Nov 30

relaxed with family

 

Nov 29

Reading and writing.

 

Nov 28

Follow ups on China visit in progress today

Interviews on Bombay situation- news1-KTN governance issues of Pak- Channel 5 and ABC TV USA

——-

Email to our Ambassador in China

Dear Masood,

 

During our visit to Urumqi we met with Xinjiang Medical University and Tefeng Pharmaceutical. I attach herewith documents that need to be given to them by your respective teams so that they can confirm how they want to set up research and development for our herbal medicial plants found in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Ibrahim Sinai Minister GB will be point person with copies to me ofcourse pls.This is a priority for us since any collaboration (as promised by them) would make a definite impact in per capita income of the people of GB.

 

Rgds,

 

Marvi

——–

Package to Karachi Nazim

 

Syed Mustafa Kamal

Nazim Karachi

Karachi

  

 

November 28, 2008

 

 

Dear Nazim Sahib,

 

 

I have recently returned from a trip to China where I was leading a cross party parliamentary delegation. Amongst the many meetings we had relating to Pak-China bilateral strengthening, I also visited certain projects of interest to you. Following are the details:

 

• The first was the Shanghai World Financial Centre which has the world’s tallest observatory. Made me think of how we could set up something similar for Karachi’s tallest building which I assume is still Habib bank.  I attach a brochure. It makes for a good tourist site.

 

• Secondly was the Shanghai Urban planning Centre which was an exhibition hall which had future expansion plans well laid out. I am sure you have urban planning strategy. It might be an idea to lay it out in form of an exhibition hall for people to visit and give feedback. Additionally, the Expo 2010 needs your input since Karachi needs to be well represented in Pakistan stall. 

 

• Third was the Suzhou Creek environmental rehabilitation project which has turned their stinky and dirty creek into an environmental bonanza. I can help with support on the National Assembly Environment committee for your similar efforts for Lyari if you wish. Primarily technical success transfer is required and funding ofcourse. I attach some reading material.

 

• Fourth is an effort to tie Karachi to Shanghai as sister cities. I think both have lots of similarities (port cities, business centres). Let me know and I can help on this front too.

 

Look forward to your response. Karachi’s development and Pak-China bilaterals remain both a priority for us.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

—————————–

Sending the electronic battery run vehicle details to some friends in Karachi and Lahore in the auto business. Maybe they can coordinate with the Shanghai company.

 

——-

 

 

Nov 26

Got back from China. Got report ready. Had detailed presentation to Speaker on deliverables. Very productive session. She gave good advice and support.

Meeting of Environment Committee – first one- Got two big initiatives approved- firstly that theme of our cttee should be harmonious development – its inspired by China’s Scientific Development Outlook and Vision 2020 for Asia. My point which was accepted was that we should have an Asian vision since we have similar ecosystem challenges -We need to send a strong signal giving regional approach- Second point was that instead of haphazard presentation given by Ministry despite inetntions of Minister being v noble we need to take oine issue at a time and solve it- First one I got consensus on was mangrove- ministry officials not pleased – anyway- i am pleased the members working as a team-

Express TV interview

 

Nov 27

Paperwork in the office- Power FM 99 interview- Lukman on Hindu fundamentalism. Writing and reading- Catching up

 

China diary pages (Nov 16-26)

China at last!

Day 1- Monday 17^th Nov 2008

 

Always been a dream to visit China. I had traveled the world in my 36 years, but China I had never been to. As an MNA this was my first trip abroad. I was happy it was to be China. My delegation had a PPP MNA Dr Mahesar, an ANP MNA Mr Haider Shah, and a Northern Area Minister, Mr Sinai. We arrived in Beijing at 7.30am local time after a night flight. Beijing was exactly as I had imagined it. Modern, fast moving, fresh, busy, lots of modern infrastructure. We were received by embassy staff and Communist party officials. On arrival I gave an interview to APP in the VIP lounge at Beijing Capital Airport. They have had big leaders who have shaped their country but I don’t think they named their airport after any of them.

 

After arrival at the hotel where we were also very warmly received, we took rest till lunch was served. 6 -8 courses of delicious Chinese halal food. We then moved on to see the Great Wall of China. I had read so much, heard so much, it was exactly as I imagined it, only just slightly more surreal. The landscape reminded me of Northern Areas except more sculptured with shrubs. It was fairly cold. Minus 5 degrees celcius with wind shield factor. We took the cable car up to the top. Next time I have promised to climb it! The walk up and down some of the portion of the wall made me think of their great leader’s saying that till you have not climbed the Wall you are not a real man! Also Chengez Khan’s saying that the wall is as good a defence as those men’s ability to defend it. Thus even though this over 6500 km wonder of the world was impressive, it never fulfilled the defence requirements due to sentry’s human characteristics. Nonetheless it proved to be a tremendous transportation network in the middle of the mountain ranges. There was a feeling of being in the clouds. They were gentle peaks not harsh ones. Like I said, its difficult to write about the atmosphere. You need to have felt it.

