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Category: ALI AKBAR DHAKAN

  • Life Sketch Of Dr Ali Akbar Dhakan

    Life Sketch Of Dr Ali Akbar Dhakan

    This is a book of an Autobiography of Dr. Au Akbar M. Dhakkan who reached up to the post of the Deputy Governor State Bank of Pakistan. The four scholars and renowned personalities of Pakistan viz Dr. N.A. Baloch, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Dr. Suleman Shaikh and Mr. Abdul Sattar Bhatti have written their forewords for this book which has been dedicated to all persons whose names have been mentioned therein. The author has selected the title of his autobiography as Miraculous Fortunes because of being belonged to a poor farming labor family having neither civic amenity at his birth place during the period of, per-partition. The authors
    birth date and year luckily coincides with the date and the year of Pakistan Resolution at Lahore on 23rd March 1940.Dr. N.A. Baloch in his foreword writes “It is but a miracle that a man whose parents had neither financial resources nor environmental amenities rose from the post of clerk and teacher to the position of Deputy Governor State Bank of Pakistan. After his retirement from Banking service, Dr. Dhakan has got registered the NGO namely Sindh Development Foundation and is steering it as its Chairman. He intends to establish Sindh Development Bank for providing micro-financial assistance to the poor, unemployed and jobless educated youth of small villages. Towards that end Dr. Dhakan has been publishing a prestigious monthly English magazine Sindh Economist of which he is the Chief Editor. Dr. Dhakan is an enlightened citizen of Pakistan who is ready to do his honest hard work for his country. The reading of his life story from this book will be a source of inspiration to the readers to participate in Dr. Dhakan’s project. An autobiography transcends a biography in revealing the personality and the inspiring ideals. This book besides, revealing the qualities of Dr. Dhakan’s character, highlights his career and contributions in the fields of economics, journalism and research in political, educational and sociological aspects of development.” Dr. Ishrat Husain Governor State Bank of Pakistan writes, “Dr. Dhakan enjoys the benefit of having led a life that has seen him gain prominence as a professional and also regard as a man of letters. He served the State Bank of Pakistan with distinction for a long period of time and has also been an active writer on various topics.” Dr. Suleman Shaikh writes, “Dr. Ali Akbar Dhakan is a well known Economist of Pakistan. The able writer has recorded the interesting events of his early life, the memories about the people, his teachers, relatives, colleagues his friends etc. His autobiography has become a piece of a person who was born in poor family and made his way to State Bank of Pakistan through his struggles and merit. This confirms the saying of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, “The talent is not related to the caste of a person, but is related to the struggle.” Mr. Abdul Sattar Bhatti, a well known social worker and leader of Larkana writes, “Dr. Dhakan is a son of the soil of Larkano Sindh Pakistan and Larkana has proved to be the provider of services and qualified helps for which it is being and will also be remembered for ever. His autobiography will provide not only the information about his achievements but the same will be a guidance book for the youngsters and all other knowledge seekers who will make sure during their life periods that this book of experiences will remain as a beacon of light for their fortunes which are obtained through incessant struggles and not through idleness and impotence, indigence and indolence”. This book has been written on about 700 pages and contains 28 chapters on Serial wise, Forewords, Preface, Family Background, Early Life, Primary and Secondary Education, Revenue Department, Village Aid Training, Agriculture Training Sakrand, High School Teacher at Badin, Mehar, Dokri Lalu Raunk, Ghari Khairo, Mubarak Pur, Warah, Piryaloi, Karani, Wasu Kathoro, Larkana, Jamshoro, Latifabad, Hyderabad, S.V. Training, Sindh University for Ph.D., Lecturer at Karachi and Larkana Colleges, P and D Government of Sindh, State Bank, Managing Director, Superannuation, Appeal to Humanity, How easy is to get justice, Sindh Development Foundation, Sindh Economist, Economic Studies, Some Memoirs, Family Members, Teachers, Relatives, Friends, Pages from Diary, Meaningful Words, Poetry about some subjects.
    In the end, it can be concluded with high spirits of appreciation that the author has delineated all facts about his life pattern and style without any hideout or shyness which shows that how the author is truthful, loyal, trustworthy and honest in his ideas and expressions of actual and factual account of his life struggles and endeavors. We as a Pakistani nation can pray for his prosperous and comfortable life and help him by purchasing and reading his book available with the author at telephone no. 021-34980110 and cell no.03003664472 or address A-106, Shanti Nagar Gulshan-e-Iqbal block 19 Dalmia Karachi-12.
     
    (MANZOOR HUSSAIN QURESHI)
    Bath Island, Karachi

  • Save the World Hertiage Sites in Pakistan

    Save the World Hertiage Sites in Pakistan

    Dear Friends

    Mohenjo-daro

    Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site located on the right bank of Indus River in Larkana District of Sindh. Dating back to the beginning of 3rd millennium BC, the 5000 year old city was one of the largest and earliest urbanised settlements in South Asia. The ruins were first discovered in 1922 and major excavations were carried out in 1930’s, however after 1965 further excavations were banned due to weathering and disintegration. Only one-third of the site has been revealed so far and site conservation works have been on-going since then.

    Taxila
    Taxila is an archaeological site located in the Rawalpindi District, 30 km northwest of Islamabad. The city dates back to the Gandhara period and contains the ruins of the Gandharan city of ‘Taksasila’ which was an important Hindu and Buddhist centre, and is still considered a place of religious and historical sanctity in those traditions.

    Takht-i-Bahi
    Takht-i-Bahi, meaning spring throne, is a Buddhist monastic complex dating to the 1st century BC located on top of a 152 m high hill. The ruins are located about 16 km from Mardan and 80 km from Peshawar. Sahr-i-Bahlol is a small fortified city, dating from the same era, located near Takht-i-Bahi. The historical complex is a complete Buddhist monastery consisting of four main groups; the Court of Stupas, a monastic complex, a temple complex, and a tantric monastic complex.

    Shalamar Gardens
    The Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore are two distinct royal complexes from the Mughal era. The Fort is located at the northwest corner of the Walled City of Lahore and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times during its history. The Shalamar Gardens are example of Mughal Gardens which were constructed by the emperor Shah Jahan in 1642. The gardens are influenced by Persian and Islamic traditions and cover 16 hectares of land area.

    Makli
    Makli is a necropolis in the archaeological city of Thatta dating back to 14th century. The monuments and mausoleums in Makli are built from high quality stone, brick, and glazed tiles representing the civilization of Sindh of the time. Tombs of famous saints and rulers including Jam Nizamuddin II are still preserved and are evidence of Hindu, Mughal, and Islamic architecture.

    Rohtas Fort
    Rohtas Fort is a garrison fort built by Sher Shah Suri, located about 16 km from Jhelum in Punjab, Pakistan. The fort is an exceptional example of Islamic military architecture, integrating artistic traditions from Turkey and the Indian subcontinent. It was built at a strategic location on a small hill alongside Kahan River to control the Ghakkars. Its name is derived from Rohtasgarh, the site of Sher Shah’s victory in 1539 over a Hindu ruler.

    Regards
    Shoaib Habib Memon
    Social Worker/Freelance Writer
    Thatta Sindh Pakistan
    Cell.0314 2090252

