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.
Ehsaas programme
It is really a great step which is taken by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government to launch the Ehsaas programme for working the fundamental rights of the citizens. It is important to noted that poverty in Pakistan is one of the horrifying issues that is being faced by every individual.Where citizens are failed to get their basic rights like education, health care, shelter, clothing and food. Ehsaas policy is great initiative which provides the basic necessities as fundamental rights of its citizens.
There are four pillars which are being focused is equality, safety nets, human capital development and jobs and livelihoods. It is known to everybody that Pakistan is suffering miserable conditions due to poverty where the half population lives under the poverty and due to not getting their fundamental rights, the people are compelled to do different sorts of evils like suicide, robbery, begging, terrorism, unemployment, child marriage and child labour are common practices in Pakistan.
The help of Ehsaas policy the all social evils will be finished and country can step forward towards the development and advancement. Because a nation can be peaceful when its citizens get their basic necessities. There will be equality among every citizen.Along with this, the PM of Pakistan has announced to increase the amount of money where social protection and poverty alleviation will be set up. That might be tough but the hard work will paid. At last, the prime minister of Pakistan should be appreciated for launching Ehsaas programme for solving the basic problems of poor citizens because poverty can be controlled and the country can step forward towards prosperous and peace.
HAMID ZAIB
Chakwal
Morphine manufacturing allowance
Morphine is one of the best and safest pain killers available. It is made from natural source that is from the poppy plant. Morphine is safe and is used for terminal patients, in the battlefield or in emergency accidents. Although morphine is the best pain killer, it’s supply is very limited in the world because it is classed as a prohibited drug and it’s manufacturing is controlled by the United Nations. This is because morphine has been found to be addictive and it is a precursor for the dangerous heroine drug.
But reducing the production of morphine has not reduced the production of heroine drug in the world, while it has kept many needy patients from finding relief from morphine. These patients have to rely on alternative synthetic pain killers that have many dangerous side effects and reduce their quality of life, while also cost more. Pakistan’s neighbour Afghanistan is the world’s biggest heroine producer and supplies world’s 80% heroine. Even US Army and NATO forces could not stop the Afghanistan farmers from producing poppy plants as no one could offer them alternative high value crop.
Currently the UN has allowed certain countries like China, Turkey and India to manufacture morphine. In these countries, the farmers get permission to grow poppy crop from the Government, each farmer is allotted a fixed area that is fenced. When the crop is ready the entire plant is transported to the local factory where it is manufactured into morphine through two different but simple processes. The final morphine is utilized in country and can also be exported as there is a shortage of this drug in the world.
Pakistan with the world’s fifth largest population, and healthy pharmaceutical manufacturing sector should also request the UN to allow the manufacturing of morphine drug. Pakistan can use half of the poppy plants for manufacturing imported from Afghanistan while half would be grown through local farmers through special license. UN should be told that this way we might also be able to reduce supply and production of heroine from Afghanistan by providing alternative use for poppy plants grown in Afghanistan each year.
SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER
Peshawar
Smog: Prevention is better than cure!
For the past few years, smog has become one of the hazardous problems for some cities of Pakistan. It is caused by chemical contamination in the air such as industrialization, cars and other vehicles emissions and crop burning procedures. Moreover, smog contains dreadful effects on all living creatures’ humans, plants and animals. Due to smog, various live threatening conditions emerged like lung infections, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and much more.
So it is extremely important to take preventive measures to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of smog. Firstly, it is very important to cover your face with a mask when you are directly exposed to the smog. Secondly, it is necessary to keep all the windows and doors closed and try to minimize visits in affected areas if possible. Thirdly, do not exercise in the smoggy conditions typically at midday. Fourthly, always stay hydrated as it helps in cleaning your blood and body from the harmful pollutants. Lastly, try to avoid burning the trash and wood as much as possible. It is the need of the hour not only for our health but for community also.
HADIA AZIZ
Islamabad
Health and cooking oil
Health is crucial for every individual, but we fail to give it the due attention which it deserves. Consumption of oil is sabotaging the health situation. On average, people around the world consume 3 to 5 kgs of oil per year, but in Pakistan, the usage of oil is as much as 15 kgs per year. As a result, cases of heart attack are going up and up with the passage of each day.
Dangerous diseases such as paralysis, obesity, high blood pressure are the direct consequences of the excessive use of oil too. Around 23% of people in Pakistan die because of such diseases. Thus, I would love to request all Pakistanis to reduce the usage of oil and instead should use natural oils such as Zaitoon oil.
HAMID ZAIB
Chakwal
Human rights day
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December. Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.
The situation of Human Rights in Pakistan is complex as a result of the country’s diversity, large population, its status as a developing country and a sovereign Islamic democracy with a mixture of both Islamic and secular law. The Constitution of Pakistan provides for fundamental rights, which include freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of information, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and the (conditional) right to bear arms. The worst form of human rights violation taking place in Pakistan is child abuse. According to a private media report, around 3,445 cases regarding the sexual abuse of children were filed in 2017.
The actual number is most likely much higher, as child abuse is a sensitive issue that many parents feel reluctant to report. This happens due to lack of awareness among masses. In a nutshell, the provision of human rights guarantees not only peaceful coexistence of citizens but also prosperity for the country. Pakistan cannot be prosperous until its citizens get all their fundamental rights without any discrimination of race, class, creed and area. All the policies must be people centric rather than area centric. No one must be deprived of any of his rights. We will have to accept this fact before visualizing a better future.
YOUSAF JAMIL
Wah Cant
Tobacco use in Pakistan
Tobacco use must be banned in Pakistan now, thus save lives of millions of smokers and gutka users. Moreover, all chewable tobacco should also be banned as we spend millions of rupees to import betel leaves and gutka.
Even low quality chalia is being imported from countries like India and others at a high cost. Just imagine, betel-nut and paan worth $64.7 million were imported last year. All these items are anti-hazardous and badly damage our lungs, throats and mouths. The relevant authorities are requested to look into this matter and put complete ban on above-mentioned items and save precious money and lives.
RAO NAUMAN
Islamabad
