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.
Insanity in Sweden
There are over 1.9 billion Muslims, 2.2 billion Christians and about 16 million members of Jewish faith in the whole world. Countries in the West, especially USA and other European nations, have banned controversial remarks about the holocaust and planned ethnic cleansing of Jews by Hitler’s Nazi Germany as anti-Semitic, a crime punishable with arrest. Such anti-Semitic acts are not acceptable even on the pretext of freedom of speech and expression in the West, yet the unacceptable contradiction is that feelings and sentiments of over 1.9 billion Muslims are systematically hurt by Islamophobic acts like the recent burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden.
I personally believe that any controversies raised about the holocaust should be avoided so as not to hurt sentiments of members of Jewish faith, because my religion stresses upon tolerance and respect for beliefs and faiths of others. Similarly, it is expected from these countries which loudly proclaim themselves as champions of human rights, must respect the religious sentiments of over 1.9b Muslims.
Even the right of Muslim females to wear the Hijab has become an issue and they are harassed, abused and humiliated in exercising this right. Catholic Nuns cover their head in a similar manner and that seems to be no issue, because this is concerning their faith. In India, female Muslim students have been prevented from covering their head and not allowed to attend schools and colleges in BJP/Shiv Sena-ruled provinces. The condemnation of this inhumane and intentional act done to hurt sentiments of Muslims by the Holy Pope must be welcomed.
Such insane acts are intentionally committed to creating unrest in the Muslim world. As a nation, we must realize that the only sane protest would be that all Muslim majority states must boycott all Swedish products, till such time they declare this a crime, punishable with imprisonment. Any violent protests in Muslim countries would only harm their own economy which will only please the perpetrators of such Islamophobic acts. Let us protest effectively and peacefully.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Unleashing Pak economic potential
Economic diplomacy, a vital component of international relations, holds the key to Pakistan’s economic growth and competitiveness. By leveraging its abundant natural resources and untapped potential, Pakistan can bolster its economy through strategic alliances, trade agreements and investment. This article explores the urgent need for economic diplomacy in Pakistan, shedding light on its vast reserves of resources and the untapped opportunities that can be harnessed through effective diplomatic engagement.
Pakistan possesses an array of remarkable resources, yet a significant portion remains untapped. The country is home to the world’s second-largest salt mines, with estimated reserves worth billions of dollars. It also boasts the fifth-largest copper and gold reserves globally, offering immense potential for economic development. Pakistan’s coal deposits, the second-largest in the world, present lucrative opportunities. Additionally, abundant mineral wealth including gold, marble, granite, zinc and bauxite further contributes to the country’s resource potential. Furthermore, estimates suggest that Pakistan holds over nine billion barrels of shale oil and substantial reserves of natural gas, including shale gas. These figures highlight the vast wealth waiting to be unearthed and utilized.
Economic diplomacy emerges as a crucial tool to unlock Pakistan’s economic potential. Rather than relying solely on aid or foreign assistance, Pakistan must assert itself as a resource-rich nation with immense possibilities. By embracing economic diplomacy, Pakistan can actively engage with international partners, enlighten them about the country’s potential and establish mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships. Economic diplomacy involves collecting and analyzing economic data, identifying market trends and presenting decision-makers with compelling information. Through strategic alliances, partnerships and knowledge sharing, economic diplomacy paves the way for economic cooperation, innovation and sustainable development.
SYED TAHA RABBANI
Islamabad
Exorbitant job applications
Some months ago, IBA Sukkur conducted a graduation category test for job positions requiring a graduation education. The results were announced and now the Government of Sindh has started receiving job applications from those who passed the test. However, the entire application process is manual, causing significant financial burden on candidates.
As an applicant, I had to travel to Nawabshah to submit photocopies of my credentials to the relevant department. To my surprise, the rate for a single photocopy was 15 rupees per page. Due to power outage, the total bill for my photocopies came to 450 rupees. This high cost alone is a challenge for candidates who are financially constrained.
Furthermore, I needed to get my documents attested from a Notary Public which cost an additional 100 rupees. Since I couldn’t afford private services, I had to go to the Pakistan Post Office, where they charged me 100 rupees for submission. Additionally, I required passport-sized photos, which cost me 200 rupees for 12 photos.
In total, the expenses amounted to 1000 rupees including the petrol expenses for my bike. This kind of financial burden is overwhelming for a poor candidate who aspires to secure a job. The Government of Sindh should take immediate steps to make the application process more convenient and accessible.
SHABIR JAMALI
Nawabshah
Box letter
Shortage of books
The students of Turbat are suffering from a myriad of difficulties due to the shortage of course books. This phenomenon is affecting their education badly. The shortage of books has brought a great damage to the students who are unable to get books in the city. Is it not surprising that the second largest city of Balochistan lacks course books. Turbat is not only alone in this regard; many other cities’ students have suffered due to shortage of books. It is becoming a paramount issue for the development of the city. Redressal of the issue of students has to be the top priority of the government which badly needs to adopt measures to tackle the shortage of course books at the earliest.
SATTAR SAMAD
Turbat