  • Autobiography of Mr.Fazalullah Qureshi

    Autobiography of Mr.Fazalullah Qureshi
    Mr. Fazalullah Qureshi belongs to sukkur.He got birth there on 19th November 1940 in a middle class political family.His father was a Muslim leaguer and had roots with all the leaders of Muslim league before partition and after independence of the country Pakistan.He got Primary education at sukkur.He was very much dynamic and social boy and remained in the company of some boys of his neighborhood.He preferred playing in the streets all the time with these boys,learning and studying in home and near by School upto the fourth class so it can be said that his foundation and background remained as an ordinary student.He did his M.A Economics and got post of Research Officer in Planning and Development Department as a class 1 officer on the quota of time being one unit or one province of west Pakistan having provincial capital at Lahore in 1967 .He passed the days at Lahore in making and becoming host of many high personalities and dignities who usually used to visit Lahore for their personal matters and also joining their various departments when appointed up till the break up of the one unit in 1970.He was posted in the planning and department of the new Sindh Government at karachi.Then, he got promotions and postings at Islamabad till his retirement as Secretary to Government of Pakistan,seeking his vast experience in various departments and also high esteem and reputation due to his personal relations with all the high dignities of political and bureaucratic stature.He has been awarded many posts and still he is working as the chairman and member of the Board of various institutions.It can therefore be observed that Mr.Qureshi has worked as an honest,hardworking ,eminently experienced with high grade acumen  officer.In his biography, he has not only delineated the account of his life but he throughout his life time, recorded various events related to politics and also to the victimization done to the officers of Sindh in various departments and organizations because of the dominant majority of the bureaucrats of other Provinces .On 24th December 2011,a launching ceremony of his autobiography was arranged in the Regent Plaza Karachi in the evening where most eminent scholars, retired bureaucrats, social workers, admirers and friends of Mr. Qureshi spoke and applauded the role and behavior of Mr Qureshi and gave their suggestions to complete the part two of the remaining period of his life i.e from 1984 to date in the way as he did in the part one of his autobiography as it covers his personal as well as historical events from his early life i-e 1941 to 1984 (43 years).As the writer of this letter also attended the launching ceremony, I was also extremely impressed by his work, writing style , personal behavior with his relatives and friends, superiors, elders, his contemporary as well as youngsters .All the audience in the hall was so much interested and showed their love, affection and attachment with his literary as well as informative book that all the copies were purchased and not a single copy was left out. I as an observer in the ceremony took notes of views and comments of all speakers and in the light of thereof as well as the author’s views with all my appreciations, suggest that ? (i) the rest period from 1984 to date may be completed facing all the odds and woes if any sooner the better (ii) For redressing of some problems, difficulties, victimization, injustice in recruitment as well as in service faced by all employees and officers belonging to Sindh being in minority in all departments, an Association in the name of Association for redressing of Problems of employees of SIndh province”, may be established and registered having HQS at Karachi and Islamabad (iii)The association will perform other assignments from time to time related to the social, educational and economic and financial aspects of life (iv) For necessary guidance of employees, a think tank may be set up to consider all the steps to be taken for the present and future generations (v) For meeting eventual and emergent expenses in the field of social, educational etc, a financial support program may be launched for the employees working outside their Provinces, towns, villages etc.
    The first problem now is about to determine as to” who will bell the cat” In this regard, Mr Fazalillah Qureshi may start his struggles to implement these suggestions through deliberations in gatherings to be arranged through SIndh Graduate Association.
    After reading the whole book my impressions about the book were(a unique way of writing and autobiography containing personal,political, social, administrative and service account during the active days or serving days in the Government job. Mr. Fazalullah Qureshi deserves all praises and appreciations.)

    Dr.Ali Akbar Dhakan
    Chairman Sindh Development Foundagion
    Karachi.
    Cell: 0300-3664472

  • MAKING SINDH MORE GREEN AND PROSPEROUS By iaoj on 04/06/2008

    MAKING SINDH MORE GREEN AND PROSPEROUS

    By iaoj on 04/06/2008

    By Dr Ali Akbar Dhakan
    The people of Sindh have suffered mentally, physically, economically, politiacally, socially due to ill- intensions of rulers who over took the reins of establishment and governance forcibly on the gun point and became kings by converting the Constitution from Islamic republic to one man Kingdom.

    In my life time (70 years), only riots, frauds, crimes of all kinds, mismanagement, bad governance, dishonest dealings, undemocratic policies and activities and one man show and rule have remained before the eyes and experience with the outcome of unproductive mind, fruitless progress and development.Only blames and accusations have since been listened from one party to other party, group to group, government to government, leader to leader, province to province, tribe to tribe etc.
    With in the period of 60 years, we have remained one half only and that is also under uncertain and transitoryposition.The great grief is felt for those who mixed up and favoured the power grabbers group for their own interests neglecting the national unity, soverignity and even existence of the country .The fate and result is that we are short in every commodity of daily use and face on account of such circumstances, the dangers and turmoils in the shape od mishaps of price hike, inflation, poverty, literacy, civil amunities and all inbalances in every sector of economy, governance, law and order situation and even in the minds of people and administrators. On the Political fronts, we have lost lives of many people of Pakistan by suicidal bombs and also precious lives of our Political leaders and the uncertain conditions prevail in the minds of people making them feeble minded and phychotrists, extremists andterrorists.It is why we contracted the fates of Pakistanis in lieu of money and thus no economic development took place resulting in less foreign investment and reduction in the productivity of agricultural crops and industrialproduction.The less income generation has brought recession in the market and price hike.
    On the economic side, the statement of the Finance Minister Govt. of Pakistan made on T.V channels on 9-4-2008 is the best testimony for the faltering economic scenarios in Pakistan and the financial mismanagement spread out by the Economic managers of the previous regime.The gist of statement is reproduced here with. ”The largest portion of the budget over run was because of Rs.138 billion subsidy on petroleum products and Rs. 70 billion and account of non- payment to Wapda, adding that no budgetary provisions had been made in that regard.An additional expenditure of Rs. 45 billion was incurred in importing Wheat and there was no budgetary provision for that either”.
    Sindh province is most badly affected area and the people of Sindh remained downtroden due to unemployment of Sindhi educated Youth.As there was no representation of Sindh in any organization, even a small post of office peon was not available for Sindhi people it is therefore high time for peoples party Government who have got the seat of policy makers to look after the interest of Sindhi people particularly in Sindh province to make up the generation gap of despondency and sense of deprivation from the minds of Sindh people.The following suggestions may immediately be implemented with necessary stress to make the rural areas of Sindh developed and Urbanised which is the only solution of the prevailing problems of socio-economic conditions.
    1.Do not concentrate people at one place.
    2.All industries and Factories may be established at the distance of ten kilo meters along side the super highways or other all roads.
    3.Separate Funds may be allocated for such new places of Industrial settlements.
    4.Rural rather Urban development may be launched.
    5.At 10th Km of each road, all aminities civil and security may be provided.
    6.Shopping centres may also be set up at 10th Km of the road.
    7.At other places, new roads may be constructed.
    8.Industries may be set up at the places where raw material for them is avilable.
    9.Near the sea side, Motor ways may be built and along side at both sides of them at 10th Km, towns and villages may be established.
    10.At the outset, all the freindly countries may be approached for financial help and assistance.
    11.All the investors may be requested and directed morally to take part in the new economic development scenario.
    12.All the landlords may be directed to participate to make the country green and developed.
    13.All the educated jobless young persons may be given training and skills in the different professions and businesses.
    14.New schemes and projects may be prepared by the local Government in their vicinities.
    15.The Military people may be engaged to help the civilians to work at the new projects.
    16.All the schemes will be from private sector. Only the funds and security will be provided by the Government.
    17.Small scale Industries or cottage Industries may be set up with priority.
    18.The river sides may be spared for cultivation of Crops, Vegetables and Fruits or gardens with necssary civil aminities.
    19.The existing big cities and towns may not be allowed to expand and they may be made the source of providing all kinds of materials and commodities to be needed in the newly launched Schemes and Projects.
    20.Remittances coming from other countries may be utilized for the new projects.
    21.All the people working in foreign countries may be facilitated to invest in such newly development shemes.

    —

    MISBEHAVIOUR WITH SENIOR RETIERED OFFICER OF STATE BANK.
    On 1st June 2008, usually I came to State Bank for my pension on my car driven by my driver.When we entered from the unusual gate at the side of Railway line, new security people looking like terrorists were sitting.They were identified first of all then they gave me entrance slip and then we moved further towards the building gate where another terrorist faced security man namely Ishaque asked my identification and when I identified him myself being a Senior Citizen of Pakistan and a retired Senior officer of the State bank visiting for getting my monthly pension, he ordered with his rowdy face my driver to park my car outside the State Bank buliding.I tried to admonish him that just after getting pension we shall go away but he was very arrogant and unethical.When I got my pension and came down the building, I could not find my car Toyota Corola No.APA 217.I searched my vehicle in SBP car parking place but I did not find it.When my driver saw me, he told about the misbehaviour of the same security man Ishaq who did not allow him to park the vehicle in the SBP car parking.The driver took me outside the building and I saw that my car was parked outside the building in an ugly Jam parked place having dangers of accidents and car lifting.
    The Governer is therefore asked as to how such terrorist like people have been appointed in the security of SBP and it may also be investigated as to who appointed such security men at the cost of the Local people of Sindh.TheSecurity man Ishaq and others like him seem to be having domiciled from other places and not from Sindh Province whose Quota of jobs in State Bank has been neglected since the very establishment of the office of State Bank ofPakistan.The security people are appointed for the Karachi office for which all such security people may be appointed from Sindh Province since a single man belonging to Sindh Province is not being appointed in other offices of State Bank throughout Pakistan.
    It is also pertinent to take disciplinary action against the said security man namely Ishaq and displaced from the service if he is not holding the domicle of Sindh province.If so all his documents may be got confirmed from the concerned quarters.