 

We arrived back into Beijing and had dinner. Again a bonanza of many courses. We then went to see an acrobatic show. I had argued with the Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad that the trip should have no fun just work. He had calmly explained that sightseeing was also work. He was right. By seeing China could you truly understand China. The different routines in the acrobatic show made me think that they were show casing for us what Chinese nation building was all about. Precision, timing, practice, discipline, teamwork. Returned to hotel and prepared for next days meetings with important Communist party and parliament leaders.

 

Day 2- Tuesday 18^th Nov

 

Early start. 9am meeting with the Communist part Vice Minister. Banquet breakfast  meeting where he spoke for half hour and I spoke for another half hour and then we both spoke; in between were the Chinese translations which are great since they give you time to formulate your next sentence Very important meeting since it was important to establish how critical the Pak-China relations were for Pakistan’s growth and region’s stability. It was important to hear his account of China model and how party to party contacts were the aim of the International department of the CPC. Our very able Ambassador Mr Masood Khan and his Political Counselor Ms Mariam Aftab joined us. It was my first time that I was in lead so I did my best to project Pakistan. I was representing the state, the people and was going to make sure that it was clear that China centric attitude in Pak young parliamentarians was critical for our security and growth. I will write about this meeting in an article later since Masood  was right he had never attended in his 2 months as ambassador a meeting which so clearly laid out the goals of the CPC with relations to Pak and nor was the China model so well explained before. I pledged to commence a China parliamentary group which could track our bilateral relationship. I tried to manage eating the 50 different types of dishes and talk at the same time. I was already a China convert but after this meeting even more so.  The message from the CPC leader was clear: China model was great but had to be localized to suit each country’s needs if they wished to copy it. They would help Pak copy it if Pak desired but would point out their own failures so that we could do better. They were sure that Pak would survive the crisis by its own efforts and were firm believers in Pak’s own will. They believed that the new generation of young parliamentarians had the ‘virsa’ and responsibility of taking the baton forward on the bilaterals. They believed in maintenance of good relations with each party and thus this cross party delegation was very important investment from their point of view. They would continue to invest in Pak and would not be scared away by efforts of some dark forces. They believed that CPC intl dept would play strong role in cross party tours in future too.

 

My talking points which were appreciated by both the Minister and our Ambassador were as follows:

• We were honored to be here at the kind invitation of the CPC in their 30^th year celebrations of their reform process.
• We appreciated their special hospitality.
• We brought with us good wishes of the people of Pakistan for the people of China. We also brought the good wishes of our respective political leaderships. I had been trained by my father that since I was team lead I had to act bi partisan and mention names of each leadership and give a lot of izaat to all. This was a significant shift from my opposition hardline approach but it was appropriate since we were abroad and I was in different role altogether.
• I introduced my team
• I said that it was my first visit abroad as MNA and had chosen China for strategic reasons. That I felt at home since we had been brought up with China friendship.
• That China’s success was fascinating and was a great study subject for us. That the objective was to learn as much as possible on China model. As well as contribute to closer Pak China ties. As well as to promote and fast track our ties at strategic level, economic, defence, social too.
• We needed to take responsibility of taking forward the relationship – positive continuity.
• Historically I complemented both countries for standing by each others stated positions on Kashmir Tibet etc. and assured that new leadership would continue to support China in multilateral forums on causes which were important to China.
• I said it was even more important now then before to be coordinated due to threat of WOT and financial crisis in world.
• I apologized on behalf of my country for the kidnappings of their nationals and assured them that our govt was doing their best to resolve this issue.
• I insisted that we should not let dark forces come in between us because of such events and that we had to survive this tough period by staying united on our strategic objectives.
• I then suggested means of economic cooperation which I wanted to see fast tracked: Special economic zones, power projects.
• I appreciated their help on our Balochistan quake and vice versa.
• I congratulated them on secure Beijing Olympics and their space mission.
• I talked of need for university to university collaboration to join youth in people to people contacts.
• I spoke of regional stability being maintained only if our bilaterals were strong enough to balance the dark forces out to destroy our equilibrium. I didn’t stress on it as much as I used to domestically due to diplomatic norms.

 

Next was a working meeting with the DG of the International dept of CPC. I presented the WAPDA projects and asked for investments in this area. The other delegates added their wish lists in terms of stronger bilateral economic ties with China. Including smaller dams and Thar coal and Bhasha Diamir assistance.

 

Lunch next at a Muslim Chinese restaurant. Great food!

 

And then meeting with the Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of their National Congress in the Great Hall of the People. Again it was one of those places of historic value we had read about in IR books. It was one more great meeting with thoughts of institutionalizing a Pak China caucus which would track through legislative committee system the progress on trade, social indicators the bilaterals. This was the only way of making things China centric. I committed to put a plan together and on my return present it to the Speaker for her approval. It is a new idea to the extent that legislative branch has never executed tracking of country specific bilaterals. I think it’s not only possible but also time critical. The host was an older senior Chairman of foreign relations committee who seemed happy with my narrative which this time included mechanics of the parliamentary caucus. He even asked me for my advice on how to improve China. I was humbled. His message was that Pak was not just a brother country but a partner country. These words were very important signals as I learnt later from our Ambassador. This is how messages were given at high levels.

 

It was my first day of such foreign talks so I wasn’t sure whether I had performed as per diplomatic norms. Our Ambassador’s compliments were very reassuring. I held him in extremely high esteem and if he was pleased it was good enough. My delegates were pleased that I had risen above party politics and represented them all. That also made me happy.

