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.
Post-American withdrawal Afghanistan
I am sure that our Federal Government and sensitive state institutions must have learnt some lessons and not get involved in Afghanistan’s internal strife, after the withdrawal of American forces.
Pakistan, its economy and citizens continue to suffer the consequences of backlash of Afghan War.
Until Zia got this country involved in Afghan proxy war, offering sanctuary to extremists of all shades and ethnicities, Pakistan did not face the curse of terrorism, nor did we have Kalashnikov culture, nor extremism that haunts the life and security of its citizens today.
The citizens of Pakistan have suffered enough because of the ambitious adventurism of Zia and Musharraf junta, to serve the US strategic interests at the cost of our sovereignty.
Those who were responsible for putting at stake the life and security of millions benefited personally and then abandoned this country with their assets and families to live in foreign safe havens.
They all left, while citizens of Pakistan faced the onslaught of Afghan anger, who vented their anger against Pakistan while the powerful perpetrators of the widespread collateral damage left for their countries of origin.
It is time the State and its institutions focus on their primary responsibility to protect life and property of their citizens and not serve the strategic interests of others.
We must seal our borders and remain aloof from whatever, maybe the American plans, after their withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Life of Pakistani citizens and soldiers are as sacrosanct as life of American, British etc., soldiers and citizens.
Let us live in peace with our neighbours and focus on economic, moral and technological development of our country.
Let us build, with rule of law, our state institutions to provide real and prompt justice and protection to our own people. Only a strong Pakistan can thwart declared evil designs of Hindu supremacists.
MALIK TARIQ
Lahore
Health issues
Many efforts have been made to improve the health system in the country yet the outcome is still not satisfactory and encouraging.
Many health issues are due to lack of awareness, poor diet, water pollution and hygiene problems as no serious efforts has been made to educate people how to improve their outlook on nutritious food intake, regular exercise and walk etc.
Due to shortage of nurses and doctors in rural areas, situation is quite distressing there. The mortality rate in women is higher than men as they are treated by midwives who have no professional competence.
There are many government hospitals providing free treatment to poor people but that too is not sufficient. Our little effort can save someone’s life.
HUSSNA ANSARI
Lahore
Practice yoga
Celebrated on June 21, International Yoga Day celebrates the physical and spiritual prowess that yoga has brought to the world stage. Yoga is the best medicine any doctor can ever prescribe a person.
It plays an important role in our life and it keeps us fit and healthy. It is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition.
It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment, harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well-being. Through yoga, you can explore profoundly the very mechanics of life.
It is beneficial if it is practiced on a daily basis in the morning. We must practise yoga for a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. It is a wonderful alternative healing therapy for any disease.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Why do we dream?
Research shows that deep and peaceful sleep improves mental and physical health.
Scientists are still trying to find out why we dream? There are many theories, but none have actually been scientifically proven.
The physiological theory focuses on how our body, mainly the brain, functions during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep.
Dreams can occur in all stages but clear and remembered dreams occur in last stage of sleep (REM).
Some people claim they do not dream yet in reality they dream but just don’t remember. During REM stage brain activity is high and signalled by quick horizontal movements of eyes.
Dreams can occur during other stages of sleep, but these are less clear. They can sometimes last for few minutes or up to twenty minutes. Dreams are a link to inner core of the human subconscious.
Dreams usually occur during part of sleep cycle when the person is accessing brain waves from right hemisphere or metaphorical part of the brain. That is why you see images.
Dreams often reveal feeling that we have hidden or repressed, because dreams are reflection of our unconscious mind.
According to Quran, in Surrah Yousaf, dreams give you message that can only be explained by people who have wisdom and spiritual knowledge to understand and interpret dreams. For dream of yesterday is the hope of today and reality of tomorrow.
FARHANA KALEEM
Karachi
Assault on journalist
This refers to tragic incident of assaulting a journalist in his apartment in Islamabad. Three assailants, as seen in CCTV footage, attacked Asad Toor who is a known blogger and YouTuber.
This act is condemnable. This is not first time that a journalist was assaulted for expressing facts based on truth.
A journalist is voice of common people and if he is tortured not to speak truth then nothing is left for people.
In democratic countries, journalism is free to express thoughts and highlight state policies with no fear.
If the voice is suppressed and journalist is not safe in the capital city then how could it be possible that other places are safe for free journalism? It is clear in the footage that the culprits have no fear to be caught.
The article 19 of Constitution of Pakistan grants security to media man and strengthen right to freedom of expression.
It is must to safeguard journalists because they are risking their life to bring out facts to the people.
The government must ensure safety for media men and journalists because such incidents are portraying bad image to outside world.
MUJEEB ALI SAMO
Larkana, Sindh