    Dr Ali Akbar Dhakan
    Ex-Executive Director State Bank of Pakistan
    Karachi

  • Dr.Nabi Bakhsh Khan Baloch

    Dr.Nabi Bakhsh Khan Baloch

          ali Akbar

    By Dr.Ali Akbar Dhakan

     

     

    Dr.Nabi Bakhsh Khan Baloch

    (A Versatile Scholar and Legend of Sindh)

     

     

    Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai Said:

    “All People are not beautiful,

    All birds are not goose blissful,

    Pleasant fragrance and sweet smell,

    People possess such qualities are occasional”

    Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Baloch was born on 16th December 1917 in the house of Mr.Ali Muhammad Khan Lighari in village Jaffar Khan Lighari Taluka Sinjhoro Distt. Sanghar. His ancestors had settled there a very long time ago migrating from D.G. Khan District, in the Punjab province, a Seraiki belt or South Punjab. Born in a rural area and orphaned at the very initial stage of life of only six months, he was looked after by his uncle Wali Muhammad Khan Lighari. At the death bed, his father Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan had willed  to educate his little new born child. Accordingly, Mr. Wali Muhammad khan implemented  the sweet will of his brother and arranged for early primary education near his village and then to Nau Shahro Feroze Maderasa for Matric, to Bahauddin College Junagarah for graduation and then to Ali Garah college, a learning seat for all India Muslims, for M.A. and L.L.B. After completion of his post graduation, he was awarded scholarship for doing Ph.D from USA Columbia University. After obtaining Ph.D degree in Education, Dr. Nabi Bakhsh returned and served the Sindh people in the Sindh University where he established the Education Department being its Director at the advice of his mentor Scholar Allama I.I. Kazi. All the life upto May 2011, Dr. Baloch devoted his life to the Sindh. He dedicatedly worked for the History, Culture, Language, Folk lore and architecture and art of Sindh. He wrote not only in Sindhi Language but he wrote in English, Persian, Arabic and other languages countless books, articles and many notes on every topic of the history and culture of Sindh. His contributions in English language relate to the following topics:

    1. He wrote articles for the Encyclopedia, Britannica on Sindh and Balochistan.
    2. The Encyclopedia of Islam.
    3. Unesco history of Central Asian Civilization (historical survey,
      750-1500)

                About a dozen books in English were written by him namely:

    1. Ghurrate Al Zijat by Al-Beruni (1973)
    2. Fathnama-e-Sindh (1982)
    3. Beruni and his experiment at Nardana (1983)
    4. The concepts and criteria underlined in the Holy Quran for the book (1991)
    5. Reflections of Evolution 1992
    6. Lands of Pakistan 1995
    7. Some Unpublished speeches and writings of Allma I.I. Kazi 1999,
    8. Education based on Islamic Values, 2000.
    9. A National system of Education and Education of Teachers, 2003.
    10. Sindh: Studies Historical, 2003.
    11. Sindh: Studies Cultural, 2004.

    From his above writings, it is considered that Dr. Baloch was a prominent English writer in the south Asia.

    In addition to these publications written in English, he also wrote the following books in English:

    1. Advent of Islam in Indonesia (Monograh)
    2. Development of Music in Sindh
    3. Great Books of Islamic Civilization
    4. Muslim Luminaries, 1988.
    5. And others many

    In Sindhi language, he wrote about 44 books on Sindh folk lore, Sindhi Dictionaries and in all he wrote more than 100 books during his life tenure of 94 years.

    He also wrote 10 volumes of crown size books on the Risalo of Shah Latif with necessary details of meaning, interpretation and historical back ground of about 29 parts (surs) of the Risalo.

    His year wise life sketch is as under:

    1929: He got admission in Nau Shahro Feroze Madersa.

    1936: He passed Matric from Bombay University.

    1936-37: He was admitted in Bahauddin College Jhunagadah.

    1941: He passed B.A in first class from the Bombay University.

    1943: He passed M.A in Arabic in first class from Ali Garah University.

    1946: He got admission in Colombia University USA and did M.Ed and Ph.D in Education in 1949.

    1951: He was appointed as Professor Education in Sindh University and remained there upto 1958.

    1961:  He wrote about 50 Research Articles.

    1973-76: He was posted as Vice-Chancellor Sindh University.

    1976-77: He was posted as OSD in Education Ministry Govt. of Pakistan.

    1977-89: He worked in Ministry of Culture and Tourism Govt. of Pakistan and as Member Board of Revenue.

    1982-90: National Hijra Council Advisor.

    He was Life Long Professor Eimrites of Sindh University and also Chairman of Allma I.I. Kazi Chair.

     His work, nature and way of handling affairs has been appreciated and admired by all national and international strata of people. He was the man of letters and words. He was honest, hardworking and punctual in all his official as well personal activities. He never wasted his time but utilized it in the best interest of the nation. He was so much knowledgeable that Dr. Hamida Khuhro called him as an Encyclopedia of Sindh. In the eyes of foreigners, he was totally genius and giant man but the local Scholars always said that Sindh will never see such an extraordinary man of such a high calibre and intelligentsia.

    Mr. Ziauddin Bulbul called him amongst the first liner scholars.

    Mr. Mohd. Umar chandr called him as an ocean of learening.

    Mr. Murad Ali Mirza considered him as a high class scholar.

    Mr. Niaz Hamayuni admired him as one equal to thousand hundred Scholars.

    Syed Imdad Hussaini called him a multidimensional personality.

    Mr. Mamtaz Mirza considered him as a real architecture of Shah Latif cultural centre.

    Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Lakho opined him as the highest class historian and researcher.

    Mr. Taj Joyo found him the founder of Sindhi Dictionary Researcher.

    Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Shaikh saw him as a great Educationist.

    Dr. Abdul Jabbar Junejo found him as an explorer of all aspects of life.

    Mr. Mohammad Kashif wrote that amongst all writers of the world, Dr. Nabi Bakhsh’s place is very unique.

    Dr. Abdul Jabbar Abid Lighari proved that the perseverance of Dr. Nabi Bakhsh fetched him many awards from the Government of Pakistan and Social Organizations of Pakistan. He obtained three awards like,

    (i) Tamgh-e-Pakistan, (ii) Tamgh-e-Husun Karkadgi, (iii) Tamgh-e-Imtiaz.

    Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan said that the treasures of culture, literature, history and education are hidden in the mind and chest of Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Baloch.

    Mr. Hameed Sindhi is of the view that all the esteem commanded by Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Baloch is due to his all hard work and honest dealings.

    Muhtaram Shaikh Ismail wrote that Dr. Baloch is clear and lucid in his expression and understanding.

    Mr. Abdul Rahman Mahessar said that there is no example of his service, he rendered in the field of culture and literature.

    Parwano Bhatti is of the opinion that our survival is in following the foot steps of Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Baloch. Professor Sahar Imdad is of the view that we are greatly proud of Dr. Baloch for his contributions in literacy, culture, history and interpretation of Shah Jo Risalo.

    Dr. Abdul Rahman Paleejo considered Dr. Baloch as the collector of all literary and cultural treasures from every corner of Sindh.

    Mr. Aziz Jafrani disclosed that Arabs are admirers of Dr. Baloch.

     Hafiz Habib Sindhi considered him as Ibn Batuta of Sindh,

     Rasul Bux Tamimi called him as an interpreter of Shah.

     Dr. Mohammad Saleem Akhtar found him as the man of Rural areas having simple and austere, honest and hardworking nature.

     Professor Afaq Siddiqui considered him as lover of literature and learning.

     Mr. Khalid Athar admired services of Dr. Baloch in the field of Music Folk lore etc.

     Professor Chand Bibi Sultana wrote that the reliable edition of Shah Jo Risalo has been completed by Dr. Baloch.

     Professor Nazir Ahmed said “In my dealings with Dr. N. A. Baloch, I was struck by his sagacity.

     Mr. Aziz Malak wrote that “Those who know Dr. Baloch, the renaissance man of Sindh, also know how busy he is. He reads, sleeps, drinks, eats and writes books”.

    Dr. Habibullah Siddiqui called him as Living legend of Sindh.

    Seema Qureshi wrote that Dr. Baloch never retires.

    Mr. Mohammad Usman Mangi called Dr. Baloch as an exemplary scholar.

    Professor Mohammad Fazil Shaikh stressed that Dr. Baloch must be awarded Ten titles of honour of “Shamsululema”.

    Professor Begum Khadeeja Baloch remarked her husband as a “Unique Sagacious man”

    Elder Son Dr. Muhammad Sharif Baloch called his father as a very learned and kind father.

    This Article writer’s views:   

    (1)       In 1969, when I did M.A. Economics, I was in search for the job of lectureship. My uncle late Ahmed Ali Dhakan gave me his visiting card for Dr. Baloch. I met him in his old Campus office and requested him about the job but he showed inability but at my request, he helped me to do Ph. D in Economics under Dr. N.A.G. Khan who was his neighbor those days.

    (2)       When I was Managing Director small Business Finance Corporation Islamabad in 1991, I used to pay my visit to Dr. Baloch who was then Advisor to Hijira Council. One day, at my suggestion he agreed with me to guide the future generation of Sindh to be ready to start commercial businesses for necessary livelihood to meet the problem of unemployment. Dr.Baloch wrote a book on the prevalent sources of Businesses and commercial activities in Sindh.

    (3)       After my retirement from State Bank of Pakistan, I was kept on the panel of Sindh University for the promotion and selection of professors in Economics by the then Vice Chancellor Mr.Mazahar-ul-Haq Siddiqui. In 2004, I went and attended such meeting in the chamber of the V.C. At some leisure time, Dr. Baloch and I discussed some disturbance, unrest and unfair happenings in our youth so I proposed Dr.Baloch to write an Agenda of Reforms for our future generations so that our future posterity should take right direction to live a peaceful and happy life. Dr.Baloch did not agree with my proposal but advised that every man should improve himself.