 

Shopping next where I shopped all my allowance out on books on China’s reform process, Chairman Mao’s biography, Confucius, International relations of the CPC, Documents of the 17^th National Congress of the CPC, and Deng Xiaoping’s biography. The caucus would need a head start and I would give it one. Other than that I was in a red frame of mind so I splurged on a red bag, a red hat and a red scarf and also a red Chinese embroidered jacket!

 

Had dinner at the hotel. Others are out seeing Beijing by night whilst I am in the hotel suite…On the laptop. WordPress blog doesn’t work here so diary inputs will have to wait for my return!

 

Love this country, its progress, its discipline, its systems. Its relevant copy and paste only possible with mindset shift in our leadership.

 

Day 3 – Nov 19 2008

 

Went to see the Forbidden city, the imperial palace, the place where Chairman Mao had declared China as Republic, passing the Tiananmian square, the liberation memorial, the army museum, the Chang Mai avenue. The Forbidden city was so grand so ancient. We kept walking through the centre line of the entire city from one gate/ palacial retreat to next. It was cold windy walk but the atmosphere was as if we were in an ancient times. Lots of tourists but I was able to block all and think of the great dynasties of China, Ming, Tang, Qing. I had the entire history in my guide books. This was an important part of our tour. Made us understand modern day China better.

 

It was Peking duck time – our host the DG / Ambassador- CPC had chosen the most famous restaurant where Nixon Rajiv Ghandhi and others had eaten. Very special dining experience. The special courses kept coming on the table. Duck liver then heart then duck soup, then duck claws, You name it! All duck. Then roast duck. Which had a number million something. Each duck served to guests was numbered. Traditions are wonderful things, Keeps nations united! I had decided to launch the Nazim – Shizhaoang concept here through this meeting. So whilst truly getting excited about the duck skin and fat! I talked of partnership at grass root levels between our nazims of the three areas which belonged to 3 parties represented on trip. I discussed building a model through private public partnership which would exchange know how and bring 1-clean drinking water- 2- garbage disposal turned into energy 3- health- 4-school- 5-small dams- agriculture packaging, processing, cropping technique and language cooperation. It was well appreciated by all. The delegates seemed pleased and so was CPC. It was inspired by CPC Minister’s concept of cooperation between parties which they wished would help common man. Very exciting conversation- there is no free meal or duck in life- We were being hosted graciously and we needed to work hard at same time for our two peoples. CPC informed me that they had network of youth who could assist with language training and other skills and this was very possible.

 

Next was visit to Olympics stadium. We entered through VIP gold section with special guide. It was truly a made to measure trip. Whatever wish list I had given at Islamabad was being fulfilled and much more. They had balanced sight seeing in such a way that it was all useful and well paced- Not too hectic and not too slow. Infact the cold had tired even my hyper speed. The water cube was equally special. What struck me was two things- One the financing of this huge infrastructure was PPP meaning corporates had 42% share for future 30 year operational lease through which they earn back- they had great marketing plans of turning this place into commercial bonanza. The amount of steel used was important only because they had vision of 100 year plus easy usage- China was about long term investments and this trip to Olympics stadium made me also think about their thirst for breaking records. They were eager to prove their superiority everywhere. What a hard working nation. The music, the atmosphere around was as if we were there at the Olympics time. I remember distinctly that during the Olympics I had been so pre-occupied about President Musharraf impeachment issues that I had not even seen much of it on TV despite my son’s insistence. But now that I was here I soaked it all in. Competitiveness but with loyalty- I thought of my school!. 66 new records were made here! Overseas Chinese had helped finance infrastructure! Amazing nation. The high tech water waves sound music system, the seating colours, the Pak flag, there were so many little little details- the clean drinking water in pool on day of games- it all pointed towards excellence.

 

Back to hotel where I had enough time to get ready for dinner held in our honour by the Ambassador. I arrived early because I had plenty of briefing to catch up on. I was so tired from the cold and the walk that I dozed off for 45 minutes enroute and arrived and asked for coffee to wake me up. By the time the guests arrived I was back to my normal self. Ambassador made a wonderful speech, and I made mine, which Chinese media really appreciated. The delegates were happy to find Pak food and familiar surroundings. Always a pleasure to be on Pak soil. It was a great team at the embassy, Shafqat and Mariam Aftab, the press counselor, the Technical counselor, all very welcoming. The CPC officials had also been invited. We discussed WOT but I was very balanced in my approach. What a responsibility it was. I was representing the state and whatever I said had impact on Pak China relations. I spoke the truth but with responsibility. The delegates were very pleased! My detailed meeting with the Ambassador continued after dinner – he explained the good initiatives of the present government. I for the first time in 10 months believed it because it came from a source I respected tremendously. I put my cynicism on one side and soaked it all in for the sake of Pak China bilaterals and for sake of Pakistan. Statesmen and leaders had to rise above petty politics for sake of country. I was under training. He reminded me of ZAB’s trip to UN Security Council where he had been under training. It was a positive productive session which will stay with me for long because it changed my approach. I would always speak the truth but with balance and responsibility. Here was an Ambassador who made us proud. We chalked out caucus TORs. Soon I would present them to stakeholders.

