Daily Times

The title of Radio Pakistan’s magazine Aahang – June 2019 issue takes this reviewer back to the most exciting World Cup Final Match between New Zealand and England that was played in London.

The decision was based on the maximum boundaries in favour of England as both teams scored equal runs in the super over when the fifty overs match had ended in a tie. Many cricket lovers who are more aware of the rules of the game criticize the umpire giving six runs instead of five for the over throw in favour of England. We, Pakistanis are content that we beat both the teams of the Final in earlier matches of the World Cup and suspect India the way it lost to England deliberately but then God has its ways, India was defeated by New Zealand in semi-finals. This issue of Aahang has world cup schedule on Pages 72-73 in the section Sports. A detailed history of previous world cups is also given.

A very interesting interview of Chinese Ambassador Zhao Lijian highlights the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Four main aims of this project are Power Houses, Development of basic infrastructure, Development of Gawadar Port and Industrial Development. Coverage of religious gatherings in consonance with Ramzan is an important section of this magazine. Details of the programme “Rabta’, Ramzan Broadcasts from Mianwali Radio Station and Kashif Ghori’s report of Ladies Meelad un Nabi held in Nurjehan Auditorium Lahore, form the contents of this section. Two reports on special music channel FM94 initiated by Mr. Shafqat Jalil, former DG Radio Pakistan are included in the magazine.

While one enters the United States of America, one is welcomed with the disclaimer, ‘Welcome to the country of taxes’. Nearly 40 to 50 percent of one’s income goes into taxes in the West and that money is spent on the betterment of civic facilities for the public. We, in Pakistan, are against paying our share of taxes in our country. The present government that has introduced taxes to improve the tax base net is met with shutter downs by shop keepers; by the people who are not used to pay taxes. The editorial of Aahang highlights the importance of Tax Amnesty Scheme valid till June 30, extended for three more days this year.

While one enters the United States of America, one is welcomed with the disclaimer, ‘Welcome to the country of taxes’. Nearly 40 to 50% of one’s income goes into taxes in the West and that money is spent on the betterment of civic facilities for the public. We, in Pakistan, are against paying our share of taxes in our country

On July 17, 2019 pictures were posted by Managing Director Nespak at Mohmand Dam site with Board of Management of consultants represented by NESPAK, ACE, MMP, MWH, SMEC and Dolsar. It is great news after decades that construction activity has started on a Water Dam after decades. Aahang highlights the activities of the Prime Minister for the development of KP Province including foundation stone laying ceremony of Mohmand Dam on May 02, 2019 (Page 07). The construction started in May 2019. Proposed opening date is November 2014 with construction cost of Rs. 309 billion. It is a concrete based rock filled dam with installed capacity of 800 MW.Mohmand Dam (previously known as Munda Dam) is located on the Swat River approximately 37 km north of Peshawar and 5 km upstream of Munda Headworks in Mohmand District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For five decades enemies of the nation have been opposing building of water storage dams in our country. This small section of politicians has been on the pay roll of our neighbouring country who desires to see Pakistan getting dried up each year passing. Kalabagh Dam has been the target of these enemies of which studies and tender documents are complete. This group has been successful to some extent as even Ayub Khan, Musharraf and the political parties that ruled subsequently could not initiate this dam. Former Chief Justice took it upon himself to highlight the importance of water scarcity and construction of water storage dams. The present government has his support. This reviewer is happy that radio Pakistan plays its due role in bringing into surface some burning issues of the nation like the ones discussed above.

Music has been produced and promoted by Radio Pakistan traditionally. Its monthly classical music programme “Aahang-e-Khusrovi” has been discontinued depriving the classical music vocalists and instrumentalists of their monthly bookings. This tradition should be resumed. Many poor musicians depend upon monetarily also on such bookings not to mention the growth of talent. The same is applicable to light music. Central Production Unit that produces many popular music numbers from 1970s onwards has been merged with BH. No new music recordings or feature programmes are produced anymore. Radio pays salaries to its staff abut ironically no production is in the offing. The present Director General should revive the activities of this unit also. In the present issue of Aahang two informative articles one on Hazrat Ameer Khusrau and the other on Ustad Barkat Ali Khan are the redeeming factor.

The writer is the recipient of the prestigious Pride of Performance award. He can be reached at doc_amjad@hotmail.com