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.
Pictures or selfies
Be it any bridge collapse or building in fire, a major accident or fatal bomb blast; people flock to the spot in droves clicking pictures or selfies to announce “I was also there” and posting it in social media to count number of “likes”! This “modern fashion” of dark/black/grief tourism is simply vulgar to say the least.
The disappearance of 5 persons along with the submersible Titan is indeed tragic to say the least ; but isn’t it also the hard fact that one of the greatest tragedies of the world history – – sinking of the Titanic “gifting” more than 1500 people an icy watery slow death – – was also being crudely exploited by the commercial expedition company and the tourists in the name of “adventure” and “fun”!
Since it is not possible for ordinary folks to dive into a depth of nearly 4000 metres, else we would have seen thousands plunging into the waters to click the collapsed Titan also along with the Titanic! How could apparently “sane” persons indulge in such Black /Dark /Grief tourism! How can they afford to have undiluted joy on witnessing tragic sights which are scarred with bloods tears sighs of fellow human beings!
What a contrast to the residents of Mamallapuram district of Kerala! So amidst the heavy rainfall in that evening of August 2020, hundreds of residents rushed towards the wreckage site or Calicut international airport. And by discarding all Covid-related stigma or thoughts of possibility of a massive explosion had fuel leaked from the fragmented aircraft; the Junaids and Fazals simply jumped on the scene and transported the injured to hospitals by carrying on bikes cars or vans! If the rest learn their lessons from Mamallapuram; perhaps a new dawn of civility and kindness would at last arrive in the society!
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
The monsoon challenge
Developing countries, particularly like Pakistan that are at the forefront of threats from climate change are naturally also the most vulnerable. In the last month, nearly 30 people have died in rain-related incidents in Punjab and KP as a result of the pre-monsoon rains alone. Considering the devastation at the hands of pre-monsoon rains and last year’s floods, one can only speculate the extent of the incoming destruction as we approach the monsoon season. Last year’s floods caused by the monsoon rain serve as a distressing example of the catastrophe that can result if the season is not prepared for and given the prudence it deserves.
With at least 1700 lives that were lost, nearly 50,000 people were displaced from their homes and the damage to infrastructure and livestock still has lingering effects to this day. Provincial and district management authorities need to swiftly mobilise and ensure that drainage systems all over the country are in optimal condition and cleared of any preexisting debris. While floods are caused by heavy rain, the speed and direction in which excess water is evacuated through drainage systems is a big part of the equation. Unclogging and reinforcing these systems will significantly reduce the risk of urban flooding, as it will decrease the likelihood of excess water collecting on land.
The nonchalant approach against climate disasters Pakistan has adopted in the past needs to be discarded immediately as we approach the incoming flood season. Neglecting the present and dealing with the aftermath is an approach that fails to acknowledge the gravity of the situation at hand. By adopting the appropriate anticipatory measures, we can hope to weather this storm and emerge resilient. We must heed the advisory issued by NDMA, as being proactive today will save us from dealing with the aftermath tomorrow.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
LAHORE
Strong LG system
Local Government is the third pillar of democratic set up amidst central and provincial governments. The basic aim of LG system is to deliver the basic rights on the grass root level. LG assists upper level governments in service deliveries in terms of fundamental rights. In developed countries LG system plays a pivot role in good governance; considering the example of UK which is unprecedented.
People of every nation at every level need prosperity, well being , health , education , livelihood, infrastructure development and others. These aforementioned affiliations can be achieved through good LG system in the state. In a nut shell, LG system is the basic pre requisite for good governance and the advocate of delivering basic rights at grass-root level in any state.
ENGR SAJID LASHARI
Quetta
Box letter
PM laptop scheme
It is undeniably true to the core that the laptop scheme Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has started is praiseworthy and an excellent initiative for the youth. The century we are living in is a century of digital skills and technology. In such a time, the free provision of laptop to the young and energetic students is a must. Students can learn skills and marketing by the laptops and can add to the GDP of country. However, there are some flaws in the distribution policy of PM laptop scheme such as it is enshrined in the policy that only currently studying students can avail this opportunity, affiliated colleges both government and private cannot get benefit from the scheme, all irrespective of their financial status can apply and get the laptops. It is unchallengeable fact that the policy of distribution of laptops is flawed, depriving real deservers and saddening the vast majority of students who have recently passed-out from the public institutions. A great number of students have been studying in government colleges which are affiliated with some parental institutions are also deprived of this opportunity. Moreover, financial status matters a lot. Only the poor are real deservers as in last two phases the rich sold their laptops in the market.
IMTIAZ ESSA HALEPOTO
Jamshoro