 

Back to hotel where I packed. Since next day we were to leave for Shanghai.

 

 

Day 4- Nov 20 2008

 

Woke up to my son’s call who was missing me and that made me sad- I calmed him down- and tried explaining that this trip was very important for Pak China bilaterals- He has been my greatest support in my career and he has been very patient with his mama. I am proud of him since he understood this time was important.

 

Shopping – Bought myself a long overcoat for next cold stops. Off to Shanghai in a while.

 

Arrival in Shanghai- Paris of the East- New York of the East- no comparisons are proper- Shanghai is Shanghai- It has high rise buildings, cute streets with small shops, trees to line the streets and a coziness which is unique to itself only. We saw it at night first and I think that was quite a spectacular arrival. The hotel chosen for us was a quaint Chinese style garden hotel. Very colonial.

 

Day 5- Nov 21 2008

 

We started the day with a look at two companies in the Honzquin economic zone which started in the 1980s and was now known for high end service sector versus the traditional textile type industrial sector. I was familiar with China’s experience in setting up SEZs. Here was a zone which was in the middle of the city almost.

 

The first company where we arrived amidst banners in our name, was Shanghai tei Bo New Energy. It was a firm in the business of developing batteries for vehicles to be run on electricity. Once in its boardroom the presentation started and so did our questions. The venture was a Swedish Chinese one which ran off the national grid and encouraged green power. The research started in 2000 to save energy, enhance power generation of vehicles, cut CO2. the system recharges batteries at night. There is a price differential in terms of electricity at night being cheaper and day double. They have witnessed a cut of two thirds the operation cost by switching from oil to electricity. The noise emission has become zero. Their products include engineering cars, mobile bill recovery units, street cleaning trucks, garbage trucks, watering trucks, cement mixer trucks etc.

 

My introductory remarks to them complemented them on show casing what had made China’s GDP growth rate increase. With the energy thirst electricity vehicles would become need of the day and were the future. I talked of the Pak China collaboration on fulfilling each other’s energy thirst. I talked of the scientific revolution. I asked if they had entered the foreign markets. They had not. They explained their r&d cycle being more complicated than other countries where research to market was slower. Interestingly govt was giving subsidies to low emission vehicles but not to zero emission. We then drove in one of their buses around town. It was a smooth ride. The future of auto industry. We had a long way to go. Electricity itself was an issue for us. Nonetheless it was an interesting experience. The future for us was the present for some.

 

Next was a 3D, multimedia company into cartoons. Very cool young employees and atmosphere. Made us think of how we could put such companies together with their Pakistani counterparts and they could produce Pak Chinese cartoons for kids – people to people contact for kids.

 

After this was a visit to the Suzho creek project. We arrived at the exhibition hall amidst drum beats of retired women giving us a welcome dance. The history of Shanghai was given to us through the Creeks history. Wusang River and the Creek used to be black and stink. Now it was relatively cleaned up. Took 20 years to clean up decades of pollution caused by imperial powers leading upto industrial revolution till 1970s. Very interesting techniques to clean up. Very detailed account of type of pollution too. Made me think of how environment was a key to quality of life for them, which was a key to prices in the high rise neighbourhood going up as a result of a rehabilitated environment park. It all costs- nothing is for free- the project cost 14b Yuan. The way the disaster to success was demonstrated showed pride in the process. Their leadership’s sayings were always a part of the demos I noticed. After the hall we walked around the place. The children in the park in prams. The new cleaned up creek.

 

Next was a visit to the community centre. There are 3 types in each town: cultural, service and medicine. Interesting concept post reform process. It was an example of CPC providing community living for its residents. They described it as an interactive platform. The building where it was housed was a 1898 floored mansion turned into community centre. I suddenly felt I was in Communist China! Strange concept of communism we have in our minds. To me this was Red China. We saw women learning English, kids getting computer lessons, older men’s chess room. It was supposed to be an effort for harmonious living. Our guides explained this concept so earnestly. Reminded me of an old people’s home. There was a cultural exhibition hall. It was a sharing hall. Periodically it hosted exhibitions where people were to share their memorabilia. I signed their visitor’s book. Here was a 3.98 sq km area with 130,000 people having 8 such centres. The community was in modern high rises. The guide talked of govt role transforming from ruler in imperial days to serving people in CPC China.

 

The day ended with a very inspiring banquet given in our honour by the CPC leader of the standing committee of Shanghai. Our Consul general joined the event.  We talked in between the dinner of the scientific development outlook, about disparity reduction, vision 2030, vision 2020, about mapping challenges of each country. The advice on statesmanship was again loud and clear. Policies given by leadership were the make or break of a society, economic development was only possible with stability of society. Improving people’s living standards was critical. Obsolete ideas needed to be eliminated. Innovation to be embraced for future growth. Govt obligations to people and vice versa were discussed. Consistency of performance of govt was stressed for success. Knowing their voices listening to their needs was key for ruling party. Courage commitment and will of leadership. There was competition around which could only be safeguarded if voice was heard. Party needed clearly defined values, articulation was leadership’s task, Wisdom was required to resolve resource mobilization issues. Dynamism, role models, leadership going through constant examinations. Kindness to the people through the policies. Importance of neighbours and obligations to them. Chinese society worked around the teachings from their older philosophies. At dinner conversation this was a normal practice. We talked of need for youth to get closer including children. We talked of harmony of people and individual, of man and nature, of spiritual and physical, of current and future generations. It was important conversation which gave me an understanding of their paradigms.

