by Woodrow Aames, FindtheRightSchool.com
Career websites typically compile a listing of jobs that pay $25 an hour. The list of professions -- and the career training you need to pass the muster of recruiters -- can be daunting. But you don't necessarily need a post-graduate degree to qualify for a job that pays several hundred dollars a day.
While it may be true that helicopter pilots, high-tech administrators, and civil engineers earn $25 an hour or more, so do many other professionals in careers that require only an associate or bachelor's degree to leap onto the playing field.
Of course, you add to your hourly earnings by continuing your education, taking certification courses or advanced degrees that ultimately boost on-the-job responsibilities along with earnings.
Seven careers you might have overlooked paid workers $25 an hour in 2008, meaning you may be able to earn more performing the same role today. These 2008 salaries may also rise by the time you complete an online degree or career training program to pursue future job openings. Let's look at the education you'll need to land a job:
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technician
Companies that design, test, and sell electrical and electronics devices need professionals to staff their labs. You won't need a master's degree in engineering to earn good wages. Most engineering technicians complete associate degrees in engineering at trade schools or community colleges to prepare for the field. In 2008, the mean hourly wage for engineering technicians was $25.96, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Human Resources Recruiter
In many cases, you can earn more an hour placing people in jobs than the salaries they'll receive when hired. That's what you call economic irony. And, if you remain in your human resources (HR) job, you may be able to build a hefty network and open your own personnel consulting company. To get going, enroll in an associate's or bachelor's degree program in business or human resources. In 2008, HR recruiters took home $25.90 an hour.
Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Attorneys that represent clients in local, state, and federal courts are swamped with research and paperwork duties. Hence, jobs for paralegals are expected to grow by 22 percent during the 2006-2016 decade. You can prepare by attending an online associate's or bachelor's degree program in paralegal studies. In 2008, paralegals earned just below $25 an hour ($23.46). However, top earners took home $73,450 for the year, making this a solid investment in a two-year education.
Respiratory Therapist
Breathe easy. Depending on the employer, many a respiratory therapist can land a job with as little as a two-year degree. More often, however, hospitals are looking for a bachelor's or master's degree to advance in the profession. All states require licensing. Job openings are projected to grow by 19 percent from 2006-2016. In 2008, respiratory therapists earned $25.55 an hour.
Police Officer
The physical requirements for a police officer's job are now legendary, thanks to the entertainment media. But with most agencies requiring new recruits to take departmental training, the baseline classroom training provided by an online associate's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice can greatly improve your chances of landing a job. In 2008, police officers and sheriff's deputies earned $25.39 and hour. And that's not counting shift differential compensation or overtime.
Advertising Sales Agent
With Americans becoming more cautious about their spending, companies are relying more than ever on well-placed advertising. Advertising sales agents take jobs with agencies, media companies, and corporate promotions departments. If you love closing a deal and being compensated for it, then enroll in an undergraduate degree program in advertising, journalism, public relations, business, communications, or new media. In 2008, advertising sales agents took home $25.56 an hour.
Interior Designer
More than 25 percent of all interior designers are self-employed. You're the boss and set your own hours. Jobs for the other 75 percent of working interior designers are predicted to rise by 19 percent during the 2006-2016 decade. You can prepare for the role by enrolling in an associate's or bachelor's degree program at a college or professional trade school. Or shoot for the stars and take classes in interior set design to work in the entertainment industry. Hourly pay for interior designers in 2008 averaged $24.53, just below the $25/hr mark.
Sep 27, 2009
Sep 18, 2009
Pakistan’s perspective
‘I enjoy the opportunity to clear up misconceptions,’ he has been quoted as saying in the Guardian. However, its doubtful a lecture series in the US can clear up all the ‘misconceptions’ the common Pakistani has about former president General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf.
While the nation pondered over his treason charges and wondered if he’d appear in court, Musharraf sat in London, supposedly making the most out of his retirement – or at least that’s what the general assumption was. But this week it was revealed that powers who must not be named, along with President Zardari had decided on granting Musharraf a ‘safe exit’ as a part of a deal negotiated by his ‘guarantors’. Hence, no action would be taken against the former president under Article 6 of the Constitution.
