Colony versus republic.

In a republic, people who conAstitute the state are treated as customers whereas in a coloAny they are exploited as serfs. The Japanese dominate the world with their customer orienAtation. Having been a pioAneer in the quality moveAment that started in Pakistan in the mid-nineAties, I was aware of this modern approach. In the ISO-9000-based Quality ManAagement System (QMS) customer satisfaction was measured. When I took over the Chairmanship of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) and its two affiliated organisations, the Pakistan Scientific and TechniAcal Information Center (PASTIC), and the Pakistan Museum of NatuAral History (PMNH) on August 15, 2002, it was decided to pursue ISO 9000 certification of all three. A team was put in place which I perAsonally trained. After the PSF, QMS was certified, and it was decided to offer free assistance to other govAernment departments. In response to my offer, the Registrar of the LaAhore High Court (LHC) wrote back saying; that the 'LHC had no cusAtomers'. I was taken aback by his reply and personally explained that all organisations/institutions were created to serve the people, and customers are required to enAsure continuity otherwise they perish. Litigants were the customAers of the court.

During my student days in ArizoAna, I was given a ticket for a traffic violation which I challenged. DurAing the process, the officer asked me if I were from Iran as the US Embassy hostage crisis was on at that time. During the hearing of the case, I asked the officer if he had asked the question about my nationality. He kept quiet, I then asked if it was a relevant question. The judge was infuriated at the siAlence of the officer and the challan was cancelled as there was a clear bias against the accused which was not acceptable in the eyes of law. In the land of the pure, the approach is totally opposite. A few years back I had gone to Beijing for a seminar where I was informed that my ofAfice had been sealed by the ExAcise and Taxation Department (E and T Dept). On my return, I visited the E and T Dept and was told that my tax assessment had been changed. The inspector was expecting the traAditional 'Muk Muka' but instead I challenged the sealing of the office when the earlier assessed tax had been paid. The Director ruled in my favour, the Inspector was made to apologise. Again, last year I reAceived a final notice for my propAerty tax assessment. I approached the Inspector and asked for the earlier...