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.
Hunger in Afghanistan
Reports and images emerging from Afghanistan are very disturbing with the people selling their belongings and possessions in Kabul to make both ends meet.
It is now a common sight but the most disconcerting are reports that impoverished parents are selling their babies to buy food. Beset with severe drought and water shortage, the situation in Afghanistan could be direr.
The situation demands urgent intervention of the international community. Food is short, and medical supplies are fast drying up.
It has warned that over 22.8m Afghans, who constitute nearly half the total population, are facing food insecurity while 3.2m children under the age of five can suffer from acute malnutrition.
So, countries must step in to shoulder their responsibility and to address Afghanistan’s latest disaster.
HAMMAL NASEER
Turbat
Nationalism
Nationalism in a country is considered as a Double Edged Blade. It can unite or it can abolish a country and its roots.
In an underdeveloped country like Pakistan, why nationalism, which should have been strengthened by now, is still considered a myth and not a certainty. Countries which are successfully practising nationalism are France, Russia, Poland, Italy etc.
Nationalism can consist of different neglected factors like tradition, language, religion, common economic interest, conflict and war.
When Pakistan emerged on the world map as an independent state, it was considered a unique country because of its diverse cultural, religious and geographical characteristics.
It was the only country (East & West Pakistan) which had 1000 miles in between and the only thing that acted as a bond was Religion. Pakistan has already faced a separation on the basis of Cultural Nationalism.
The question arises what can be the basis of nationalism in Pakistan and why has it been opposed by some groups? There are three basic niggles that are neglected when we talk about nationalism in our country.
The most important of them all is our Language. Pakistan is deep into its language controversy and it is still continuing today after the separation in 1971.
Pakistan is perhaps the only country where the national language (URDU) is the mother tongue of merely 10 % of the people of Pakistan.
In early July of 2014, I remember that ANP (Awami National Party) suggested amendments that the word “National Language” should be substituted by the word “National Languages”.
Pakistani nationalism cannot be created or established by celebrating Independence Day or by symbolic measures but it requires commitment, will and determination at the grassroots’ level including our Language, which we all are proud of.
HASAN YASEEN MIRZA
Islamabad
Social media and education
Social media has emerged as powerful tool over the last decade. It’s advantages notwithstanding, social media has serious implications on education.
Given its ubiquitous use among the students, proliferation of various social media applications has been preoccupying the minds and time of most of the pupils which, otherwise, should be utilized in studies.
It has been fast emerging as a great distraction to learning to all school, college and university students alike.
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp among others badly harm the ability of learners to concentrate.
Just try to count how many times you check your messengers or Facebook wall while you are preparing for exams or writing your assignments.
You definitely do it even in school. It’s very difficult to teach students who are not listening to a superintendent or tutor thus ending in educational and academic losses.
It’s time youngsters realize the worth of time and spend same on their academic and career growth.
IMDAD HUSSAIN BAHRANI
Kandhkot
Contagion of child abuse
The contagion of child abuse is spreading like a wild fire in Pakistan. With perpetrators beastly-sordid acts, children are subjected to molestation, harassment, maltreatment and so on.
The sexual abuse of youngsters is being enhanced with horrendous pace especially in educational institutions, notably where religious education is tendered/imparted.
In Pakistan no investigation is carried out, although the cases of such ghastly crimes have been rife.
In spite of having such ugly incidents making it to the headlines regularly, successive regimes have miserably failed to be apprehended the goons wandering in the streets without any fear of accountability; and cease this horrible trend happening around the society.
Either are they scared to collar such offenders or are they simply too busy like a bee with their own affairs. Over and above, enormous number of rape cases go unreported, unexplained injuries and stigma attached to them compel them not to disclose their sexual cases.
What is vital/imperative is the dire need to be conducted exhaustive research in the domains of societal and cultural acceptance of violence.
By lending an ear to the poignant stories of these vulnerable victims and survivors rather than dismissing them, we can bring about positive change, furthermore, to eradicate this lethal disease, culprits of this flagitious crimes should be awarded punishment publicly.
In addition, it is important to make, mend and implement laws regarding the spread of such crimes in society.
USAMA MUGHAL
Kandhkot, Sindh