It is believed that a trial involving Musharraf would also end up involving a lot of politicians, judges and army generals and so instead of allowing that mess to spill out, it was decided that sending him off to play golf would be a better option for everyone – except for perhaps Nawaz Sharif who maintains the vendetta against the retired general who ousted him in 1999, is nothing personal.
Sharif said in an interview that he was dismayed about not being taken into confidence over the deal and could have guided President Zardari ‘in the right direction’ had he known the plan. Not sure what would classify as the right direction for Sharif but reports do state that he had assured King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia that he was going to soften his stance and not seek Musharraf’s trial for treason. Too many talks mixed with too many interventions make certain things less plausible than others but one thing is for certain; Saudi Arabia no longer remains just the spiritual leader of the Muslim world but instead has also extended its management services to Pakistan’s dirty politics.
Saudi Arabia has undoubtedly played an important role in Musharraf’s exit and post-retirement life but just how cushy is Musharraf’s life right now? Not so much, a recent article by Declan Walsh states. Musharraf’s three-bedroom flat on Edgware Road might have silk carpets and leather couches but it probably is no match to the prestigious abode at the Army House (which he eventually moved out of 18 months after resigning as Chief of Army Staff). More than reminiscing about the good old days in the crisp uniform and Army House, Musharraf must also be homesick for the home he built but never got to live in – the Chak Shahzad mansion lies empty.
When evacuating the Army House in May, Musharraf’s spokesman had stated ‘he has no plans of settling abroad.’ Yet here we are, a few months down the road and he is currently living in a country where his rivals have caught their breath while in exile. Speculations suggest he will probably move on to the Middle East or to the US after this – returning to the homeland is something the patriot might not be able to pull off for a while to come.
Although still spoken of as the dictator, a large group still roots for him and still thinks he was the most personable representative the country could have had. He was presentable, witty and sharp. He was patriotic, and let’s not forget, he did take off the uniform as he said he would, even if it was done with reluctance and a few about-turns.
But now that his own actions have caused things to pan out in a way where he has to stay away, a ‘let him be’ attitude can be expected too. Isn’t that what the deal-makers did too? Let things slide so that he can move aside and sit far away making nice shots on foreign greens and singing classical ghazals (which are fated to become great hits on YouTube, if no where else).
Those still cursing Musharraf or still wanting him to be brought to books don’t realise how much the man may be cashing in from the attention – even if it’s negative. He’s job offers in the US, he’s giving lectures to various institutions and charging thousands of dollars. He’s boasting Saudi assurance and consistently reiterating that no one can touch him. Since his guarantors have his back and Scotland Yard his front, with his retired commandos on the side, Musharraf must feel like he’s got a pretty good circle of security going around him.
In fact, this boost of invincibility might be linked to him going on public television and stating that Pakistan had diverted the US aid and ammunition, given for the 'war on terror', against India. Some say he’s just playing dirty games now but no doubt he must have upset the establishment making such claims. The Foreign Ministry discussed his ‘loose talk’ and basically had a ‘what was he thinking?’ discussion but still have no concrete reason as to what could have prompted him to do such ‘disservice to the country.’ Realising that another classical ghazal clip might have faired better with the volatile public right now, Musharraf later in the day retracted his statement and said that he was misquoted.
Leaving aside his motives, actions, mistakes and intentions, perhaps its time Musharraf is left alone to enjoy his musical evenings. He will go on touring the world and talking about holding the ‘most dangerous job in the world’ and giving his expert analyses and sharp one-liners on Pakistan and the ‘war against terror,’ all worth thousands of dollars.
He insists he isn’t in exile, but we all know there is a reason why Pervez Musharraf is not teeing off on Pakistan’s golf courses. His mark on Pakistan’s future presidencies is evident as we see President Zardari following the tradition of retracting statements quicker than anyone can yell ‘about-turn!’
While the nation pondered over his treason charges and wondered if he’d appear in court, Musharraf sat in London, supposedly making the most out of his retirement – or at least that’s what the general assumption was. But this week it was revealed that powers who must not be named, along with President Zardari had decided on granting Musharraf a ‘safe exit’ as a part of a deal negotiated by his ‘guarantors’. Hence, no action would be taken against the former president under Article 6 of the Constitution.
