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.
Dengue in Punjab
The rising number of cases of dengue fever in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa indicates that a scourge thought to have been brought under control, is once again resurgent, and that too in the midst of a covid-19 pandemic.
The increase in cases illustrates the danger of ignoring existing viral threats while combating covid-19.
Dengue is not transmitted by human infection, but its vector is the mosquito, and because its breeding-grounds are bodies of water, it becomes particularly dangerous when the monsoon is ending.
Stagnant water in parks and grounds is not being drained out where Dengue bearing mosquito flourishes. Though hospitals play a major role in treating patients, there is not much they can do beyond manage the symptoms.
The real treatment is prevention, which is done by combating the vector. That was not done. The bodies of stagnant water left by the monsoon were not handled; there were none of the careful anti-larvae campaigns of the past.
The PTI has proved a particular failure at this, for the highest rise is in provinces it rules. However, this is a considerable public health hazard and there have been over 800 deaths up to 2019. The aversion of dengue epidemics depends on hard work and persistence by the government.
There is no shortcut to consistent effort. The covid-19 epidemic is a complicating factor, but it is no excuse for ignoring other problems.
Dengue infection may not be transmitted by humans, but there may have to be special wards set up and patients have to be isolated.
In hospitals already under strain from the needs of covid-19 patients, it is that much harder to make special arrangements for dengue patients. That will lead to more deaths from both diseases.
There is also the danger of cross-infection. Covid-19 infections may prove fatal for both dengue patients and convalescents.
The danger of becoming single-minded about covid-19 is well illustrated by the way dengue has unexpectedly reared its head. Dengue had gone nowhere, it was merely ignored.
Polio may be getting the same treatment; and it is essential that the vaccination campaign against it should not have any let-up. The real enemy, in the case of all three viral diseases, is complacency rather than the illnesses themselves.
JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Happy Teachers Day
Not everyone has the patience of a saint, a heart of gold and dedication without end – but you do! Which is why I just wanted to let you know how much you are appreciated.”
Thank you for inspiring me to do my best. You help me strive for goals, found guidance, friendship, discipline and love everything in one person. And that person is you.
Every year (Oct 5) is celebrated as Teachers Day internationally in order to give honour to teachers who build future; it is celebrated to highlight the role that teachers play in providing quality education at all levels. This enables children and adults of all ages to learn to take part in and contribute to their local community and global society.
Once Albert Einstein Great Once Albert Einstein Great said” It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge and the Last Prophet (PBUH) said,’ “Parents gives a child nothing better than a good education.”
I’m forever grateful to my parents and teachers. And all successful people belive that there is a vast contribution of teachers in building society. Respecting our teachers in letter and in sprit should be our goal.
SIKANDAR SAJJAD
Karachi
Good news for Pakistan
While watching television recently, I saw a news flash reading ‘Good News for Pakistan.
And I wondered what could it be in our state of doom and gloom where we are caught in the cycle of rising prices of just about everything, and falling value of Pak Rupee which now stands at over Rs 170 to the dollar.
This is of particular concern to a person like me who remembers times when Pakistan had excellent relations with the United States and our Rs 5 note was fondly called a dollar, because that is what it equaled in value then.
Moreover, the government seems perpetually on a collision course with the opposition, apart from being least bothered about expert opinion that a hasty introduction of EVMs without adequate preparation and trial could result in a disaster. There is also the constant misery due to Pandemic.
Moreover, after a short span of trade surpluses, we are back to rising deficits caused by, among other things, high imports including those of costly cars and other luxury items which a poor country like ours could hardly afford.
We hear the government is planning to curb such imports which begs the question as to why these were permitted in the first place.
We also heard that a consignment of imported sugar has just arrived, with a landed cost of Rs 123 per kg, which the government will sell at a subsidized price in Utility Stores, denting furthr its scarce financial resources.
And of course, the government is meeting foreign exchange requirements using all modes, including begging, borrowing and raising funds at international markets at abnormally high interest rates.
As a result, the total external loan of the government is climbing up and up, to an unsustainable level.
I kept wondering about the good news and then the newscaster finally broke it, informing us that the Saudi Government has agreed to restore oil supply to Pakistan on deferred-payment terms.
S R H HASHMI
Karachi
A shameful departure
It is extremely shameful that New Zealand’s cricket team returned to their country as they felt unsafe owing to the false threat that they received, reminding them of when they had to cut their trip short due to a bomb blast that took place outside their hotel in Karachi in 2002, killing 11 French engineers along with other citizens.
However, this time the team pulled out because of a threat unknown to Pakistan’s security agencies.
Prime Minister Imran Khan assured New Zealand’ counterpart, Jacinda Ardern as much as he could but failed to change their mind.
Ramiz Raja, Pakistan Cricketer Board’s new chairman stated that the issue will be raised at the International Cricket Council (ICC).
I request the government to improve the country’s security and make better high alert security teams for all foreigners and citizens.
HAMMAL NASEER
Turbat