 

I came back to the hotel and put TV on. The only English Channel was a cultural channel. I was learning about their philosophy and thought process constantly. Maybe because that’s what I was hunting for. I learnt of Lord Zhu and his li and yue philosophy. In between which I wrote the research paper for next day. We had been invited to the Shanghai Academy of International Studies and I wasn’t going to walk in without a strategic vision on paper!

 

Day 6 – Nov 22

 

Day started with the Institute. The President along with his South Asian faculty was there to receive us. The paper I read was a mixture of my earlier thoughts and my accumulated thoughts. I was learning and incorporating. I had absorbed so much in the past 4 days. I was eager to use it to develop the vision for baton change. I attach the paper and will not repeat it here. The response was tremendous. The questions I was asked on US/Afghan/India bilaterals were critical. I answered them keeping state interests in mind. At home I was free to criticize the govt for their mistakes. But here on foreign soil it was a different role. The PPP MNA was most pleased with my balance. I had learnt how to preface. I said what I had to say but prefaced it! Diplomacy and statesmanship. I was under training and I wasn’t going to get it wrong. The President spoke of the difference in older and newer generation of Chinese and how they viewed Pak. He felt my strategy paper would help bridge the gap in between our youth. I was excited about this journey. I was presented their Asian 2020 vision which I am dying to tuck into later. To me discussion with intelligentsia was key part of policy formulation.

 

Next was a memorable visit to the site of where the first meeting of the CPC took place in July 23 1921. It was a small house. It was a secret meeting. It had now been turned into an exhibition hall. A simple elegant demonstration of their history. Of the 15 comrades who had been at his secret meeting 2 were international (Dutch and Russian). 5 had betrayed their party later. Chairman Mao was note taker at the occasion. The history of imperialism to republic to PRC was well chalked out on the walls of the museum. The curator came and gave us full guided tour with protocol. The forward block individuals within the party were shown and their treatment was well described. Here was a disciplined party I thought to myself. The Concessions history was chalked out. How the working class grew and merged with youth to create that revolution. How there were other less known international players who had not made it to fame due to their mistakes. It was all a process I felt with the Chinese of showing their success and failures. Behind each failure was a lesson. That was the important part of it I felt. I was encouraged to read more about their transitions. It was educative for future party discipline and real party formation versus what we were seeing across all parties of Pakistan.

 

Next was a shopping visit to traditional part of Shanghai. All the tourist type ornamental items were available behind the walled city. The contrast between old and new was well preserved. It was their history of progress. They were not going to hide it. I bought all my gifts for friends and family from this quaint place. It was like China town of any large metro except it was the real thing!

 

We ended the day with a cruise on the river. We were given red carpet and seated in the same luxury room as Chairman Deng had been seated. Such historic references put reforms in perspective. We saw a bonanza of the skyline of Shanghai. So gorgeous. Difficult to explain without photos. I kept thinking of our road to progress – about need for sound leadership – It was a sombre cruise trip because I felt we shared the same land and sky and yet we were still fighting over names of provinces rather than province development. Too much work ahead for those of us who felt the pain of the wasted years and the responsibility of the future!

 

Day 7 – Nov 23

 

The day started with a trip to the Shanghai World Financial Observatory which is the tallest in the world. 100 floors with first spacy journey to 96^th floor taking 66 seconds and 475m. We reached the top and paced up and down the transparent floors to feel as if we were walking in the clouds. It was one more feat from modern day China that made me think… they like making records of excellence- they have been a great civilization in the past and thru their scientific outlook they want to return to past glory- President Musharraf had suggested same with enlightened moderation prong 2 except we had not really implemented- I intend joining scientific outlook and EM and making a new implementable concept for our bilaterals- the clouds from the top were great to see- made us feel on top of the world- the view was futuristic- everything around us was scientific outlook in practice- here was a country whose 5 year plans or leadership’s thoughts moved beyond paper to implementation.

 

Next was a visit to the Urban Planning centre. It was a treat- As we looked at models of downtown Shanghai, expo 2010 plans- airport, shipping port expansions, I again thought of this nation’s tremendous power to live their dreams. Young guides were giving us a tour- Here were children who had only seen the new China. Children who never saw the beginnings of the country in 1949. I looked around myself to see the look of tourists who were older. How would they be feeling with all this modernization. The thoughts I got from some Chinese who had probably witnessed both worlds was that the change was a bit like loosing ones sense of belonging- too much change on the streets too fast- those nationals of Shanghai would be lost since so much was changing constantly- nonetheless Shanghai was a melting pot- reminded me of Karachi- port city- business centre- When I thought of environmental project I had seen the day before I thought of how Mustafa Kemal should fix Lyari the same way! Anyway, I had a right to dream and urban planning centre made me dream- but my dream was not going to stay at a dream- DRFR – dreams are for real – my 5 year old motto – interesting how it was exactly 5 years ago that this motto was born- I felt that whatever they were showing us was perfect for where I was in my political career right now- The flying through modernity feel of Shanghai gave me something to build on. We didn’t want Karachi or Lahore as Shanghai- but we wanted Shanghai’s spirit of joi de vivre in our metros – there was a distinct difference- nobody could copy paste since China was different to Pak- it was only a question of learning and absorbing all.

