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Plea to restore train service
The business community, legal fraternity, civil society, writers and intellectuals, government employees, among other segments of the society, from the upper regions of Sindh, in particular, the people of Larkano, appeal to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan to direct the Minister for Railways and Chairman, Pakistan Railways to restore train services in full strength for the southern region of the province.
In the wake of the outbreak of Covid-19, the two trains namely Khushhal Khan Khattak Express – from Peshawar to Karachi and Bolan Mail Express – from Quetta to Karachi – both passing through the core of Sindh province and connecting it with other federating units, were suspended and now, unfortunately, there is no direct connection of people of Larkano with other parts of the country.
The re-opening of the aforementioned trains will not only strengthen national integration but also provide ample self-employment opportunities to the people of Sindh and generate substantial revenue for Pakistan Railways because a vast majority of people prefer traveling by train which is relatively economical, safe, comfortable than other means of public transport.
HASHIM ABRO
Islamabad
Unwitting policies
Pierre Bezukhov, a prominent character in Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace”, says that the aristocrats don’t know about real problems faced by common people; they have their own problems which hardly benefit or even include laymen.
To hit the bull’s eye, the incumbent government seems proactive to waste energy, time and money on futile pursuits just like Leo Tolstoy’s aristocratic class of Russia.
It wants to show progress without making actual progress, or it can be a wise stance to deviate people from real problems of our country.
Just to list a few, government is introducing new anthems and syllabuses, making cricket centre of their concern, letting diplomatic issues like Kashmir and Afghanistan sideline problems of the citizens of Pakistan.
Although it must raise voice on Kashmir, deal Afghanistan chaos, promote sports and entertainment but there are other issues which must be given priority.
It isn’t wise for a country ravaged by terrorism, unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, high illiteracy, poor life standards, corruption and ethical bankruptcy to keep introducing policies which yield no results.
It is truly disappointing to see the government is strengthening the ruling party’s image for upcoming elections, while welfare of people is secondary concern.
It must cease to appease right-wing majority through unnecessary policies. Respected Prime Minister is requested to work as a statesman rather a politician of a particular party or a religio-ethinic group of the country.
M SHARIF OTHO
Khairpur Mir’s
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is a global problem nowadays, causing various negativities. In Pakistan, cases of harassment, kidnapping and rape are reported on a daily basis.
Many innocent women are victims of sexual abuse. It is said that at least 11 women are raped every day. For the last 6 years, around 10 rape cases were reported daily which adds up to around 22,000 rape cases across the country.
We see cases of harassment, rape and assault as the headlines on news channels and newspapers almost every single day.
The violence isn’t only against women but children as well. Child abuse is another big concern making headlines on a weekly basis.
According to data released by an NGO, eight children were abused every day in Pakistan in one form or the other whereas 51% of the victims were girls and 49% boys.
Recently a 6-year-old girl was kidnapped and raped from outside her house. Her body was found in a garbage dump area. Nowadays, such incidents are very common yet no justice prevails.
It is very important to educate children about good and bad touches and take MMA or other forms of self-defence classes so they can somehow defend themselves or at least know what to do under such unfortunate circumstances.
Parents should keep a check on their children and take their children in confidence. Authorities must also take strict actions against such heinous crimes as per law and put an end to them.
TOOBA NAEEMI
Karachi