    (4)       In 2004 also, in another meeting at the V.C’s office, I requested Dr. Baloch to kindly write foreword for my autobiography which he promised and sent to me within a week’s time. When the book was printed, I again met Dr. Baloch at his old Campus Residence and gave him a copy of my Autobiography published in 2004. Dr.Baloch was very much happy to see my book and prayed for my happy and peaceful life.

    PAKISTAN ESTABLISHMENT ATTITUDE WITH DR. BALOCH

    A senior Professor of Islamic University Islamabad and Ex- Minister, Religions and Minority Affairs Govt. of Pakistan has shown his grief in his article on Dr. Baloch published in the third volume of Dr. Baloch, an Exemplary Scholar on page 6 and 7 as follows:

    “It is pity that the services, the dedications and sincerity of Dr.N.A. Baloch were not appreciated. What happened to him has happened in our history to many sincere and dedicated people. He soon attracted the wrath and displeasure of many who did not want his project, to take off. Jealousies of the peers and other position-hunters added to his difficulties. Problems were created in his way which he continued to face with courage, dedication and selflessness.

    He was unceremoniously removed from the office of the Vice Chancellor in August 1982.”

     

    A REAL TRIBUTE TO DR. BALOCH:

    Bernard shaw has rightly said that a man can reach to the climax of a mountain but he cannot dwell there long. Man is to die but his role he plays in his life will never die but remain alive. Dr. Baloch is no more in this world physically but his all contributory actions have enlivened him for ever spiritually. God gifted Dr. Baloch with unparalleled and unprecedented strength and stamina to work day and night on all subjects of life like literature, education, Shah Latif, history, culture, folklore and language of Sindhi etc. We are unable to count his contribution and measure his abilities and qualities of his work. He was a giant, zealous, ardent, enthusiastic, fervent, eager, adroit and dexterous with angel like instincts to maintain high sprit of struggles and endeavors for the development and progress of man’s educational and knowledgeable inner and external insights in all aspects and extremes of life. How, he lived and worked only his contribution gives testimony. All his contribution is available in the official and personal libraries of people throughout the world. However, it is not expected to find a scholar and educationist of his stature and level. We may pray to God to bestow Dr. Baloch with the awards and rewards of paradise and heaven in his new destiny. Now that we arrange conferences, Seminars and references for salvation of his soul or paying him our homage for his enormous service he rendered for the humanity but the actual and real, perpetual and everlasting homage to him will be to organize or establish “Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Khan Baloch world scholars Society”. All scholars and literary people of the world particularly Sindh may be taken as its members for which necessary financial and other material resources may also be collected nationally and internationally. In order to encourage the living scholars of Sindh, Dr. Ghulam Ali Alana may be allowed as the Chairman of the newly setup Society or (DNBWSS) and others as its members like Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo, Dr. Nawaz Ali Shouq, Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan, Inayal Baloch, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Sadhayo, Aijaz Qureshi, Dr.Aziz Rahman Bughio, Dr. Habibullah Siddiqui Dr.AbdulJabbar Junejo and others. During the lives of all Sindhi scholars, seminars, conferences and workshops on their lives may be arranged so that the living scholars should get encouragement to work and contribute more and more in the field of literature, history, culture, folklore, Shah Latif and other Poets of Sindh.

  • JATOI MASJID (MOSQUE)

    JATOI MASJID (MOSQUE)

    Alongwith Haji Hassan Ali Talpur, retired major Kaleem and Faiyaz Shah horticulturist of Multan and Driver Hameed, on 19th March 2012, my son Arbab Ali Khan arranged my visit to a Sacred Place Kotla Rahm Ali Shah Tehsil jatoi (Muzafargarh) where an earthly Paradise has been established by Almighty Allah (God) through the personal efforts of a gentleman, and the great Religious Philanthropist of the time, Dr Syed Ismail Ahmed Hussain Bukhari and his brother Syed Shakeel Ahmed Hussain Bukhari. On the evening of 31st January 2006, they both Syeds, put the Foundation stone of this Mosque in the Company of their reverend Mother and Father`s sister (Phuphi) and kept the name of the mosque as Sakeena tu Sughrah. This huge project was completed in a shortest possible period of about one and half year. The map Engineer and all masons came from Turkey who got a high length of unforgettable love and affection from both Syeds and worked with the highest zeal and zest to complete the project in the shortest possible time.

    Dr. Syed Ismail Ahmad Hussain Bukhari graced with piousness, religious mind, generous entity and regular prayers performer since his childhood has been serving and doing his job as a heart specialist in USA since 1975. He has established a free Hospital after his father`s name as Alkhaleel, a residential colony for poor of the area. He, every year, send for pilgrimage his father’s relatives and friends to Saudi Arabia, Kaabatullah Sharif.

    Since his very childhood, his main desire and ambition was to build a very beautiful spacious Mosque and Madressah (Islamic School). So for the establishment of both projects, he selected Turkish Engineers and Experts who completed the both projects using all the Turkish material like marble, tiles, windows, lanterns, electric buttons etc.

    For keeping the sacred job secret and to avoid the sense of dignity and showiness, he did not disclose the total cost incurred on these projects which might be estimated to more than Rs. 100 Million.

    God has revealed in the Holy Quran, “God graces those whom He favors.”

    It is for information of public that this sacred family has made this land as their abode since 250 years and serving the people religiously since then.

    The foundation of this village Kotla Rahm Ali Shah was put by Syed Rahm Ali Shah (first). Amongst the other religious personalities of the sacred family are Syed Karam Ali Shah, Syed Rahm Ali Shah (Second) and Syed Khalil Ahmed Shah. Amongst preachers belonging to these institutions are Maulana Sultan Mahmood Qureshi, Maulana Abdul Rehman and Maulana Khuda Bakhsh who preached and published Islamic knowledge for years and are all buried in the graveyard near their institutions .

    Near Mosque, Madressah has been established where all the modern education is imparted on the modern basis of computerization and internet .

    A good number of able teachers and students are living in the hostels of the Madrassah with free lodging and boarding facilities. English classes up to class Viii have been arranged with experienced teachers and it is expected, the classes up to class X will be started from the next coming academic year and InshaAllah classes will be upgraded up to the college and university level in very near future and according to the main aim of Dr Ismail Bukhari, Doctors, Engineers, M Phil, PhD Scholars will get these high academic degrees from this great Mosque and Madrassah.

    It has been observed that the students belonging to this Madrasasah got 1st and Second positions in classes of Matric and F.A from the Secondary Board of D.G Khan in the years 2009 and 2011 respectively by grace of God.

    It is also great pleasure to express that to look after all the affairs of these great institutions, Mufti Muhammed Junaid, the Turkish Coordinator has performed his services devotedly and dedicatedly.

    Dr. Ismail has delivered all powers to his capable and energetic younger brother Syed Shakeel Ahmed Hussain Bukhari to run and supervise all of these institutions who is doing his job for the sake of salvation on the Doomsday effectively and efficiently. Quran says “Advance in all pious works”.

    To pursue this verse at the distance of some acres from this mosque, Shakeel Mosque and a Madarssah have been built up. May God also favor His blessing for his generous and charitable act .

    In the Graveyard established near the Sakeena tu  Sughra Mosque, Makhdoom Syed Shabir Ahmad Hussain Bukhari, Makhdoom Syed Jameel Ahmad Hussain Bukhari former MNA(N) the father of Dr Syed Ismail Ahmad Hussain Bukhari and Syed Shakeel Ahmad Hussain Bukhari, Makhdoom Syed Khaleel Ahmad Shah are burried.

    Under the hands of Syed Sultan Mahmood Shah after whose name the Madrassah has been dedicated, the master of revolution Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi had accepted Islam and also other devoted religious personalities of Syed family are taking eternal rest in this graveyard.

    Syed Fiaz Shah, the senior Horticulturist Multan narrated all facts about his efforts to maintain the whole park of the mosque where he planted the greenery plants showing the name of Allah and Muhammed (SAW). Maulana Junaid made our visit informative by visiting every corner of the beautifully and charmingly buildup Mosque with the same designs and decorative material as the Ankara Mosque in Turkey. We visited Madrassah and met the principal  and discussed some matters with him about teaching  school education.I felt the place as an earthly paradise where angels are living and enjoying and performing God’s prayers in the pleasant and natural atmosphere of the green and spacious lawns surrounding the Mosque.

    As a humble observer, I feel my duty to give my comments for more and further improvements on these sacred premises and Institutions.

    1. The road connecting the Mosque from the main road to the area of Mosque not more than one kilometer may be got reconstructed on the basis of Motor way system.

    2. Along both sides of this link road, small shops may be constructed where shopkeepers can sell local handicrafts and other food items etc to the visitors who will get more charm from the commercial activities of the shopkeepers.