It is believed that a trial involving Musharraf would also end up involving a lot of politicians, judges and army generals and so instead of allowing that mess to spill out, it was decided that sending him off to play golf would be a better option for everyone – except for perhaps Nawaz Sharif who maintains the vendetta against the retired general who ousted him in 1999, is nothing personal.
Sharif said in an interview that he was dismayed about not being taken into confidence over the deal and could have guided President Zardari ‘in the right direction’ had he known the plan. Not sure what would classify as the right direction for Sharif but reports do state that he had assured King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia that he was going to soften his stance and not seek Musharraf’s trial for treason. Too many talks mixed with too many interventions make certain things less plausible than others but one thing is for certain; Saudi Arabia no longer remains just the spiritual leader of the Muslim world but instead has also extended its management services to Pakistan’s dirty politics.
Saudi Arabia has undoubtedly played an important role in Musharraf’s exit and post-retirement life but just how cushy is Musharraf’s life right now? Not so much, a recent article by Declan Walsh states. Musharraf’s three-bedroom flat on Edgware Road might have silk carpets and leather couches but it probably is no match to the prestigious abode at the Army House (which he eventually moved out of 18 months after resigning as Chief of Army Staff). More than reminiscing about the good old days in the crisp uniform and Army House, Musharraf must also be homesick for the home he built but never got to live in – the Chak Shahzad mansion lies empty.
When evacuating the Army House in May, Musharraf’s spokesman had stated ‘he has no plans of settling abroad.’ Yet here we are, a few months down the road and he is currently living in a country where his rivals have caught their breath while in exile. Speculations suggest he will probably move on to the Middle East or to the US after this – returning to the homeland is something the patriot might not be able to pull off for a while to come.
Although still spoken of as the dictator, a large group still roots for him and still thinks he was the most personable representative the country could have had. He was presentable, witty and sharp. He was patriotic, and let’s not forget, he did take off the uniform as he said he would, even if it was done with reluctance and a few about-turns.
But now that his own actions have caused things to pan out in a way where he has to stay away, a ‘let him be’ attitude can be expected too. Isn’t that what the deal-makers did too? Let things slide so that he can move aside and sit far away making nice shots on foreign greens and singing classical ghazals (which are fated to become great hits on YouTube, if no where else).
Those still cursing Musharraf or still wanting him to be brought to books don’t realise how much the man may be cashing in from the attention – even if it’s negative. He’s job offers in the US, he’s giving lectures to various institutions and charging thousands of dollars. He’s boasting Saudi assurance and consistently reiterating that no one can touch him. Since his guarantors have his back and Scotland Yard his front, with his retired commandos on the side, Musharraf must feel like he’s got a pretty good circle of security going around him.
In fact, this boost of invincibility might be linked to him going on public television and stating that Pakistan had diverted the US aid and ammunition, given for the 'war on terror', against India. Some say he’s just playing dirty games now but no doubt he must have upset the establishment making such claims. The Foreign Ministry discussed his ‘loose talk’ and basically had a ‘what was he thinking?’ discussion but still have no concrete reason as to what could have prompted him to do such ‘disservice to the country.’ Realising that another classical ghazal clip might have faired better with the volatile public right now, Musharraf later in the day retracted his statement and said that he was misquoted.
Leaving aside his motives, actions, mistakes and intentions, perhaps its time Musharraf is left alone to enjoy his musical evenings. He will go on touring the world and talking about holding the ‘most dangerous job in the world’ and giving his expert analyses and sharp one-liners on Pakistan and the ‘war against terror,’ all worth thousands of dollars.
He insists he isn’t in exile, but we all know there is a reason why Pervez Musharraf is not teeing off on Pakistan’s golf courses. His mark on Pakistan’s future presidencies is evident as we see President Zardari following the tradition of retracting statements quicker than anyone can yell ‘about-turn!’
General assumptions and about-turns
By Shyema Sajjad
PML-N describes Musharraf’s trial as ‘writing on the wall’ ‘I enjoy the opportunity to clear up misconceptions,’ he has been quoted as saying in the Guardian. However, its doubtful a lecture series in the US can clear up all the ‘misconceptions’ the common Pakistani has about former president General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf.