 

At the airport we had a good discussion with our Vice Consul. There was much to do on our return in terms of helping them with their work. I noted all the points down. I thought of how Expo 2010 of Shanghai was something we needed to take more seriously back home.

 

The flight was 5 hours long to Urumqui. The autonomous region which was 15 degrees colder and a different world apparently- On the flight I read the Document of the 17^th National Congress of the CPC. What an inspiring read- I read the Constitution of the CPC- I thought of PML constitution- I thought of PML implementation of its constitution- I had so much work ahead of me- I was being energized by my Chinese elders- I appreciated every bit of the red carpet- the mental red carpet and the physical!

 

Day 8 – Nov 24

 

Urumqi was a cold Russian looking town. Misty weather, everything seemed bit grey due to the mist. The snow was half settled on the ground and the bushes were dried up. The rest of Xinjiang was very green in the summers, part desert, part glacier. Full of fruits. Quite a mix.  Infact it was an ethnic bonanza too. It was the autonomous region. The first meeting was at the Xinjiang Ethnic Religious Affairs Committee of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. We got a very detailed briefing of the ethnic and religious mix. 8 countries bordered this province of China which was the largest. It had one sixth of the China’s territory, with 47 ethnic groups of which 13 were historically very old and 6 religions. We got a very detailed account of the way all of them lived in peace and what special efforts were made to give them preferential subsidies to keep them happy. I appreciated their efforts, recognized the extremism issues they had witnessed due to their borders. Assured them of our govt’s top most cooperation, explained how Islam gave lot of importance to minorities also. Explained that our goals were joint since we were after disparity reduction of every sort, rich poor, ethnic, religious. Inquired about how their exploration of oil gas was contributing to their economy. Talked of our objectives for this province having handshake on university, herbal medicine, sports with Northern Areas. Talked of need for tolerance in society and need for more interaction.

 

Next was a visit to their local mosque. We prayed there. Lunch at a very ethnic local restaurant. Very interesting difference in food. Very central Asian tasting. Reminded me of our Islamabad CAR restaurant run by Atik!. Next was a meeting with the federation of women. It was a real pleasure to see such an organized team and structure. Wish we could say the same about our political structures. I gave a detailed briefing of all the pro women work our govts had done. All the senior women in leadership positions in the govt. Ofcourse I talked about the challenges too. But I kept it very balanced. I was able to come up with an agenda for sharing experiences and programs: population planning, traditional crafts, rural cropping techniques of women doing businesses from their gardens, entrepreneur leaders exchanges.

 

Next was shopping at a local bazaar. Seemed like an Arab souk, with dried fruits scents, handicrafts, all very Central Asian style where bargaining was at 25% of quoted price. After that was a visit to the Chinese Academy of Science Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and geography. It gave us a very good idea of topography, desertification and glacier challenges and plantation and animals of the province. It gave me a chance to get coordination on glacier protection and success transfers sorted.

 

The day ended with a grand banquet in our honour by the member of the Standing Committee of Regional Party Committee. Very warm atmosphere. Millions of courses, very interesting conversation. I discovered a lot of effort had gone into the preparation of our visit with meetings pre done with each department. I was very touched. My entire wish list of meetings and sectors I wished to see was catered to. Loved the tradition of the Chinese banquet. Each guest around the round table would come up to me since I was chief guest and toast. And then a goat cooked was brought in by couple of men on something that looked like a dholki. I conveyed a lot of my thoughts accumulated on the strategic plan and specifically the coordination between these two provinces. They were mostly Muslims around the table and thus I could sense a great deal of excitement in both delegations.

 

Day 9 – Nov 25

 

Day started with a visit to the Youth League. Very detailed impressive structure again. My talk detailed our youth plans, the shadow cabinet, the youth parliament, the national volunteer movement. I talked of the new breed of young politicians and expectations from them. Of how we had an important task motivating the future generations into channeling their energies positively. I gave 5 point proposal for collaboration: green force, entrepreneur exchanges, media culture promotion, sports, and university webs. It was a very important conversation and I felt that on the Chinese side there was great deal of enthusiasm for the specifics of my proposal.

 

Next was a visit to the Museum which was incredible with its different cultures ethnic groups, ways of living, mummies. Lok Virsa multiplied by 10! After that we left for a visit to the Export processing zone where we saw a fruit and vegi processing company. Lots of good ideas were exchanged on apricots from Northern Area being exported out to them for processing and forward movement to places like Kazakastan. This was becoming extremely interactive from Northern Area perspective. I was most pleased. Next was visit to Hi tech development zone where we saw a furniture company. Very high end. And then a visit to the Medical University. We were given full protocol by the entire management. I was so pleased that finally I could launch my 4 point plan on health: exchange between this university and one of ours, research and development of herbs from Northern Areas, setting of similar facilities in Northern Areas, launching of Chinese herbal medicinal training programs. There was so much positive feedback on each. I needed to keep a close follow up and all these dreams could be reality soon. We visited the main hospital. Apparently this was a top of the line facility ranked very high in China. I could see expansion on the sides. Every where we looked construction and construction growth and growth. This was China! Next was a visit to a pharmaceutical company. My dream come true since they jumped at the herbal medicinal idea coordination with Northern Areas. After that was a dinner at the International grand Bazaar with folk dances and songs of the region. I had a Snake on my back as one of the dancers came and threw it on me!