    3. Three star hotels and Restaurants may be built up for the rest and lodging and boarding of visitors who will get more pleasure from prayers performed in the beautiful Mosque. In this way, good purpose and usage of the Mosque can be achieved.

    4. A comprehensive library building with all sorts of books and journals may be built up for researchers and educators.

    5. Scholars may be appointed for Research work on every topic.

    6. Alongside both sides of the roads connecting the area of Mosque, estates for all kinds of factories, Industries, Residential colonies may be established.

    7. A separate building for University and colleges may be constructed with necessary Hostels for students, staff and teachers.

    8. An Auditorium Hall may also be arranged to hold periodical conferences, Seminars, Workshops etc on all topics and subjects.

    9. Scholars may be invited for such activities.

    10. If there is need of funds, national and International Donor agencies and Philanthropists may be approached so that any shortage of funds can be met without any hesitation or difficulty.

    Dr Ali Akbar Dhakan

    Former Deputy Governor

    State Bank Of Pakistan

         at present

    Chairman

    Sindh Development Foundation

    A-106 Shanti Nagar,near Sindhi Hotel,

    blk-19,Gulshan-e-Iqbal

    Dalmia Karachi-12

    Ph#02134980110

    cell#03003664472 

  • Sassi-Punnu grave neglected

     

    Sassi-Punnu grave neglected

    Published Apr 24, 2013 06:50am
     
     

    PERSIAN poet Hafiz says: “The pen lacks the tongue or the power to reproduce the story of love. In fact, even the craving for union is beyond expression!”

    Sassi was the daughter of a Brahman Hindu from Rohri who was thrown into the Indus. However, she was saved by a washer-man belonging to Bhanbhor, near Gharo district, Thatta. The washer-man raised her as his own daughter.

    At last a man named Punnu (Punhoon) from Balochistan married her. However, his father, Ari, the King of Ketch, did not like his son getting married to a low-caste girl, so he instructed his other sons to go to Bhanbhor and bring back Punnu at any cost. They visited Punnu as his guests and during the night they intoxicated him and his wife. Later, they put their brother on one of the camels and left. When Sassi woke up in the morning, she was shocked to find Punnu missing and all his brothers gone. She understood their trickery. She left Bhambhor immediately on foot in search of him.

    After crossing Pub Mountain, she reached the Harho range. She could not proceed further when her path was blocked by the Phor River. So she started retracing her steps. Soon she was accosted by a beastly goatherd who intended to molest her. Sassi prayed to God for protection. Immediately the ground below her feet started caving in like quicksand and she disappeared within seconds. Seeing the miracle, the goatherd repented sincerely, and to make amends for his misconduct, he made a grave in the site and became its custodian.

    Punnu found no peace of mind at Kech. He languished and soon became an invalid. Under the circumstances, his father allowed him to return to Bhambhor.

    During his return journey, Punnu happened to pass by the site where Sassi had met her death. When the goatherd came to know his story, he told him as to what had happened to Sassi. Punnu was beside himself on hearing the horrible news.

    He prayed to God to unite him with Sassi. Again the ground became quicksand and he soon disappeared into the bowels of the earth. So came to an end the tragic love story of Sassi and Punnu.

    Sassi’s resting place is said to be about 45 miles away in the Pub range to the west of Karachi. A local man of some importance, Haji Muhammad, constructed a simple mausoleum in 1980 over the joint grave of Sassi and Punnu. It is often visited by tourists.

    DR ALI AKBAR M. DHAKAN Karachi

  • JHANDEER LIBRARY (An Earthly Paradise)

    JHANDEER LIBRARY (An Earthly Paradise)


    I heard about this library in the BBC program in 1995 in an interview arranged by BBC correspondent Mr. Raza Ali Abidi from one of the brothers of the owners of this library. Since then I became fond of visiting this library but this year on 17th March 2012 when I visited Multan to stay with my eldest son Mr Arbab Ali Khan , the Gm NHA Southern Punjab at Multan, he arranged my visit to this library along with my friends Haji Hassan Ali Thoro Talpur , Shahid Hussain Vistro, Engineer Madani and Hameed Driver . We were lucky enough to meet with Mian Haroon Jhandeer, MBA (USA) son of Mian Ghulam Ahmad Jhandeer who very kindly introduced about all the backgrounds of the library and enlightened us with their future planning and proposals .He very kindly hospitalized us with his gracious, flavored and delicious refreshments. I promised him that I shall compile my comments and send to them very soon. My personal observations, ideas, proposals and comments are as follows:

    About 90 Kms away from Multan, on the Vehari Road, in tehsil Mailsi Distt. Vehari, there is a small and rural village, sardarpur Jhandeer at the distance of 15 Kms from the Mailsi Town. This town was established by Sardar Muhammad Jhandeer, in 1961 having a railway station also after his name. In the similar design as the Islamabad Mosque, there is a big Mosque with about eighty feet high minaret and can be seen from the very distant places. Near this Mosque, there is a Private unique library after the name of Masood Jhandeer who had two brothers namely Mian Mahmood Jhandeer and Mian Ghulam Ahmad Jhandeer. At present, Government of the punjab has opened two middle schools, one for boys and the other for girls, a Rural Health Centre, a Veterinary Hospital, electricity, Telephone Exchange, a bank, post office and a telegraph office but the road linking this village connecting the main Road is not double carriage motor way and is therefore prone to dangerous accidents .
    The library has about 300 thousand books and one hundred thousand magazines and journals on all subjects and topics in all the languages. Being the largest Private library, it has a distinguished position to possess about 2000 books on religious and about 1100 copies of the Holy Quran written in different Calligraphic designs. There is also a volume of ten Paras (Separas) of handwritten Holy Quran weighing 100 Kgs lying on a large table and for turning its pages, two persons help is required.
    In order to accommodate the increasing number of books, a new big double storey building of 20 rooms, has been constructed costing about Rs.20 million. A guest Room has also been arranged in this building with the facilities of free lodging and boarding for the visiting readers and research Scholars.
    For the preservation of books, a book binding department has been setup equipped with a cutter and Xerox Machines. Now, all the arrangements have been made to get all the material and documents computerized for which IT and computer staff has been appointed. Sada-e-Cinema Iranian Broadcasting and Television Corporation telecast a documentary film about this library via satellite in 1995.
    The same year, BBC also visited the library and a senior and learned BBC corespondent interviewed Mian Ghulam Ahmad Jhandeer and discussed about all the facts and future planning for the more development and expansion of the library. Mr Abidi highly appreciated the personal efforts and struggles taken for the maintenance of this big library by three brothers i.e Mian Masood Jhandeer, Mian Mehmood Jhandeer and Mian Ghulam Ahmad Jhandeer .
    Since Masood Jahndeer Library, a reference library having a huge number with a variety of religious, national, historical, literary, cultural, heritage, educational and socio-economic books, magazines, journals and other material, is being visited by several Research Scholars, M Phil and Ph.D students, District management officers under training, vice chancellors of universities , professors, principals of colleges , Doctors etc to acquire the needful source material from the library to quench their thirst of Knowledge, research and other information about the subjects and topics they want to compile and analyze their reports and working papers .
    To accommodate all the available material and books in the computerized form, a wide and spacious building has been built up costing about more than Rs. 20 million on the area of 10 acres on a very open and greenery ground surrounded by cultivated lands with all kinds of seasonal as well as cash crops i.e cotton, sugarcane,wheat, vegetables etc.
    It looks like earthly paradise where all angels reside, roam and enjoy natural beauty and attractive hygienic atmosphere. But I was bit sad to see that the usage of such a treasure of educational facility was not properly made because of being away from the urban areas or towns from where people could visit and use this source material frequently. In order to make the best use of this facility, in my opinion, the following steps may be taken immediately by the philanthropist owners of this library:

    1.As there is a vast and wide land available spread out all the sides and surroundings of the library, a well established building for University named as Haroon Jhandeer University covering all sciences, IT, Arts, Commerce, linguistics, international relations, socio economic politics subjects, may be constructed, starting from the very Primary education and gradually upgraded to secondary, college and University level.

    2.For lodging and Boarding of the students, necessary Hostels may be constructed. For poor boys belonging to far-flung areas, all these facilities may be free.

    3.Along the road linking the library from the main Multan-Vehari road, different estates for factories, industries and other commercial shopping centers and residential colonies may be arranged.

    4.A motor-way road may be constructed through the personal, Government and Philanthropist, local as well as International agencies and countries.

    5.Meanwhile immediately an Auditorium or conference Hall may be constructed at the roof of the newly constructed library building where national Scholars may be invited to discuss for the implementation of the above proposals along with other subjects literary as well as Socio-economic matters.

    6.Near the library, along both sides of the road, small shops may be buildup for commercial purposes. 
    For meeting if not all but to some extent, expenses for the development of these proposed projects, about Rs.100 million ( or one million US dollars) are tentatively required for which worldly donors, philanthropists, UAE and Abu Dhabi rulers will be approached through personal sources, friends, coordinators etc.