While the nation pondered over his treason charges and wondered if he’d appear in court, Musharraf sat in London, supposedly making the most out of his retirement – or at least that’s what the general assumption was. But this week it was revealed that powers who must not be named, along with President Zardari had decided on granting Musharraf a ‘safe exit’ as a part of a deal negotiated by his ‘guarantors’. Hence, no action would be taken against the former president under Article 6 of the Constitution.
It is believed that a trial involving Musharraf would also end up involving a lot of politicians, judges and army generals and so instead of allowing that mess to spill out, it was decided that sending him off to play golf would be a better option for everyone – except for perhaps Nawaz Sharif who maintains the vendetta against the retired general who ousted him in 1999, is nothing personal.
Sharif said in an interview that he was dismayed about not being taken into confidence over the deal and could have guided President Zardari ‘in the right direction’ had he known the plan. Not sure what would classify as the right direction for Sharif but reports do state that he had assured King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia that he was going to soften his stance and not seek Musharraf’s trial for treason. Too many talks mixed with too many interventions make certain things less plausible than others but one thing is for certain; Saudi Arabia no longer remains just the spiritual leader of the Muslim world but instead has also extended its management services to Pakistan’s dirty politics.
Saudi Arabia has undoubtedly played an important role in Musharraf’s exit and post-retirement life but just how cushy is Musharraf’s life right now? Not so much, a recent article by Declan Walsh states. Musharraf’s three-bedroom flat on Edgware Road might have silk carpets and leather couches but it probably is no match to the prestigious abode at the Army House (which he eventually moved out of 18 months after resigning as Chief of Army Staff). More than reminiscing about the good old days in the crisp uniform and Army House, Musharraf must also be homesick for the home he built but never got to live in – the Chak Shahzad mansion lies empty.
When evacuating the Army House in May, Musharraf’s spokesman had stated ‘he has no plans of settling abroad.’ Yet here we are, a few months down the road and he is currently living in a country where his rivals have caught their breath while in exile. Speculations suggest he will probably move on to the Middle East or to the US after this – returning to the homeland is something the patriot might not be able to pull off for a while to come.
Although still spoken of as the dictator, a large group still roots for him and still thinks he was the most personable representative the country could have had. He was presentable, witty and sharp. He was patriotic, and let’s not forget, he did take off the uniform as he said he would, even if it was done with reluctance and a few about-turns.
But now that his own actions have caused things to pan out in a way where he has to stay away, a ‘let him be’ attitude can be expected too. Isn’t that what the deal-makers did too? Let things slide so that he can move aside and sit far away making nice shots on foreign greens and singing classical ghazals (which are fated to become great hits on YouTube, if no where else).
Those still cursing Musharraf or still wanting him to be brought to books don’t realise how much the man may be cashing in from the attention – even if it’s negative. He’s job offers in the US, he’s giving lectures to various institutions and charging thousands of dollars. He’s boasting Saudi assurance and consistently reiterating that no one can touch him. Since his guarantors have his back and Scotland Yard his front, with his retired commandos on the side, Musharraf must feel like he’s got a pretty good circle of security going around him.
In fact, this boost of invincibility might be linked to him going on public television and stating that Pakistan had diverted the US aid and ammunition, given for the 'war on terror', against India. Some say he’s just playing dirty games now but no doubt he must have upset the establishment making such claims. The Foreign Ministry discussed his ‘loose talk’ and basically had a ‘what was he thinking?’ discussion but still have no concrete reason as to what could have prompted him to do such ‘disservice to the country.’ Realising that another classical ghazal clip might have faired better with the volatile public right now, Musharraf later in the day retracted his statement and said that he was misquoted.
Leaving aside his motives, actions, mistakes and intentions, perhaps its time Musharraf is left alone to enjoy his musical evenings. He will go on touring the world and talking about holding the ‘most dangerous job in the world’ and giving his expert analyses and sharp one-liners on Pakistan and the ‘war against terror,’ all worth thousands of dollars.
