Rejoinder to Ansar Abbasi’s malicious and unsubstantiated report on Gen Musharraf’s farmhouse

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Electronic and Press Media in Pakistan is
enjoying full freedom since former President General Pervez Musharraf
adopted the unprecedented policy of liberation of media, which no one
ever dared to take on in the history of Pakistan. From state
controlled couple of channels in 1999 to more than 60 channels in
2008, it was no other than a ruler in military uniform that always
supported and encouraged the freedom of Expression. It seems ironical
that the same media later started calling him Dictator and crossed all
the limits of ethics in toppling him from office of President.

Like politicians of Pakistan, media quite often also behaves with so
much incivility and irresponsibility, which not only serves the
purpose of disinformation to the nation but also brings irrecoverable
damage to national interests. For few years, centre of gravity of
media and political parties is to bring down former President General
Musharraf by a well orchestrated and well sponsored campaign against
him. No news story attracts the attention of the reader, if it lacks
some scandalous ‘information’ about former President. It is quite
evident that ‘someone’ is still paying media to make false
perceptions.

On 23rd May, Daily ‘The News’ published a story by Mr. Ansar Abbasi
with the title, “Documents reveal power scandal in Chak Shahzad
palaces”, which was simply based on malicious reporting and twisted
facts. On TV channels and internet blogs, it appeared as big story and
spread much quickly. This one sided report was followed by the
‘Breaking News’ that former President has vacated the army house. To
add sensationalism in the news, it was said that Army has forced him
to leave the army house. It was further added that General Musharraf
has brought an apartment in London and is not likely to return back to
the country.

It was too much humiliating for all those who support General
Musharraf and honour him as an honest leader and the man who always
work for the ideology of ‘Pakistan First’. It was also so much sad and
shattering for former President himself that he appeared on different
channels and dismissed all such speculations. He said LOUD and CLEAR
that he would live permanently in Chak Chehzad and is not going to
leave Pakistan at all. He added that since the construction of his
house was completed in Chak Shehzad, he moved out of official
residence. On one question, he confirmed the news about his apartment
in London and told that his future schedule for lectures in different
countries and commitments for interviews is already well set. He has
bought a flat in London to serve as a staying station during his
visits. On one question he denied any role in killing of Nawab Akbar
Bugti, saying he is ready to deal with the allegations levelled
against him. He out rightly rejected any allegation regarding the
rigging in the General Elections of 18th February 2008. He rejected
the claim by PML-Q’s leadership that elections were engineered,
calling this accusation totally baseless. When he was enquired about
the allegation of acquiring electricity on cheaper rates, he rejected
this false allegation, saying he abides law and never remains involved
in such illegal act.

The next day spokesman for the Islamabad Electric Supply Company
(IESCO) clearified that new connection to the farmhouse is given as
per the IESCO-Wapda rules without showing favour to any VIP. He said
the contents of the news item were investigated and scrutinised, but
no irregularity was found in provision of new connections to these
farmhouses. There was no special concession in demand notices. (The
News-24th May 2009)

This whole episode clearly depicts how irresponsibly the news
reporters sometimes behave while making any story. Professional
reporters always take versions of all the parties involved. Mr. Ansar
Abbasi, unfortunately is too biased to practice this fundamental rule.
We doubt he is probably paid to write such malicious reports, with
half quoted and twisted facts. There is no freedom of media, without
having feel of responsibility and sense of ownership.

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The given is the rejoinder to the malicious report of ‘The News’ by
Mr. Ansar Abbasi.

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Written by Hammad Husain (Architect of Chak Shahzad farmhouse)

Mr Ansar Abbasi’s write-up in The News on 23rd May titled “Cheap
electricity for Musharraf, ex-ISI chief and others” is a classic case
of ‘hearsay’ journalism. Had the writer checked his facts, or at least
taken the version of those he has callously accused, as a professional
journalist is expected to do, his write-up would have been accurate.
Mr Abbasi has claimed that “Gen Musharraf’s farmhouse was provided a
free of cost transformer and other equipment in 2006”. This
information is totally wrong. The correct fact is that a 25 kVA
transformer was installed in 2003 right after Gen Musharraf bought the
plot. On 25th Feb 09, as the house was nearing completion, an
application was written to IESCO for upgradation of the transformer. A
demand note was issued by IESCO on 11th March 09 titled “Extension of
load and change of tariff”. A pay order of Rs 376,108 was deposited in
the name of XEN(E), Islamabad-1 on 24th March and another pay order
amounting to Rs. 102,000 was submitted as security deposit.
Consequently, the old transformer was removed and a new 100 kVA
transformer was installed. It is evident that instead of investigating
the matter and verifying his facts, Mr Abbasi has depended solely on
hearsay.

As far as the electricity meter is concerned, the published bill
clearly shows the date it was installed (Dec 2003). The plot is in the
P & V scheme of CDA where an agriculture meter D-2(1) is installed in
routine (by default) till a house is built on the plot for permanent
occupancy. The farmhouse was occupied a few days ago and the new meter
with A-1(b) tariff (for residential use) is in the process of being
installed this week in place of the old meter as per the above-
mentioned demand note. The writer ought to know that exact electrical
load is calculated and the purpose of the meter is clearly mentioned
in all applications. IESCO installs meters after verifying the usage
and loads and the customer does not have the option of choosing
meters. (A-1(b) tariff is for heavy load and is more expensive than A-1
(a) tariff that the writer mentioned in his story). Unfortunately, an
unnecessary issue has been created out of a non-issue. After providing
clarifications in today’s follow-up story, the writer still ‘stands’
by his story. It is easy to stand by a hearsay story, but it is
difficult to stand by unverified and incorrect facts.

Hammad Husain

(Architect of Chak Shahzad farmhouse)

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