    7.Small Restaurants, a five star hotel may be constructed for the visitors and other research scholars.

    8.A detailed brief for this project will be prepared after discussions in the above proposed conference/seminar.

    Dr Ali Akbar Dhakan
    Former Deputy Governor
    State Bank of Pakistan
    Presently
    Chairman
    Sindh Development Foundation
    A-106, Shanti Nagar Near Sindhi Hotel
    Block 19, Gulshan-e-Iqbal
    Dalmia karachi-12.
    Ph# 021-34980110,
    Cell# 03003664472

     
     
     

  • MYSTIC POETRY OF SHAH ABDUL LATIF BHITAI

    MYSTIC POETRY OF SHAH ABDUL LATIF BHITAI        

    BY DR.ALI AKBAR DHAKAN


    Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai was born at Hala Haveli(Family House) in Taluka Hala of Hyderabad District now Matiari District.His ancestors came from Hirat and settled in Sindh.His great grand father,Shah Abdul Karim of Bulri was also a renowned poet and a saint.His father Syed Habib Shah was a pious man and was in Hala Haveli when Shah Latif was born in the year 1689 and passed away in 1752 at the age of 63 years.Since his very childhood he was very humble and obedient son with high and pious feelings and thinking.He was devoted and dedicated human being with the ideology of kindness and faithfulness with all poor or rich,youngsters or elders,local or outsiders,Muslims or Hindus.From the poetry of Shah Latif Bhitai,it is clear that man is mortal and he has come in this world as a guest of some days so he has to live as helping hand and loyal with others.Shah has given many teachings and admonitions to all human beings for their better lives to be passed in this world and earned their reward for them in the coming or next world.His main teachings are:
    Make efforts even in the severe cold or heat.
    Do not say to any body in response to his bad words.
    Rely only on your own efforts,hardworking and honesty.
    Seek help from God only in your hardships and natural calamities.
    Have patience in difficulties and mishaps.
    Thank God for His bounties bestowed upon you.
    Be kind and sympathetic to all.
    Be punctual in your duties,prayers and welfare activities.
    What ever you need,demand from your Almighty Allah(God).
    Take care of your all belongings.
    Feed the hungry and help the needy.
    Be balanced with your neighbors and relatives.
    Respect your parents and pray for their good health and well being.
    Give their legal rights to your  wife or wives.
    Pray to God for His mercy and salvation.
    A sleeping man can not create Kingdom.
    Numerous People visit and  pay tributes to those who awakened and passed lives in prayers of God even after their death. 
     Now,melody-wise elaboration of Shah latif’s poetry is given in the following 
    23 Surs or Melodies which have been taken from a book of Agha Saleem namely The poetry and Mystic Thought of Shah Abdul Lateef Bhittai:
    1.Sur Kalyan (Melody of Peace)
    Kalyan is a Sanskrat language word meaning inner peace or well being.The first poem in this melody is about the Creation and Oneness of Almighty Allah as follows:
    Allah,the very first,the Omniscient,the Supreme,the Lord of universe,the Omnipotent is there since infinity by His omnipotence,the uncreated,the Lord,the One,the Unique,the Provider,the Master,the Merciful,Praise the true Master by singing hymn of wisdom,the Generous One Himself sustains the universe.About our Prophet(PCBUH)Shah Latif says,”Whosoever believed that God is one,and heartily affirmed that Muhammad(pbuh) is the cause and source of creation,none of such believer’s boat ever touched unfavorable landing.”Our Poet elucidates the mystic perception of God,the Pireen meaning Beloved,”Your manifestations are in billions,Your essence is in every being,but appearances are variant to one another,O! my Beloved,how can I enumerate attributes?” 2.”He is this,He is that,He is death,He is the Beloved,He is the breath,He is the enemy,He is the guide.”

    2.Sur Aeman(Melody of Harmony) It is a continuum of the above poem Sur Kalyan containing lover’s all afflictions “You are the beloved,the healer,the potion for pain,O beloved! I suffer from varied maladies,cure the patients of their afflictions O Lord!” 2.” You are the beloved,the physician,and the remedy of pain,curative are your sweet words for my aching heart,I crave for you as other physicians’medicines don’t work.” 3.” You are the beloved,the physician,and the medicine for those who are down with affliction,You cause the sickness,You cure it and You are the Guide and the Lord benevolent,strange that You make the worldly physicians ineffective.”  
    3.Sur Srirag (Melody of Voyage)containing situations about the sea and seashore swarming with ships,vessels,galleys and boats.The Poet says,”Current is swift,tide is ever rising,and anchors can not stay,even big ships sail against the current with full force,the seafarers use ballast to steady their boats on the sea,I have heard pilots telling hair-raising tales.” 

    4.Sur Samoondri (Melody of Seafarers) showing grief feelings  of wives when their husbands are leaving them to start voyage in the sea for fishing purpose.The Poet says,”Those were the days of blooming youth when the beloved embarked on voyage,even my tearful imploring could not make them stay,o mates what should I do? he set the sail leaving me on spikes.”

    5. Sur Sohni (Melody of unflinching love)telling a story of love of a girl of a village.She used to meet her beloved swimming in the nearby river by the help of a baked water pitcher.But one day her mother in law changed it and put an  unbaked pitcher so it broke and she drowned in the river.On her cries her beloved Sahar or Mehar also jumped into the river to protect her but he also drowned.The Poet Shah Latif says,”Break the unbaked pitcher,go into the deep waters with love,O Sohni,longing leads the real lovers to their destinations.Love is boundless,so is the grief of love,there is no limit to yearning,nor to grief,Love knows no numerations;it alone can find its own depth.” 

    6.Sur Sassui(Melody of Odyssey of Being).Sassui was very beautiful so her father named her Sassui meaning Moon.As told by a Soothsayer for her as unlucky girl,her father a Hindu Brahman threw her in the sea and was taken by a washer man of Bhanbhore near Karachi.She was married with a Baloch of Makran namely Punhun.His brothers one day came to his house and gave them some drug in the night and abducted both in asleep but they threw Sassui in the big mountains near Gadap and took away Punhun to Makran but he returned from there and met Sassui in her Grave in the mountains where she had been left by the brothers of Punhun.Shah Latif says,”Sassui crossed that mountains,which had defeated men,how much lofty the mountain be,it is plain for those who are in love.”

    7.Sur Leela(Melody of Repentance).This is a story about the exchange of her husband Chanessar with Kounroo for her Diamond necklace for a night only but Kounroo told Chanessar that his wife Leela exchanged him for her necklace so Chanessar annoyed with his wife Leela and did not go to his wife Leela so she repented with great grief.Shah lateef says,”Leela,if you have learnt lesson,give up all scheming,roll your headscarf round your neck as a sign of complete submission,If you beseech him for forgiveness he will never ask you to leave.If your entreaties can bring your consort back,placate him with sobs,continue your entreaties,this is a place where only entreaties count.If he is not moved by your entreaties,persist in your entreaties,do not give up hope,the beloved is immensely merciful.”

    8. Sur Moomal Rano(Melody of Self Redemption).Raja Nando,a Gujjar Rajput King once ruled over upper Sindh from his capital at Mirpur Mathelo.He had nine daughters two of whom were Moomal and Soomal.Rano liked Moomal and used to visit her in the night on his camel.When Rano could not reach Moomal for many days and one night when Rano came and saw another man sleeping with Moomal in the night ,he left Moomal and never visited her but actually that another man was no body but she was Soomal in the dress of Rano as advised her by Moomal.In the morning when Moomal saw the stick of Rano on her bed she understood that Rano had come but seeing Soomal sleeping in the dress of a man near Moomal he left her and he did not visit Moomal again.Moomal realised her mistake and repented and tried to meet Rano but all efforts went  in vain.Shah Latif says,” Wherever may I ride my camel,it is radiance all around,within me is crimson Kaak (Moomal’s Palace)within me is brilliant Ludaano,all is Raano,there is nothing but Raano.”

    9. Sur Umer-Marui (Melody of Chastity).This is story of a village virgin beautiful girl of Malhir Thar.She was taken by a King of Umerkot Thar namely Umer to his palace and tried very much to marry her but she could not be cheated but she protected her chastity.Umer atlast returned Marui with  esteem and respect to her parents in Malhir. Shah Latif says,”Pining for my homeland if I die,take my dead body to my homeland,let me buried beside my herdsmen in Thar,I will be alive in death if my dead body were sent to Malhir.”  
    10. Sur Kaamoad(MELODY of Humidity).This is story of Jam Tamachi the King of Thatta near Keenjhar Great Lake.The King selected Noori as his wife from amongst other many beautiful and rich family girls or ladies.Shah Latif says,”You are the Samma King,I am a Gandri fisher maid,the embodiment of all imperfections,perceiving the beautiful faces of your queens,see that you do not turn away from me.”

