Call to Action for Oil Spill

To all Pakistani’s...(citizens of the world feel free to change that particular bit and join in the protest)

Please cut and paste the following text and email it to the Karachi Nazim, the Prime Minister and the Presidents offices. (look for addys at http://www.karachiciti.gov.pk and www.pak.gov.pk) Let’s use this forum to clamour for change.

Dear (name of official):

As a citizen of Karachi, Pakistan, I would like to exercise my rights under the constitution by demanding answers to the following questions related to the Tasman Spirit oil spill.

1) How/why did the Tasman spirit run aground? Was it human error? Technical fault? Improper maintainance of the channel?

2) How much oil has since been spilt into the sea?

3) Does Pakistan have the equipment and technical expertise or resources to deal with a situation like this on its own?

4) Considering the fact that Karachi is a major sea port and a regular transit point for oil tankers, does it have a contingency plan to deal with a situation like this? If not, why not?

5) What safety precautions were taken or protective equipment (gloves, masks, suits) supplied to the government employees involved in the clean up? What medical coverage is provided to them for any ill effects due to this exposure? If not, why not?

6) What remedial measures are being taken to address the effects of the spill on the ecosystem around the affected areas and those economically affected by it?

If it is established that the accident could have been avoided or subsequent effects diminished or properly contained, I demand, as a tax-paying citizen of a sovereign nation, that those responsible be held accountable. The government and provincial and local bodies are servants of the people not their masters. Our natural resources should be treated with respect for the benefit of all.