Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Muslims and power
Muslims have been in power for many moons. Unfortunately, today’s Muslims have been divided into several groups in the shape of countries like Iran represents Shia school of thought, Saudi Arabia represents Wahabism and so on and so forth. But no one represents the Muslims as a United State. Muslims are deprived of their rights because of lack of unity. We even cannot compete with Israel, which has deteriorated the environment of the gulf countries. Though Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world, why hasn’t it made any nuclear weapons or any army for defence, why are Muslims divided into groups?
Why do we not represent as Muslims? Despite wealth, power and education the Islamic States have failed to take back Palestine from the terrorist State of Israel. Why the Muslims are tolerating such kind of wild beasts on the sacred land of Palestine? Palestine issue is the issue of self respect of the Muslims. An initiative must be taken to be united so that we may reach the moon.
ALI HASSAN NOONARI
Sukkur
Financial inclusion of women
Pakistan still has a long way to go to achieve financial inclusion of women in the economy. Women only make up 22% of the workforce, despite constituting 49% of the total population (World Bank). Only 2.9% of women are financially included, compared to 17% men National Financial Inclusion Strategy. At financial institutions, men outnumber women account holders by 68%. In mobile banking, the gap widens to 78% (FINCA). Compared to men, women are more likely to be poor, less likely to have a job and more likely to work in informal economy.
Financial inclusion is important for women to have access to loans, credit and to make transactions, but it is also an essential way to save money and build assets in a safe place, which can, in turn, help them come out of poverty. Efforts need to be made in developing a relationship of trust and compassion to overcome financial literacy hindrances of women. For instance, a packaged service which caters to identity registration, bank account opening, training and mentoring along with provision of loan. Digital channels and innovative product designs have the potential to offer new and better value propositions for women when done holistically and considering social norms. Karandaaz Pakistan has been working extensively in this area along with other interventions for financial inclusion.
Their annual FIWC (Financial Inclusion for Women Challenge) has resulted in innovative and disruptive ideas to support business that create financial products that enable women to adopt Financial Services. A good example is of Oraan, a Karandaaz Pakistan-funded venture which digitises the committee concept of saving, along with provision of coaching and guidance all under one mobile application. Improving and increasing the outreach of such solutions will allow women to use more convenient financial services.
MUHAMMAD SAGHEER
Islamabad
Corona & panic
Recently, I have recovered from typhoid; since typhoid is a periodic fever and takes its time to completely go away despite medical treatment. During this period, I have realised that not just a lay person is panicked and confused about Covid-19 but also the doctors. I had fever, cough, headache and lethargy but I was immediately asked to get myself tested for Covid-19 by one physician and naturally it instantly put me and my family under a deep worry and panic. I decided to self examine my symptoms for 2-3 days by taking precautions, my condition remained the same but there was no loss of senses, flu and breathing difficulty. In fact, corona preventive medicine prescribed by the physician started showing its side effects on me. So I decided to take a second opinion, luckily this time I got a proper check-up and was diagnosed with typhoid eventually. Got the accurate prescription and now I am doing well and my family members are also fine. The reason to share my story here is that I do acknowledge the fact that we are facing the second wave of corona and should be extremely cautious in our daily routine life but having said that we must be alert and aware of the fact that all fevers are not Covid-19.
It could be seasonal viral infection, malaria, typhoid or something else. A proper and accurate examination and diagnosis are mandatory before referring every single feverish person to the lab; it creates panic and fear. As they say that we have to live with Covid-19 now, then it is necessary to keep focus on mass awareness regarding symptoms and precautions and keeping it less like a nightmare as it is also treatable.
SADIA ALI
Rawalpindi
Swamy is not a terrorist
Jesuit priest, Fr. Stan Swamy’s arrest is a violation of human rights. The case against him is fake and fabricated. Fr. Stan Swamy (full name Fr. Stanislaus Lourdusamy) is a veteran tribal rights activist who has worked for over five decades in Jharkhand, fighting for the rights of the Adivasi community. He was vocal on the discrimination against tribal and Dalit communities in Jharkhand.
The false charges against this 83-year-old ailing Jesuit priest aim to discredit intellectuals, legal professionals and social activists who raise their voices for the rights of poorest of poor people. It is nothing but a complete concoction and absolute falsehood that is being propagated by the Maharashtra police. Fr Stan Swamy is not a terrorist. His arrest by the Maharashtra police is not fair and he should be released. Just because we Christians are peace-loving people and do not retaliate, it does not mean that the government and the police can take an upper hand on us. Churches are also being burnt and desecrated and the police do nothing to arrest culprits.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