 

Back on desk. Wrapping up the reports, and paperwork stemming from this trip. All packed. So many gifts from our hosts physical and thought related both. Back home tomorrow morning. Full day with Islamabad at its best. My team has got my talking points etc for a full Isb political day. What a great break it was from all of that. But all of that will change soon. We will change the agenda soon. Its about time we moved on and discussed useful things in Pak politics.

 

Our hosts CPC were truly incredible. They gave us red carpet all they way through. I will never forget this trip. It has left a deep impression on my thinking and how I need to direction my political career. It was not just about Pak China bilaterals. It was about statesmen grooming for stronger Asia. Vision Asia 2020! I cannot explain what I have learnt in words even though I write a lot and talk a lot. The trip’s fruits will keep coming for many years to come. I am so glad it was China first. Chapeau China. We salute your success and leadership!

 

 

 

Nov 16

I am off to China tonight till last week of Nov. I have been invited by the Chinese government/ Communist party to lead a parliamentary delegation to improve our bilateral relations – economic, social, political, defence. I have with me PPP, PMLN, ANP and Northern Areas MNAs. I have included NA for first time in their history since I have taken a pledge to bring them into mainstream Pak development and political activities.

I am honored. Its my first visit abroad as MNA and I am proud that its to China. I have always held Pak-China relations to be important for regional peace and stability. I will use this golden opportunity to work towards this goal. When one travels abroad one is a parliamentarian first and not an opposition parliamentarian. My objective will be Pak-China bilateral strengthening fullstop- will keep you posted with diary and photos hopefully.

 

Nov 15-16

Relaxed with family

My IMF statement is in the press today- My point was that they have caused economic tsunami due to which we have been led IMF route- they need to be held accountable for it and they have ignored national assembly and not upheld its supremacy. Moreover, we got Pak out of IMF clutches and they are leading us back in.

Most importantly my point of order in assembly this week that govt should stop NATO supplies has been accepted by PM since today’s News front page gives same news. However what is dissapointing is that it has been halted not for dignified sovereign territorial integrity protection but since militants have put security threat to supply movement! Govt should halt supplies permanently until NATO does not stop incursions into Pakistan.

 

Nov 14

PREP FOR QUAKE CALLING ATTENTION

Balochistan Quake calling attn

Marvi Memon/ Abdul Waseem/ Hanif Abbassi/ Humayun Saifullah/ Amir Muqam

 

To invite attention of the Minister-in charge of the Cabinet Secretariat to a matter of urgent public importance regarding lack of transparency in pending fund and rehabilitation work in the quake hit areas of Balochistan causing grave concern amongst the public.

 

 

Questions

 

1. How much international aid has been received and what shelter and home building plans are there going to be to use this funding judiciously?

 

2. Why has there been no effort made to have a strategy from day 1 of winterized tentage provision to Balochistan quake victims and why have Alizai Kohat flood victims being deprived of their tents and thus in open skies in order to provide for our Balochistani brethren?

 

3. What efforts are being made to fix water supply lines, provide clean drinking water and keep victims safe from diseases in quake hit zone of Balochistan?

 

4. Why after learnings of 2005 quake did it take 10 days to get handshake between NDMA and ERRA started and that too not in terms of concrete action plan?

 

5. What high level visits did PM/President make to the area and how accessable are the public representatives on this issue?

 

 

Facts

1. Around 68,000 people have been affected;

2. Shelter and protection is needed for all the affected population, especially

winterized tents;

3. Keeping in view the availability of food at the household level and coping

strategies of the households, food assistance will be needed for 35, 000 people

for initial 2 months and further food assistance for 6 months till the completion

of reconstruction of houses. The later assistance should be linked to the

reconstruction of affected houses in the area;

4. Most of the water supply lines are broken. Water source is far away from

the population in many cases, while some of the water sources are also damages

or dried up. Availability of clean water in the affected villages is needed;

5. Children are especially vulnerable to diseases such as diarrhea and

cholera. A number of diseases have been reported by the inhabitants. Women

have poor access to health facilities. Special arrangements for the prevention of

diseases mention in the report should be made;

6. most of the health facilities are damaged and need repair/reconstruction.

———

 

Got legal bill for research institute of parliament sorted with Senator Bhinder and govt side so that in my absence on Tuesday govt will not block and will let it go thru. Will post on web exacts later. But this will go long way in building capacity of parliamentarians for legislative business which should be their prime business!!!

—-

Express TV on whether Pak is US slave or not

 

Nov 13

What a day! Karachi always does it! After all soil is soil!

