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.
Crying for attention
A profoundly shameful, sad, and unfortunate contrast. In the picture below ?? , on the left, the grand building of the National Press Trust (NPT) stands out conspicuously in sector F-8 Markaz. In sharp contrast to this gorgeous NPT building, on the right side of the barrier equally conspicuously can be seen the utterly shabby and dilapidated wooden cabin of the poor security guards.
While privileged people sitting in the luxurious offices situated in the NPT building are thoroughly enjoying 5 *** facilities, the underprivileged security guards are shamelessly stationed at the shabby and dilapidated wooden cabin. In spite of this, they are engaged in performing their duties diligently and, apparently, with no complaints. This, however, doesn’t mean that they have no grievances. Their silence, in fact, speaks volumes of their sufferings. They don’t even have a proper chair to sit on, what to speak of other facilities.
I would urge the management of the National Press Trust (NPT), and/or others responsible, to have mercy on these poor security guards. After all they are also human beings like us. They too have some basic needs. Pls take immediate cognizance of this matter … provide them an appropriately furnished place (Cabin) so that they too could have access, if not much, to at least the barest minimum facilities, and perform their duties without any problem.
I also sincerely urge the media to come forward and vigorously raise this issue with the concerned authorities for the sake of the underprivileged persons mentioned above.
FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
Very encouraging vibes
The proposed India-Pakistan joint statement on a ceasefire along the LoC is a positive sign perfectly in the right direction. According to the media inputs, the so-called backchannel diplomacy seems to have played a big role in enacting the current positive state of affairs along the de facto border areas. Encouragingly enough, most English media outlets in Pakistan and the Indian media houses have started flashing this news piece. Even the international forums like the UN and the West have appreciated the whole ceasefire effort by Pakistan and India.
Yet again, it is the big responsibility of the media houses not to send out unnecessary sensational, confusing news items instead to concentrate on the possible positive things on the sides of both Pakistan and India. Right from my childhood and straight through all these years, I have been seeing many local people in my native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, who have often been speaking well of the India-Pakistan relationship. Most of all, the people in India and Pakistan have already been living through their respective culture and Constitution post the Independence era. This fact cannot be wrong either on both sides.
If Asian nations like Pakistan and India are able to resolve their disputes, then it will not only send the positive signals across the region but also attract the West and the rest of the world. Above all, other important channels like proper communication, regular train, ship and bus services across the border and transborder economic activities will strengthen the lives of Indians and Pakistanis and also create the robust economic activities across the Asian region.
P SENTHIL S DURAI
Maharashtra, India
Unemployment in our country
I want to draw the attention of the government and the public to the problem of unemployment. With the increase in population and the rising cost of living, its severity is also increasing. During the past few years, it has become unbearable.The main cause of unemployment is that we are not certain about our goals. Our students have no clear planning about their aims. Everyone in our society wants to become an engineer or a doctor. As the degree holders and job opportunities do not match, the result is unemployment. Another biggest reason of unemployment in Pakistan is concerned with the backwardness of agriculture sector. Agriculture is the biggest sector of our country that contributes 20.9% to GDP and 44% people get jobs from this sector directly or indirectly.
Our government should set up an independent department for the eradication of unemployment. Our government has already set up the departments for the control of corruption, pollution, overpopulation, food shortage, etc. A department for the control of unemployment will certainly produce good results. Decentralization of industrial activity is necessary to reduce unemployment. If industrial activities are centralized at one place, there will be less opportunities in the under-developed areas. The agriculture sector should be developed. Family planning centres should be opened to control the flow of overpopulation. So government should adopt such policies. I hope that the wide circulation of your reputed daily will share my ideas far and wide.
HURAIN FATIMA
Lahore
Junk food
I am writing this letter to express my concern about health problems caused by consuming junk food. Junk food is widely eaten nowadays. College going students find it time saving while school going children prefer it to home cooked food. Even parents don’t understand that junk food has zero nutritional value. Junk food is harmful for health. A lot of people are suffering from obesity and having other medical problems.
Most of the fast food factories use low quality raw material for making food that we consume. Also fast food industries make the price of products to be low, so that we are being attracted by product and buy it. People should be made aware of the harmful effects of consuming junk food. I hope the authorities concerned would do some work to raise awareness about effects of junk food.
NAFESSA MUNIR
Lahore
