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.
UAE honours Army Chief
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa was honoured by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred ‘Order of the Union Medal’ on the Pakistan Army Chief, General Bajwa¡ when the latter called on him in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
This prestigious medal was conferred upon him, in recognition of his significant contribution towards the promotion of bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries, Pakistan and the UAE.
It is an undeniable fact that the COAS, General Qamar Javed Bajwa has been actively engaged in strengthening Pakistan’s bilateral relations particularly with the Gulf and Arab countries. Saudi Arabia, with which Pakistan has profoundly close and strong brotherly relations, also honoured COAS General Bajwa for making “significant contribution in defence cooperation” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In June 2022, the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman conferred upon him the ‘King Abdulaziz Medal’, the highest Saudi National Award.
The Pakistani nation takes unfeigned pride in the unparalleled honour bestowed upon Pakistan’s COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa, by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, through conferment of there respective countries highest national awards upon him. It also heartily congratulates Army Chief, General Bajwa on receiving these highly prestigious awards from two brotherly nations, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
Selfless
self-care
Self-care is often mistakenly viewed as an annual spa day. We overlook the fact that it is an everyday essential. Simply sitting down and hydrating your body, saying no to extra work and eating an apple instead of a slice of cake, are all forms of self-care. To the mother who tirelessly runs after every need of her child, to the father who works from sunrise to sunset to provide for his family, and to the student who loses sleep to revise, all are in need of rest and relaxation. Human beings are consist of mind, body and soul. All must work harmoniously together. As Muslims, we know that taking care of our soul is just as important as our body.
A body without a soul is not alive. Praying our obligatory prayers and doing good deeds, ensure a healthy soul. Eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep, help our bodies stay well. By removing negative thoughts and surroundings, we can help our minds to stay positive. Self-care is in no way selfish, it is absolutely necessary to survive. Our bodies are an Amanah (Trust) given to us by the Almighty. They are a precious gift which we must take care of. As the Holy Prophet (SAWW) said, ‘Indeed, your own self has rights over you’ [Abu Dawud]
Remember that by taking care of ourselves, we are showing gratitude to The One Who created us, and this is one of the greatest forms of worship. As a Muslim it is obligatory for us to help others, but how can we help anyone when we are struggling ourselves? So ask yourself, are you treating your body as the gift it is and giving it the care it needs? The little changes, can make the biggest difference.
NOOR BUTT
Rawalpindi
Spread of Lumpy Skin disease in Chakwal
The spread of Lumpy Skin disease has intensified in all the areas of District Chakwal, killing dozens of animals daily and infecting hundreds of others with the disease. Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle which spreads at an enormous pace.
The disease is spread primarily by biting insects such as certain species of flies, mosquitoes and possibly ticks. The disease can also be spread by fomites through such things as contaminated equipment and in some cases directly from animal to animal. It does not pose a risk to human health
Despite the spread of Lumpy Skin disease at an alarming rate, no tangible measures have been taken by the district administration to stem this catastrophe. The unique breed of bulls of Dhanni is endangered due to this calamitous disease. A number of famous bulls which were grown by their owners after a lot of dedication and affection have lost their life due to Lumpy Skin disease.
Hence actions by district administrations such as provision of vaccines, carrying out spray on war footings are imperative to curb this disease.
Death of a large number of cattle including Karahi Bulls of Dhanni Breed is not only depriving farmers of their livelihood but it has endangered species of bulls which are shining symbols of culture of Chakwal and source of pleasure and pride for their owners.
WG CDRE JAMAL NASIR (R)
Islamabad
