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.
Inspiring stories
Time magazine has declared Elon Musk the ‘Person of the year 2021’ for his endeavours. CEO of Tesla electric car and SpaceX Exploration Company, Musk has now been making waves across the world for his successful business efforts.
Time has long been choosing people from various categories for such awards. Such efforts and interesting stories behind have been a source of inspiration for people and countries across the world. When world has been grappling with crises, such inspiring stories and people will be panacea for ills across the board. Time and international media should try to create a better world through positive and inspiring reports.
P SENTHIL S DURAI
Maharashtra, India
ECP notice
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice against blatant interference that KP Transport Minister, was supposed to have committed in the recent first phase of the province’s local body elections. The ECP investigations and recording of evidence showed that the attacking of polling stations, kidnapping of polling staff, snatching of election material, harassing and threatening polling staff and other investigation agencies and had committed corrupt practices.
It seems he thought his status would allow him to get away with anything. The ECP has only now started building that credibility, which was seriously dented after the electronic failure (RTS) during the general election, which led to results being held up. Its credibility was further enhanced with its prompt action in the Daska by-election, where it ordered re-polling after irregularities came to light.
Now that it has ordered a minister unseated, over a local body election at that, it should start developing that fear of the consequences that should stop anyone from trying to rig an election, even by more gentle methods than those apparently used by the said minister, apparently in favour of his son, who was a candidate. The ECP is moving to a stage where it is not going to be possible for the Prime Minister to ignore it, as he did when it wrote to him asking that it not violate the code of conduct by a rally.
Notice also issued to Kashmir Affairs minister for violating the rules of conduct in D I K. The Prime Minister should not fear, so much the ECP, as the consequences of not abiding by the regulations it administers. These praiseworthy steps taken by The ECP would create its credibility and impartial status in the public.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Kashmir Solidarity Day
Through column of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention of the people of Pakistan towards what Kashmir Solidarity Day means. Kashmir Solidarity Day is another name for Kashmir Day. It was first proposed in 1990 by Jamat-i-Islami Pakistan leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif then renamed the day Kashmir Solidarity Day. Pakistan’s major parties mark February 5 as a day of solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
The whole Pakistani population gathers to condemn India’s forcible occupation of Kashmir. India’s people are also united in their opposition to the Indian government with the Kashmiri people. Rallies, processions, conferences, and seminars are held in both nations to show support for their Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Since 1948, the people of Kashmir have lived in a state of terror and despair.
In reality, the entire world is aware that Indian occupation forces have made the life of poor Kashmiris a living hell. Why major powers remain oblivious to this situation?
Where are world media and communities? Why aren’t they discussing the Kashmir issue? I request nations all across the world to stand up for what is right and condemn India’s horrible acts.
HAFIZ BILAL SHAH
Islamabad
SLGA amendment
Through your columns, I wish to share my views on -Sindh Local Government Act Amendment Bill 2021. Sindh local Government Amendment act 2021 has reversed the philosophy of devolution of power.
The functions performed by Karachi Metropolitan Corporation for decades were transferred to Sindh Government. There is no sense to take over births and deaths registration by Sindh Government from local governments and should remain at the level of Union Councils.
KMC has been running Spencer’s Eye Hospital and Sobraj maternity home much before the inception of Pakistan. KMDC and Sarfaraz Rafique hospitals were established by KMC whereas Abbasi Shaheed hospital was handed over to KMC in mid-seventies. There is no justification to take over the control of such institutions by provincial government.
Let us remember that local governments of large cities always exercise such control. Karachi municipal administration had performed this function till 1979 and should be transferred to KMC again.
MAHFOOZ UN NABI KHAN
Karachi
