines – many financed by private capital before Pakistan was even created. Families such as the Habibs, Adamjees, and Cowasjees chose to migrate to Pakistan and settled in Karachi, then the country's capital. Unfortunately, many of these families were later co-opted by Ayub Khan's state-led capitalism, which stifled competition and growth. Incentives and licences were exploited by companies with access to the establishment, giving rise to crony capitalism and rent-seeking business elite. On the other hand, private enterprise continued to thrive in Pakistan. A private company, Kandawala Industries, began automobile production in collaboration with General Motors in the 1950s. In 1971, under a commission from the Pakistan Army, the company developed a four-wheel-drive vehicle under the brand Nishan, as an alternative to American jeeps. It successfully produced 115 vehicles, with 80% local manufacturing, including engines, at half the cost of its American counterpart. However, in 1974, the company was abruptly shut down when then-Minister of Production JA Rahim dismissed the project, writing, "How could you make them in backyard workshops as Nishan was made?" The state's appetite for assimilating private businesses was evident as early as 1956 when parliament passed a law to take over Orient Airways, renaming it Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The myth of tech transfer The phrase "transfer of technology" is often used in discussions on industrial policy. However, the technological base Pakistan inherited in 1947 was not transferred; it was largely developed indigenously through trial and error by self-trained individuals. One exceptional example of a state-led industrial programme is Pakistan's nuclear programme, which developed an entire value chain indigenously. Its civilian applications in health, agriculture, and power should be recognised and replicated. There are many inspiring examples of individuals who achieved success without state support. One such case is Imtiaz Rastgar, whose company, established in 1967, developed heavy axle-end assemblies for commercial vehicles and now exports to over 70 countries. In 2021, a US patent was awarded to Dr Sarah Qureshi and her father, Masood Latif Qureshi, for their invention of the "Supersonic Turbofan Engine," a jet engine designed to minimise noise pollution – all developed while working in Pakistan. However, commercialising their invention depends on overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and securing risk capital. The lesson: A new industrial policy should be discovered through co-evolution with industry while minimising protectionism. The key to prosperity lies in competition. THE WRITER IS THE FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MARKET ECONOMY (PRIME)
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM pledges to fight poverty, inequality
Extending greetings to the nation on Pakistan Day, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has pledged to fight poverty and inequality, and to protect the weaker sections of society. "On Pakistan Day, we pledge to use all our capabilities to include our beloved homeland in the ranks of developed nations," she stated in her message on the occasion. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "We pledge to take Punjab to greater heights according to the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam and other founders of Pakistan. On this day, we pledge to innovate in education, health and agriculture." She added, "We pledge to make Punjab the engine of Pakistan's economy and centre of development." The Minar-e-Pakistan was lit up with green and white lights in the country's largest light show to pay tribute to those who had presented the Pakistan Resolution at Minto Park in 1940. Minar-e-Pakistan, a monument of the Pakistan Resolution, began to illuminate the sky with national flag, as with the help of light, the image of moon, star and national flag appeared on Minar Pakistan. The white and green lights that shone on Minar-e- Pakistan adorned the sky. The architectural design of Minar Pakistan was also highlighted with the help of light. A large number of people watched the light show. The national flag was also illuminated on the Royal Fort, museum, Punjab Assembly, GPO and other historic buildings.
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM seeks joint efforts to build welfare state
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing a meeting on law and order situation in Quetta, Balochistan on March 13, 2025. SCREENGRAB Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday urged the nation to make dedicated efforts in line with Quaid-e-Azam's principles of unity, faith and discipline to achieve the dream of making Pakistan a prosperous and a welfare state. The prime minister, in his televised video message on Pakistan Day thanked Almighty and expressed his gratitude to the forefathers including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and others, whose foresightedness and wise leadership led to the creation of Pakistan as a separate homeland. He said that the Pakistan Resolution, which was passed on March 23, 1940 stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the forefathers to the cause of independence. The prime minister said that Pakistan's flag symbolized the steadfast resolve and struggle of our forefathers during the Pakistan Movement. "Today, Pakistan stands as a free and sovereign nation, for which we are thankful to Almighty," he added. He appreciated the contributions of Pakistan's armed forces, industries, education sector, and sportsmen making their mark on the global stage and bringing fame to the country with the parliament, judiciary, and executive also fulfilling their constitutional duties. He said that consequent to the untiring efforts, the government had achieved economic stability and the process of institutional reforms and structural changes was in progress. Prime Minister Shehbaz also saluted the courage of Pakistan's armed forces, police, Rangers, and law enforcement agencies for their continuous fight against terrorism. "Let us pledge to follow the principles of Unity, Faith, and Discipline, as laid out by the Quaid-e-Azam, and work together to build a great, developed, and welfare-oriented Pakistan," he remarked.
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan Day: Pakistan's largest laser light show at Minar-e-Pakistan
Listen to article On the occasion of Pakistan Day, under the guidance of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the country's largest laser light show was held at Minar-e-Pakistan. For the first time in this grand event, the individuals who presented the Pakistan Resolution at Manto Park were honoured with a display of lights. Late at night, Minar-e-Pakistan lit up with green and white lights, creating a breathtaking sight visible from afar. During the laser light show, images of the crescent, star, and national flag appeared on the monument, with every part of it glowing brightly. The architectural design of Minar-e-Pakistan was accentuated with the help of laser lights, highlighting its star-shaped base and enhancing its constructional beauty. The surrounding laser lights mesmerised the viewers, and a large number of citizens gathered to witness this historic moment. Other historical landmarks of Lahore, such as the Lahore Fort, Museum, Punjab Assembly, and GPO, were also illuminated with green lights, presenting a beautiful visual of the national flag's theme. The public praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for organising the spectacular light show and expressed their appreciation for paying the best tribute to Pakistan on this national occasion. Citizens remarked that the shimmering lights at Minar-e-Pakistan created a dream-like atmosphere, as if a procession of sparkling green and white stars was emerging on the horizon. The nation is celebrating Pakistan Day on Sunday with a renewed commitment to transforming the country into an Islamic welfare state as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The day marks the anniversary of the Lahore Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940, which laid the foundation for a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent. Celebrations began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered after Fajr for the nation's progress and prosperity. This year, the Pakistan Day parade was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr instead of its traditional venue at Shakarparian Parade Ground.