    11. Sur Ghatoo(Melody of Killers).This is story about Karachi when it was a small placid village being called as Kolachi after the name of an old woman who was the head of the village.A fisherman namely obhayo had seven sons,the youngest one was Morio.His six brothers were killed by a Killer whale(Mangar Machh).The younger brother Morio took revenge of their brothers by killing the whale with his great trick and bravery.Shah Latif says,”Now that I have borrowed fish,bring my fish catchers back,O God,O Lord,do not let me down before the fish merchants,it is now in their absence that my pride has come to appreciate their worth.”

    12. Sur Sourath ( Melody of Enthrallment ).This is story about a Rajpoot King Rae Dyach who ruled over Kathiawar with capital at Girnar.He married Sourath but Beejal got his head by music of Surando( a music instrument) as he was great fond of music.Shah Latif says,”Beejal asked the king,”Are you giving me word of honor o king?,yes,I give you word of honor,king replied,you ask for any boon and I will give it to you,then give me your head o king.”

    13.Sur Kedaro(Melody of Martyrdom).In Islamic history a great tragic event has occurred.The family of the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh)was martyred in the desert of Karbala near Koofa Najaf in Iraq by Yazeed in the Muslim month of Muharram in 61 A.H.(681 A.D.)Shah Latif Bhitai says,”The hardship of martyrdom was a rain of mercy,Yazeed knew not,it was a sign of love,the Imams have an eternal covenant to die.”Shah Sb further says,”The hardship of martyrdom was divine grace,only perfect devotees can comprehend the mystery of Karbala’s occurrence.”

    14.Sur Sarang ( Melody of Clouds ).Sarang is a Hindi word,having manifold meaning like deer,cuckoo,pearl,lotus flower,cloud,etc. In Sindhi language Sarang means cloud connoting rainy season.Shah Latif says,”Rainy season has set in,I will dye my dress crimson,my friend cloud again means to rain.O my beloved,without your shelter,I shiver in cold,right from evening,O you perfect one,without you I shiver even under the quilt,I live in a hope that God will bring you back.”

    15. Sur Aasa(Melody of Transcendence).It means philosophic thought of oneness of being or in the words of Ibn Arabi”Absolute Unification.”Shah Latif says,”I search in limitlessness,and find not limit of the Guide,Beloved’s beauty has no shape,on our part yearning is limitless and on His part is the indifference.”

    16. Sur Rip–Barvo(Melody of coming out of oneself).Love is a creative force,an instinct that man has been giving expression to since ancient times in varied ways like poetry,cave carvings,music rituals and mythology.Shah Latif says,”You are my Lord beloved,I am merely a servant,clasping my hands I do obeisance to you,I will not leave your door even for a moment my friend,never ever deprive me of your grace my love.”

    17.Sur Khahori ( Melody of Seekers ).It means snake charmers who earn their livelihood by charming and catching snakes.Shah Latif says,”I saw seekers,who rest not even for a while,they explore mountains for wild fruit in extreme heat,having obtained it,they happily hum in forest.”

    18. Sur Ramkali(Melody of Discovering Lord in Nothingness).It is about ascetic Yogis who forsake world,abandon all worldly comforts and are wandering in wilderness in search of Brahma,the Absolute..Shah Latif says,”When all desires,which cling the heart,fall away then the mortal becomes immortal,and in this life finds Brahman.” 

    19. Sur Poorab(Melody of the East).It means the East telling story about spinning girl’s feelings and ascetics who blowing their conshells are proceeding to eastward for pilgrimage.Shah Latif says,”Never make crow your messenger as it feeds on carrion,will he think of his stomach or go to friend’s door?,one who can only caw conveying message is not for him.O my beloved’s crow,come,say something pleasant,you smell of spring’s fragrance,and have a maund of musk,on your way to me cross beloved’s courtyard,so that seeing you my body may be relieved of all anguish.” 
    20. Sur Karayal(Melody of Peacock,Swan and Cobra).Those days Poetry was considered to have something in it of the divine that enabled poets to say things,which no ordinary person could say and was beyond rational powers. Shah Latif says,” Why don’t you delve into the deep where there are pearls? What have you to do here on the bank?”

    21. Sur Pirbhati(Melody of Dawn).It is story about Jam Sapar or Pahar Khan was a generous and fond of music.So early in the morning lyricists or bards called as Charans demand alms or charity at the doors of his Palace by using their musical instruments.It is an oral tradition that once he gave hundred horses in charity to a bard.Shah Latif says,”Forget all skill,be ignorant naive,seek alms then,last night Sapar had high breed horses kept for you,the Lord of Lasbella blessed those,who do not know singing.O minstrel,remember Sapar in every breath,never forget him,replace strings of your fiddle with those of silver,present yourself before him,imploring and entreating.”

    22. Sur Dahar ( Melody of the Days bygone ).Lakho Phulani was the son of Jam Phul,the ruler of Kach Bhuj.He had married five wives from different strong Rajpoot clans.His one wife was from Rebari clan and Lakho Phulani was born of her.He was young and handsome and very dear to his father.Rajas and other tribal heads were sucking poor peoples blood and became bandit.Lakho mounted his black mare namely Lakhi attacked the enemy with his two friends,Jaso and Jasraj on his left and right.Shah Latif says,”There were lakhs of Lakhos but Phulani is of singular kind,the Oads(Mud workers) were freed of all fears after coming under his protection.”

    23. Sur Bilawal(Melody of Valor).It is story about bravery and munificence which were considered as high human values.Dodo and Chanessar were brothers.Chanessar being elder was entitled to ascend the throne but all the chieftains voted for Dodo and ascended the throne.Chanessar went to the King Allauddin of Khilji tribe to Delhi for help.He defeated Dodo and killed him.Shah Latif Bhitai says,”O Samma,you wear the crown otherwise there are many turbaned men,people crowd at your door,everyone gets alms according to the capacity of his bowl.”


    DR ALI AKBAR DHAKAN
    Chairman
    Sindh Development Foundation
    A-106 Shanti Nagar Dalmian
    Gulshan Iqbal Block 19 KARACHI-12 PAKISTAN
    Dated: 16-11-2014
    Cell# 03003664472
    PTCL:021-34980110

  • AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN PAKISTAN

    AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN PAKISTAN

    BY DR. ALI AKBAR M.DHAKAN

    It is an old maxim that Pakistan is rural and rural is Agriculture which means the word agriculture is conglomeration of two words (i) Agri means field or soil (ii) Culture means cultivation or growing of crops, fruits, vegetables or other food items for human beings and even for animals or livestock  performing tillage practices by human labor with the help of animals labor also Since centuries for the human existence, Agriculture has remained the mainstay of the economy and therefore before and after the existence of Pakistan in 1947, Agricultural sector is the key sector of the economy and accounts for 21 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country which was more than half of the total GDP in 1940s. The share of employment in agriculture has also declined from more than 65 percent of the labor force in 1950 to about 48 percent today. The growth rate stood at 3.1 percent in 2012 against 2.4 percent in 2011. All crops accelerated growth of 3.2 percent compared to a negative growth of 0.2 percent last year. The major crops including cotton, sugar, sugarcane and rice achieved growth in production of 18.6 percent, 4.9 percent and 27.7 percent respectively. However, estimates of Wheat production showed a negative growth due to late receding of flood waters in lower Sindh hampering the timely cultivation of the Wheat crop during the year 2011-12. Agriculture being the lynchpin of the economy continues to be the single largest force for the growth and development of the national economy supporting 50 percent of the population for their livelihood, contributing one-fourth of the GDP and meeting food requirements of the ever increasing population and providing raw material requirements to agrobased manufacturing units such as textile, sugar, tobacco, wood, cooking oil and food and fruit processing enhancing the foreign exchange reserves through exports. Having such an important place of being the single larger sector of the economy, no proper attention could be attached but was neglected for which ill effects appeared on the productivity of the sector recurring food shortages in 1950 and there after. Consequently, for the first time, Pakistan imported over eight thousand tons of wheat in 1952-53 putting heavy burden of import bill on the economy which increased to import of food items of one million ton per year. After fifties, government assigned priorities to boost up the production of agriculture and through the 5 years plans in early sixties, essential inputs i.e. improved seeds, fertilizers and pesticides were provided to the farmers. The high yielding seed varieties known as Max-Pak of wheat and rice were popularized amongst the farming community. All the inputs including machinery i.e. Tractor and Plant protection equipments were subsidized. Various experts have observed that the policies initiated in the beginning of the 1960s, started yielding convincing results in the late 1960s thus the phenomenon was rightly referred to as the “Green Revolution”. The remarkable achievements of the revolution also encouraged the process of mechanization in the country.

                The substantial progress made in agricultural sector, crop yields per hectare of land in Pakistan are still lower than many other developing countries. The majority of the population engaged in cultivation of crops cannot produce adequate supply of food and fiber at reasonable prices for the small segment of people working in other sectors, indicates a low level of productivity in crop and livestock production.

                The yield per hectare of the major crops of Pakistan is very low as compared to the yield per hectare of these crops in the developing countries as shown in the following table.

    Table I: yield per hectare of main crops in major growing countries.