After barely 3 hours of sleep my day started at 8.30 talkshow (am) with Naveen at Dawn news discussing LG. I had made my notes and was in no mood for attack on President Musharraf’s biggest achievement ..LG. Devolution real democracy. Sustainable democracy. So I talked my heart out and gave recommendations on improvement. Dismissed the PMLN allegations of abolition . It was a great discussion.

Went straight onto the field trip which I had been planning for some time..mangrove forests with IUCN. This organization has such passionate good people. I thought I was the one who got too easily hyped up about things and passionate about causes, here was Tahir Sahib for whom mangroves were like children. We got to Karachi fish harbour. I took the briefing in the car to save time, pumped my energy level on Cadbury chocolate to keep awake and stepped into the boat. Yes I was working for the lungs of the people pf Karachi. The notes I took I better write an article so I can share them with all of you. I am too tired and have too many dedlines on my head to share them right now. They are important. They will be our primary cause. I took recommendations and was scribbling away and clicking my camera eagerly at every injustice to the ecosystem. I planted mangroves, waked in the mangroves. Enjoyed the tea on the boat. Chatted in Sindhi with my fellow Keti Bunder people. Who had migrated here due to the sea intrusion- due to lack of water downstream Kotri. Heard about my father’s contributions and felt proud to be following his projects without even planning it as such. Same interests without knowing it! Water water water. The most important cause after sovereign territorial integrity. I loved every bit of the fishy smell. Felt angry at the pollution I saw. When I saw the crab catchers on little floats desperately trying to earn a living, and the kids cleaning polluted fish, it made me angry at the disparity. I need to do my bit and it better be a big bit. Get the policy recommendations passed through the Committee system. The job of a parliamentarian. I must also motivate and create awareness so I have decided to take a team of school children to go plant with me on my next trip to mangroves. Boat finally made it back and I rushed home to get going for next event.

Next stop was the main reason I had taken time off session and come down to Karachi. Invitation by my first school St Joseph’s to be chief guest at their sports day. I was happy to be back but no way was I expecting such a grand reception or grand event. Mind blowing! I walked through the guard of honour, saw marches, races, saw torches being lit, balloons being released, gave winning trophies, loved the oath the counsel took, stood proudly at national anthem, declared the games open, saw colours being broken, heard great PT music, saw 2500 Josephines enjoy the sports day, saw the joy on the children’s faces when they won and stood proudly on winning stands receiving trophies from us, heard Principal give her school report and finally gave one of the most emotional speeches ever. It is a memory which will stay with me since this was a big honour. It was a recognition that meant the world.

My speech I want to share with you..I called them daughters of cross and soil, took the names of all teachers in opening address and referred to the children as loyally competitive and future woman champions of Pak. There were massive cheeres at this point. Then I expressed my absolute pleasure at being there and honor and shared some of my memories which they all could associate with like milk toffees from Abdullah’s canteens etc. I talked about the values this great institution had given me and which my parents had instilled: respect for tradition, discipline, courage, truth and persistence. I talked about importance of fair competition and winning. Which I felt convinced that Josephines espoused. Every time they cheered I couldnt help but wave back (no chief guest protocol but their warmth and my excitement made a deadly combination!) I spoke of my objective being defence of Pakistan’s sovereign territorial integrity and ideology. I shared my causes which was the crux of my speech. I wanted them to espouse the same causes and work with me on them: serving those less fortunate, reducing the disparity between..and closing the gap between…rich and poor, ethnic divide, sectarian divide and minorioty. I talked of President Musharraf and PML Vision 2030 of Pakistan being just and developed nation, how women had to play important role in demographic dividend. I then invited the top athelete to the National Assembly as my guest. I wish I could have seen her face (Ms Rabia) when I announced that. I congratulated all of them for their excellent performance which was due to practice and no short cuts in life. I paid a tribute to my teachers and said thats why I was where I was. Cheers at every singl point. The extempore speech with few notes being made whilst sitting getting inspired by the children’s performance ended with a quote from Quaid on leadership which my aide Nosheen had emailed to me. I read from my black berry the following with great belief that one day all these women would end up in leadership roles but with a fine balance between work and family. “

·The change in the world is always brought by one man, whom we call “the leader”. Who has the vision and the force not only to make people dream, but to reach and live that dream. He is intelligent enough to foresee tomorrow. He is selfless and courageous to the extent of being ready to sacrifice everything and express truth even if it defames him. People follow him where he takes them. He is the one who accelerates history and for whom nature proclaims itself. “What a man”". (woman!)

Pakistan lacked leadership. It was perhaps the most important and obvious solution I had given! After that I walked down amid cheers, hip hip horrays! and Rabia was asked to run and greet me. We both ran! and I promised I would send her a ticket soon (in her school holidays and my session coordinating I assume) I was then walked out of the field. I walked towards my teachers and thanked them and then walked to the building where the oldest one Sister Zenia was waiting for me. Gave her my flowers. She was so happy with me. I felt so much love and warmth and felt my shoulders getting heavier with responsibility. I had quick tea with my favourite lemon tarts and Mrs Kapadia and then drove to the airport.

On the flight back to Isb I had the opportunity to sit next to a bright confident and pretty woman captain aged 25. I felt so proud of President Musharraf’s women empowerment policy in action. All his work would be obvious and history would reflect well on it.

Back in Isb. Lots of work ahead…