He insists he isn’t in exile, but we all know there is a reason why Pervez Musharraf is not teeing off on Pakistan’s golf courses. His mark on Pakistan’s future presidencies is evident as we see President Zardari following the tradition of retracting statements quicker than anyone can yell ‘about-turn!’
PML-N describes Musharraf’s trial as ‘writing on the wall’ ‘I enjoy the opportunity to clear up misconceptions,’ he has been quoted as saying in the Guardian. However, its doubtful a lecture series in the US can clear up all the ‘misconceptions’ the common Pakistani has about former president General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf.
While the nation pondered over his treason charges and wondered if he’d appear in court, Musharraf sat in London, supposedly making the most out of his retirement – or at least that’s what the general assumption was. But this week it was revealed that powers who must not be named, along with President Zardari had decided on granting Musharraf a ‘safe exit’ as a part of a deal negotiated by his ‘guarantors’. Hence, no action would be taken against the former president under Article 6 of the Constitution.
It is believed that a trial involving Musharraf would also end up involving a lot of politicians, judges and army generals and so instead of allowing that mess to spill out, it was decided that sending him off to play golf would be a better option for everyone – except for perhaps Nawaz Sharif who maintains the vendetta against the retired general who ousted him in 1999, is nothing personal.
Sharif said in an interview that he was dismayed about not being taken into confidence over the deal and could have guided President Zardari ‘in the right direction’ had he known the plan. Not sure what would classify as the right direction for Sharif but reports do state that he had assured King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia that he was going to soften his stance and not seek Musharraf’s trial for treason. Too many talks mixed with too many interventions make certain things less plausible than others but one thing is for certain; Saudi Arabia no longer remains just the spiritual leader of the Muslim world but instead has also extended its management services to Pakistan’s dirty politics.
Saudi Arabia has undoubtedly played an important role in Musharraf’s exit and post-retirement life but just how cushy is Musharraf’s life right now? Not so much, a recent article by Declan Walsh states. Musharraf’s three-bedroom flat on Edgware Road might have silk carpets and leather couches but it probably is no match to the prestigious abode at the Army House (which he eventually moved out of 18 months after resigning as Chief of Army Staff). More than reminiscing about the good old days in the crisp uniform and Army House, Musharraf must also be homesick for the home he built but never got to live in – the Chak Shahzad mansion lies empty.
When evacuating the Army House in May, Musharraf’s spokesman had stated ‘he has no plans of settling abroad.’ Yet here we are, a few months down the road and he is currently living in a country where his rivals have caught their breath while in exile. Speculations suggest he will probably move on to the Middle East or to the US after this – returning to the homeland is something the patriot might not be able to pull off for a while to come.
Although still spoken of as the dictator, a large group still roots for him and still thinks he was the most personable representative the country could have had. He was presentable, witty and sharp. He was patriotic, and let’s not forget, he did take off the uniform as he said he would, even if it was done with reluctance and a few about-turns.
But now that his own actions have caused things to pan out in a way where he has to stay away, a ‘let him be’ attitude can be expected too. Isn’t that what the deal-makers did too? Let things slide so that he can move aside and sit far away making nice shots on foreign greens and singing classical ghazals (which are fated to become great hits on YouTube, if no where else).
Those still cursing Musharraf or still wanting him to be brought to books don’t realise how much the man may be cashing in from the attention – even if it’s negative. He’s job offers in the US, he’s giving lectures to various institutions and charging thousands of dollars. He’s boasting Saudi assurance and consistently reiterating that no one can touch him. Since his guarantors have his back and Scotland Yard his front, with his retired commandos on the side, Musharraf must feel like he’s got a pretty good circle of security going around him.
In fact, this boost of invincibility might be linked to him going on public television and stating that Pakistan had diverted the US aid and ammunition, given for the 'war on terror', against India. Some say he’s just playing dirty games now but no doubt he must have upset the establishment making such claims. The Foreign Ministry discussed his ‘loose talk’ and basically had a ‘what was he thinking?’ discussion but still have no concrete reason as to what could have prompted him to do such ‘disservice to the country.’ Realising that another classical ghazal clip might have faired better with the volatile public right now, Musharraf later in the day retracted his statement and said that he was misquoted.