    Crop

    Country

    Yield (kgs.)

    Pakistan as %

    Wheat

    China

    Egypt

    France

    Germany

    India

    Mexico

    USA

    Pakistan

    3907

    6150

    6255

    6503

    2773

    4788

    2974

    2381

    60.9

    38.5

    38.1

    36.6

    85.8

    49.7

    80.1

    Rice

    China

    Egypt

    Japan

    India

    Bangladesh

    USA

    Vietnam

    Philippine

    Pakistan

    6118

    9431

    5871

    3034

    3429

    7448

    4649

    3216

    3055

    49.9

    32.4

    52.0

    100.6

    89.0

    41.0

    65.7

    95.0

    Maize

    China

    Canada

    France

    India

    Indonesia

    Italy

    Turkey

    USA

    Mexico

    Pakistan

    4854

    7819

    7170

    2130

    3279

    8702

    3826

    8924

    2526

    1457

    30.0

    18.6

    20.3

    68.4

    44.4

    16.7

    38.0

    16.3

    57.7

    Sugar Cane

    China

    Brazil

    Egypt

    India

    Ecuador

    Mexico

    USA

    Pakistan

    70708

    72825

    90909

    67442

    77978

    70614

    77290

    47934

    67.8

    65.8

    52.7

    71.0

    61.5

    67.9

    62.0

    Source: Govt. of Pakistan (2004), Agriculture Statistics of Pakistan 2002-2003

                From the above table, it is clear that Pakistan is producing one third of the wheat yield per hectare as compared to Egypt and less than two third of China’s whereas Pakistan’s Rice yield is one third of Egypt’s and nearly half of China. India, Indonesia’s maize per hectare yield is much more than that of Pakistan’s when the sugar cane yield of Egypt, India and Ecuador is higher than of Pakistan’s.

                The Need of agricultural mechanization of farms means the use of machines for conducting agricultural operations, replacing the traditional methods which involve human and animal labor. It is one of the packages of green revolution technology. It implies the use of mechanical technology in the varied farming operations like sowing, harvesting, thrashing, leveling, watering, spraying, weeding etc. It includes chemical technology or plant protection measures hydrological technology or tube wells and mechanical technology or tractors, thrashes, Bulldozers etc. Arguments in favor of farm mechanization are:

    1. INCREASE IN VOLUME OF PRODUCTION: Farm Mechanization has helped in increasing the volume of agricultural production.

    2. ENCOURAGES MULTIPLE CROPPING: Farm Mechanization encourages multiple cropping which was not possible under traditional farming.

    3. REDUCES DEPENDENCE UPON ANIMAL POWER: Farm Mechanization reduces dependence upon animal power which is costly and also slow in operation.

    4. DIVERSION OF LAND FROM GROWING FODDER: Farm Mechanization makes it possible to divert the land used for growing fodder for animal power. The same land can be brought under cultivation of growing food and nonfood crops.

    5. GREATER AREA UNDER CULTIVATION: Farm Mechanization saves labor, makes the job for leveling and preparation of land helps in bringing more land under cultivation.

    6. INCREASE IN LABOR PRODUCTIVITY: Farm Mechanization increases self sufficiency of farmers and raises the output per worker.

    7. TIMELY WATER SUPPLY, SPRAY ETC: The timely availability of water supply from the tube wells, the use of new package of modern inputs has been made possible only with the help of Mechanization. The use of modern inputs increased the yield of crops.

    8. REDUCTION OF COST: Due to efficient use of resources, through the mechanized farming the cost of production of various crops goes down.

    9. INCREASE IN INCOME: Mechanization helps in increasing income of farmers by minimizing pre and post harvest losses.

    10. PROVISION OF FARM EMPLOYMENT: It provided off farm employment to the population living in rural areas.

    11. SELF SUFFICIENCY IN FOOD: Mechanization of agriculture helps in achieving self sufficiency and surpluses in food and other crops.

    In 1951, the Agricultural Inquiry Committee appointed by Government of Pakistan pointed out that although mechanization is labor saving, the power constraint of the agricultural sector could be overcome with the use of tractor. The Committee noted that the availability of power for agricultural purpose is about 0.1 horse power HP per acre as against a recommended minimum of 0.2 HP per acre. The tractor may be a labor substitute or complement. Therefore, the use of tractor should be appreciated if it increases productivity neutralizing the adverse effects of labor displacement. In favor of mechanization, there are two views: (1) The substitution view. Between two different sources of power tractor and drought animals, tractors can be an important engine of growth being cheaper relative to animal labor and therefore has a negative impact on employment. Secondly, the net contribution view argues that tractor, through deeper tillage, timely operation and reclamation of land would lead to higher yields, both directly and through more extensive double cropping which will bring higher level of outputs requiring more labor in those operations not being performed by the tractor which will contribute to increase productivity without displacing labor bringing no adverse effects on employment objectives.

                The danger of unemployment on account of the use of mechanization has been averted by many researchers  and scholars in their studies conducted from time to time pointing out that mechanization would be of great help to get the maximum benefits in terms of higher output and employment. Some Scholars point out that mechanization in the Punjab and Pakistan has increased the labor requirements rather than displacing them, the rice yield of the mechanized farms is nearly 40 percent higher than that of the traditional farms giving an over all increase of 13 percent in the labor requirements.

               

                Now that the use of agricultural machinery in Pakistan has proved beneficial and the following table shows that its usage has increased year to year.

    Table II: Agricultural Machinery used in Pakistan.   

    Machinery

    1968

    1975

    1984

    1994

    2004

    Tractor

    18,909

    35,714

    157,310

    252,861

    401663

    Cultivator

    14,338

    31,619

    146,863

    236,272

    369866

    Mould Board Plough

    2,335

    2,734

    7,319

    28,413

    40050

    Disc Plough

    2,513

    2,938

    6,355

    20,372

    29218

    Blade

    3,925

    4,200

    69,004

    164,489

    ­_

    Chisel Plough

    _

    _

    712

    6,535

    _

    Rotavator

    _

    _

    2,101

    5,594

    _

    Bar/Disc Harrow

    2,007

    2,373

    8,140

    12,233

    23764

    Ridger

    _

    120

    4,711

    10,984

    71338

    Grain Drill/Planter

    563

    1,174

    11,251

    64,126

    70810

    Sprayer

    _

    _

    _

    20,778

    _

    Trailer

    _

    18,074

    98,787

    176,412

    242655

    Wheat Thresher

    _

    5,635

    78,377

    112,707

    137270

    Reaper

    _

    _

    _

    7,972

    _

    Combine Harvester

    (Wheat & Paddy)

    _

    _

    _

    859

    6000

    Source: Internet

    Table III: Number of Tube wells and number of tractors.

    Fiscal Year

    Number of Tube wells Public & Private

    Production of Tractors (Nos)

    1990-91

    339,840

    13,841

    1991-92

    355,840

    10,077

    1992-93

    374,099

    16,628

    1993-94

    444,179

    15,129

    1994-95

    463,463

    17,063

    1995-96

    485,050

    16,218

    1996-97

    506,824

    10,121

    1997-98

    531,259

    14,242

    1998-99

    563,226

    26,885

    1999-00

    609,775

    35,038

    2000-01

    659,278

    32,553

    2001-02

    707,273

    24,311

    2002-03

    768,962

    27,101

    2003-04

    950,144

    36,059

    2004-05

    984,294

    44,095

    2005-06

    999,569

    49,439

    2006-07

    1,025,836

    54,610

    2007-08

    1,016,125

    53,607

    2008-09

    1,069,991

    60,107

    2009-10

    1,070,375

    71,730

    2010-11

    1,075,073

    70,855

    2011-12p

    1,075,073

    26,858

    Source: Pakistan Economic Survey 2011-12

    P = Provisional

                It has been clear from the above two tables that agricultural machinery is being tremendously used in Pakistan and in the future it will be surely used because of its benefits for the increasing population to meet the shortage of food items and face the poverty in the coming years.

    Conclusions:

                According to a study conducted in Peshawar University, it has been concluded that both mechanized and traditional methods are applied for the cultivation of the major crops. There are significant differences between mechanized and traditional farms, in terms of manual labor requirements, Bullock labor use, family size, cropping intensity, land fragmentation, livestock holdings, input use and output etc. Within each farming system there are significant differences between farm sizes and tenancies. The marginal productivity of machinery is higher on large farms and Owner cultivators which show that these categories have comparatively received more benefits from mechanization.

                It has therefore been recommended that as Agriculture is the largest sector of the economy, more attention is to be given to this sector by fulfilling the agricultural input requirements of the farming community at reasonable prices. Both the mechanized and traditional farms are producing in a decreasing return to scale. However, performance of the mechanized farms is better than that of the traditional farms. The farming community can improve their performance if the inputs are optimally utilized.                 

    The author is Ex-Deputy Governor, State of Pakistan Karachi at present Dean Faculty at Private University Karachi.

    0300 3664472

    dated:14-8-2017