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.
Battagram ordeal
One wonders where was NDMA and why were they not visible in this rescue operation at Battagram. There are numerous locally made cable cars, installed by private owners, to provide economical transportation to thousands who live in mountainous northern areas of Pakistan. The frequent incidents involving this mode of transportation also points out to the failure of Provincial Government to regulate and ensure safety of citizens who live there.
In the past also NDMA has not performed its assigned role, for which this organization was created. Lessons should have been learned from January 2022 mishap when 21 stranded motorists were frozen to death in the Murree Hills. We live in an age where highly skilled and qualified individuals, well versed in use of technology must be recruited strictly on merit instead of jacks of all trades.
The ordeal of seven students and one teacher stranded on a cable car at about 7.45 AM, which they had boarded to reach their school located in Batangi village, in this mountain terrain, should be a cause for alarm. The cable had snapped and this rescue was definitely a high risk operation to be carried out by helicopters carrying SSG, given the high elevation, winds and obstruction by another cable almost 30 feet, which could jeopardize safety of both helicopter and those stranded in the locally made cable car. Finally it was the collective effort of all, including the locals with experience in such cable cars, that they managed to save all 8 people stuck almost 600 feet above the ground below.
Emergency rescue operation is a specialized field which must have men qualified to perform the tasks at a moment notice, as per SOP in existence, It seems NDMA has become another top heavy state entity to rehabilitate retired personnel, with an administrative cost that consumes most of the allocated budget, with not enough funds left for the specific purpose it was established. Locals experienced in use and operation of these cable cars need to be recruited by NDMA and stationed in the area, to handle emergencies and also to regulate, so as to ensure that proper maintenance essential for safety of passengers is carried out.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
No trepidations about railways
A recent terrible train accident occurred near Nawabshah which killed over 30 passengers of Hazara Express, but it’s not the first time we have heard about train misfortunes because every time there have been various issues with our trains sometimes railway tracks were not ready properly and sometimes that there was a problem in the engine of a train. My question is for our government: why do these problems always happen with us?
And the current situation of our trains is like that people are scared of sitting in trains that it might create problems during travel and so far 250 people have died on the stretch between Khanpur and Karachi and that is so embarrassing that the department which gives Pakistan a good payoff is in sand and nobody is ready to take out but they stole the gold inside it. The report says in 2021 railway department requested 30bn for the rehabilitation of 470km long track between Khanpur and Kotri where the recent accident occurred. As you can see, the reason given by the government related to this incident is that the breakage of the railway line and hot axle issue. This is normal for them that people who are even not strengthening the infrastructure of railways so why they will puzzle out this issue like that it will never be going to happen again.
NOOR MUSTAFA
Hyderabad
Harmonising heritage
National songs and Independence Day celebrations share an inseparable connection that goes beyond mere musical enjoyment. These songs serve as a bridge between the past struggles for independence and the present celebration of freedom. As Pakistan commemorates its Independence Day (tomorrow), these songs become a collective expression of patriotism and pride, uniting citizens in their shared history and identity.
The melodies that have become synonymous with Pakistan’s struggle for freedom, like “Aye Rah-e-Haq Ke Shaheedo” and “Jazba Junoon,” evoke the sacrifices made by those who fought for the nation’s sovereignty. When played during Independence Day celebrations, these songs infuse the air with a spirit of gratitude and reverence, reminding everyone of the price that was paid for the country’s freedom.
National songs also play a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and solidarity. As people come together to sing these songs, whether at parades, gatherings or on the radio, they create a powerful collective experience that transcends individual differences. The lyrics and melodies act as a unifying force, reinforcing the idea that despite diversity, all Pakistanis share a common bond and purpose.
UNZILA TAHIR HUDA
Karachi
Beggar mafia
I am writing to shed light on a pressing issue that affects the very fabric of our society – the beggar mafia. Through your esteemed platform, I aim to draw attention of all the stakeholders to this growing concern that preys on individuals and undermines the well-being of our community.
Begging, a practice that has unfortunately become common in our daily lives is no longer confined to individuals seeking help out of necessity. Rather, it has transformed into a complex network controlled by what can be best described as a beggar mafia. This mafia exploits the generosity of people, often tugging at the heartstrings of unsuspecting citizens.
It is disheartening to note that beggars, who once appealed for assistance due to genuine hardships, are now orchestrated by this mafia to operate as part of a larger scheme. We encounter beggars everywhere, from bustling marketplaces to transportation hubs. They approach us with a tenacity that borders on harassment, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone involved.
The beggar mafia capitalizes on human empathy and psychology, using various tactics to manipulate people into giving them money.
UMM E HABIBA
Karachi
Box letter
Fake medicines
It is estimated that fake medicines often are sold in various areas of Balochistan. Due to this issue many people have died in the province. This issue shows that the problem is not limited to Balochistan and is spreading across the country. It appears that the government of Balochistan has turned a deaf ear to the issue of fake medicines.If the government wants to show good performance in tackling the issue of fake medicines, it needs to take a serious concern for ending the sale of fake medicines.
HALEEM SALEEM
Turbat