Leaving aside his motives, actions, mistakes and intentions, perhaps its time Musharraf is left alone to enjoy his musical evenings. He will go on touring the world and talking about holding the ‘most dangerous job in the world’ and giving his expert analyses and sharp one-liners on Pakistan and the ‘war against terror,’ all worth thousands of dollars.
He insists he isn’t in exile, but we all know there is a reason why Pervez Musharraf is not teeing off on Pakistan’s golf courses. His mark on Pakistan’s future presidencies is evident as we see President Zardari following the tradition of retracting statements quicker than anyone can yell ‘about-turn!’
Corporate farming
By Ayesha Siddiqa
RECENTLY, a controversy has emerged regarding the government’s plan to lease or sell land to foreign clients in order to increase agricultural productivity and earn money. Both the federal and Punjab governments seem keen on the plan.
But what this entails and what the likely cost of such a move will be is worth assessing. In principle the idea seems fine. Conceptually, it would bring greater investment, especially development of agricultural infrastructure, create more jobs in the rural areas and contribute to the country’s economy. It would probably be better than begging before the ‘Friends of Pakistan’ or other donors. However, the extent of benefits that Pakistan will accrue from this proposal depends on the management of the concept.
The government plans to offer about 700,000 acres of land to potential investors probably from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. At the moment it is not clear what methodology will be used for the purpose. Will it just involve state land or include private land as well?
This is not the first time the idea of corporate farming has been floated in government circles. Reportedly, it was discussed during Pervez Musharraf’s time with the option of leasing land to the Chinese. Beijing had proposed that it be leased 2,000 acres of land for a period of 10 to 15 years with the agreement that China would make technological and financial investments in the land, invest in newer forms of seeds and other products and leave the new infrastructure to the state or the owners after the termination of the contract.
Further changes were recommended by people in the government, suggesting that the investors sign agreements with individual owners guaranteeing their continued ownership with the additional advantage of an annual share in the profits. This would be in addition to providing them with the existing level of income at the time.
While the negotiations with China fell through, the present government seems to have moved to other potential clients like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. There are different stories regarding the formulas being offered to foreign investors. The first story is about the government leasing state land in Cholistan (Punjab) and Balochistan to foreign contractors. Apparently, the Punjab agriculture minister confirmed that about 600,000 acres of land was offered in Cholistan, which was rejected due to brackish water in the region.
There are also stories of the government helping private companies from the two aforementioned countries acquire land from private owners to grow vegetables and other crops, which would be exported to their own countries. It was suggested that the government could provide some sort of tax holiday and have security units protect the leased/sold land.
Such suggestions raise questions. First, why would the government provide any financial concessions to these investors, especially if it plans to make money? It doesn’t make any sense, especially when they will take away the produce to their own countries. Second, why would the government need to have security contingents if there is no contestable claim over the land or if the entire arrangement is reached amicably? Or is it that land would be taken forcibly from at least some people, which would make both Islamabad and the contracting countries anxious about retaliation?
There is a basic problem with leasing or selling land to Middle Eastern or Gulf states – these countries already have stakes in Pakistan’s real estate. For instance, for years large tracts of land in Cholistan have been earmarked for different rulers from the Gulf, who use the land as hunting grounds and have built mansions in the area.
The story doesn’t end here. These rulers are said to have developed their own set of cronies in the host state and one wonders what influence they would exert with greater involvement in Pakistan’s real estate. The Gulf states and Saudi Arabia now seem to have the capability to remote-control events in Pakistan as we saw recently when King Abdullah comforted Pervez Musharraf and gave an audience to Nawaz Sharif.
Political economy also has to do with these linkages, particularly at the lower level. The capital and political influence brought in by these rulers creates local-level partnerships as well, many of which can be seen in south Punjab. In one case, for instance, a Musharraf-regime minister for state from the area partnered a main agent of the Abu Dhabi ruling elite to set up a sugar mill.
The relationships between the ruling elite of these states and their links in Pakistan are generally so secretive that it raises concerns about what would possibly come out of the deal. The deal itself could create a cartel in agriculture, which might only benefit the bigger or politically significant landowners.
With so much secrecy surrounding negotiations there is a possibility that smaller or mid-level farmers may not benefit. The politically influential landowners would not only get better arrangements but also become partners in the deal. This would also include the numerous military generals who have land in and around Cholistan. Not familiar with farming and probably not making a lot of money at the moment, these individuals would be only too happy with such an arrangement.
Equally happy would be bigger landowners of the area, who, in any case, capitalise on available resources and use contacts to maximise profits from their land. For instance, fruit export is a profitable venture, but its greatest beneficiaries are the bigger landowners who also seem to be pushing the idea of leasing land to foreign firms.
Currently, the problem is that the resources to develop agriculture are monopolised. Perhaps creating a system where most farmers have access to resources would benefit agriculture more than the formula under consideration. Leasing land in this fashion may just add to Pakistan’s reputation as a banana republic.
The writer is an independent strategic and political analyst.
RECENTLY, a controversy has emerged regarding the government’s plan to lease or sell land to foreign clients in order to increase agricultural productivity and earn money. Both the federal and Punjab governments seem keen on the plan.
But what this entails and what the likely cost of such a move will be is worth assessing. In principle the idea seems fine. Conceptually, it would bring greater investment, especially development of agricultural infrastructure, create more jobs in the rural areas and contribute to the country’s economy. It would probably be better than begging before the ‘Friends of Pakistan’ or other donors. However, the extent of benefits that Pakistan will accrue from this proposal depends on the management of the concept.
The government plans to offer about 700,000 acres of land to potential investors probably from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. At the moment it is not clear what methodology will be used for the purpose. Will it just involve state land or include private land as well?
This is not the first time the idea of corporate farming has been floated in government circles. Reportedly, it was discussed during Pervez Musharraf’s time with the option of leasing land to the Chinese. Beijing had proposed that it be leased 2,000 acres of land for a period of 10 to 15 years with the agreement that China would make technological and financial investments in the land, invest in newer forms of seeds and other products and leave the new infrastructure to the state or the owners after the termination of the contract.
Further changes were recommended by people in the government, suggesting that the investors sign agreements with individual owners guaranteeing their continued ownership with the additional advantage of an annual share in the profits. This would be in addition to providing them with the existing level of income at the time.
While the negotiations with China fell through, the present government seems to have moved to other potential clients like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. There are different stories regarding the formulas being offered to foreign investors. The first story is about the government leasing state land in Cholistan (Punjab) and Balochistan to foreign contractors. Apparently, the Punjab agriculture minister confirmed that about 600,000 acres of land was offered in Cholistan, which was rejected due to brackish water in the region.
There are also stories of the government helping private companies from the two aforementioned countries acquire land from private owners to grow vegetables and other crops, which would be exported to their own countries. It was suggested that the government could provide some sort of tax holiday and have security units protect the leased/sold land.
Such suggestions raise questions. First, why would the government provide any financial concessions to these investors, especially if it plans to make money? It doesn’t make any sense, especially when they will take away the produce to their own countries. Second, why would the government need to have security contingents if there is no contestable claim over the land or if the entire arrangement is reached amicably? Or is it that land would be taken forcibly from at least some people, which would make both Islamabad and the contracting countries anxious about retaliation?
There is a basic problem with leasing or selling land to Middle Eastern or Gulf states – these countries already have stakes in Pakistan’s real estate. For instance, for years large tracts of land in Cholistan have been earmarked for different rulers from the Gulf, who use the land as hunting grounds and have built mansions in the area.
The story doesn’t end here. These rulers are said to have developed their own set of cronies in the host state and one wonders what influence they would exert with greater involvement in Pakistan’s real estate. The Gulf states and Saudi Arabia now seem to have the capability to remote-control events in Pakistan as we saw recently when King Abdullah comforted Pervez Musharraf and gave an audience to Nawaz Sharif.
Political economy also has to do with these linkages, particularly at the lower level. The capital and political influence brought in by these rulers creates local-level partnerships as well, many of which can be seen in south Punjab. In one case, for instance, a Musharraf-regime minister for state from the area partnered a main agent of the Abu Dhabi ruling elite to set up a sugar mill.
The relationships between the ruling elite of these states and their links in Pakistan are generally so secretive that it raises concerns about what would possibly come out of the deal. The deal itself could create a cartel in agriculture, which might only benefit the bigger or politically significant landowners.
With so much secrecy surrounding negotiations there is a possibility that smaller or mid-level farmers may not benefit. The politically influential landowners would not only get better arrangements but also become partners in the deal. This would also include the numerous military generals who have land in and around Cholistan. Not familiar with farming and probably not making a lot of money at the moment, these individuals would be only too happy with such an arrangement.
Equally happy would be bigger landowners of the area, who, in any case, capitalise on available resources and use contacts to maximise profits from their land. For instance, fruit export is a profitable venture, but its greatest beneficiaries are the bigger landowners who also seem to be pushing the idea of leasing land to foreign firms.
Currently, the problem is that the resources to develop agriculture are monopolised. Perhaps creating a system where most farmers have access to resources would benefit agriculture more than the formula under consideration. Leasing land in this fashion may just add to Pakistan’s reputation as a banana republic.
The writer is an independent strategic and political analyst.
Sep 15, 2009
Safe exit
Dawn Editorial
US responds cautiously to Musharraf’s statement TO the surprise of no one, President Zardari has admitted that a ‘safe exit’ was engineered by international powers for Gen Musharraf (retd) to allow the former president-cum-army-chief to 'play golf in his post-presidential life'.
Left unsaid by President Zardari, but equally obvious, is another aspect of the deal: the point of getting Mr Musharraf safely out of the picture was to allow the civilian politicians to get on with the transition to democracy and to prove that they can govern effectively.
So, where does President Zardari’s admission and Nawaz Sharif’s recent meeting with the Saudi king leave the PML-N’s demand to try Mr Musharraf for treason? To be sure, as a matter of principle the PML-N is not required to adhere to a deal struck with outside powers without its consent on an internal, Pakistani issue. But what the PML-N must do is respect the collec-tive voice of parliament. Therefore, if the PML-N really does want to see Mr Musharraf tried it should take up at the earliest the government’s offer and table a parliamentary resolution calling for Mr Musharraf’s trial. Let parliament vote on the issue and if it decides to call for Mr Musharraf’s trial, let the chips fall where they may.
But it is obvious that at the moment the PML-N does not have the support of a majority of the country’s elected representatives in parliament. There is clearly a cynical element in the MQM’s and the PML-Q’s resistance, for those parties were direct beneficiaries of the Musharraf era. But there are also more pragmatic reasons to avoid a fresh political crisis. The country is faced with myriad problems, none of which will be solved or mitigated by trying Mr Musharraf. More crisis-solving and less crisis-creation, then, is clearly the demand of the times.
US responds cautiously to Musharraf’s statement TO the surprise of no one, President Zardari has admitted that a ‘safe exit’ was engineered by international powers for Gen Musharraf (retd) to allow the former president-cum-army-chief to 'play golf in his post-presidential life'.
Left unsaid by President Zardari, but equally obvious, is another aspect of the deal: the point of getting Mr Musharraf safely out of the picture was to allow the civilian politicians to get on with the transition to democracy and to prove that they can govern effectively.
So, where does President Zardari’s admission and Nawaz Sharif’s recent meeting with the Saudi king leave the PML-N’s demand to try Mr Musharraf for treason? To be sure, as a matter of principle the PML-N is not required to adhere to a deal struck with outside powers without its consent on an internal, Pakistani issue. But what the PML-N must do is respect the collec-tive voice of parliament. Therefore, if the PML-N really does want to see Mr Musharraf tried it should take up at the earliest the government’s offer and table a parliamentary resolution calling for Mr Musharraf’s trial. Let parliament vote on the issue and if it decides to call for Mr Musharraf’s trial, let the chips fall where they may.
But it is obvious that at the moment the PML-N does not have the support of a majority of the country’s elected representatives in parliament. There is clearly a cynical element in the MQM’s and the PML-Q’s resistance, for those parties were direct beneficiaries of the Musharraf era. But there are also more pragmatic reasons to avoid a fresh political crisis. The country is faced with myriad problems, none of which will be solved or mitigated by trying Mr Musharraf. More crisis-solving and less crisis-creation, then, is clearly the demand of the times.
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