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.
War of humanity
The conflict between Palestine and Israel is not a war of Muslims or Jews; it is a war of humanity. There isn’t a single space left without witnessing the bloodshed of Palestinians. Why can’t the world see that? Almost every Muslim country tends to stand with Palestine, but does that bring any change? No. Thousands of people are dying, but are their wounds being tended to by any Muslim country? Are their dead bodies being assisted in burial? Most painfully, almost all of those who faced Israeli airstrikes couldn’t be identified. Some of them had their body parts scattered apart.
How can’t this melt the hardened hearts when, after a recent airstrike by Israel, a Palestinian mother held her son’s skull in her hands, a little kid was found shivering and crying, the sole survivor of his family, another little child cried while facing his mother’s lifeless body with blood and scratches all over her face, hands, and body, and a father carried two of his children’s lifeless bodies in handbags? How would you feel as a doctor with the aim to treat the wounded when you accidentally see the lifeless bodies of your father and brother?
Israel has cut off all sources of water, food and power all over Gaza, ensuring that people not only starve but also fail to convey their suffering to other parts of the world and have contact with them. Palestinian journalists are being killed, which clearly shows Israel doesn’t want the world to know the reality, and children are being killed, indicating that Israel doesn’t want the Palestinian generation to grow and become a pillar against their malevolent intentions.
But Palestinians have put their faith in Allah, and Allah the Almighty has shown them several signs, even as their Qur’an is burnt and their mosques destroyed. Why are we sitting in our homes in peace when our Muslim brothers and sisters are being brutally killed?
ZAINAB ALI
Turbat, Kech
Visionary care
Each year, on the second Thursday of October, the eye health community utilizes World Sight Day to promote eye health messages not only to the public but also to decision-makers and service providers. This year, on October 12, 2023, we celebrated “World Sight Day” with a unique focus—the importance of eye care in the workplace.
However, at Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT), Pakistan’s largest non-governmental organization fighting blindness in the country, every day is “Sight Day”. The work proceeds as usual at LRBT in Karachi North Korangi, even on the Thursday when people worldwide celebrate World Sight Day. Among the dedicated individuals at LRBT are doctors and staff tirelessly screening children in schools and Madaris. The staff members exhibit remarkable patience and thoroughness. They attentively listen to teachers to comprehend the unique challenges faced by each student. The LRBT team swiftly responds by deciding to provide free eye care for the underprivileged.
NOORIA M AKRAM
Karachi
Lost generation
The heartbreaking reality is that Pakistan has the second-highest out-of-school population in the world. Around 23 million children between the ages of five and 16 years drop out from school before they complete their studies. Those lost will face poverty, desperation and a lack of opportunities throughout life. The recent figures provided by the Sindh government indicate that the school dropout rate in Sindh is high, and unfortunately, a significant number of women in the province cannot even read or write. The situation in both Balochistan and Sindh is alarming, with dropout rates being a major concern. There are numerous factors contributing to this high dropout rate, including poverty and difficulties in accessing schools. Thus, if problem is left unaddressed, provincial and national development plans will be scuttled. Therefore, the state must provide free and compulsory education, and millions of children should get a chance to learn and build a brighter future.
AYESHA ARIF
Lahore
End of life
I write to urgently address the escalating crisis of deforestation in Pakistan, a grave concern that demands immediate attention from our esteemed authorities. Recent years have witnessed a distressing surge in deforestation, posing a significant threat to our environment and the delicate balance of Earth’s ecosystem.
Deforestation, marked by the widespread clearing of forest stands, has become one of the most pressing environmental issues in Pakistan. As humanity relentlessly expands its agricultural and urban frontiers, our forests, often referred to as the lungs of our planet, are rapidly vanishing. This rampant destruction not only endangers biodiversity but also exacerbates climate change, disrupts indigenous communities, and imperils the very foundation of our ecosystem.
To counteract this alarming trend, it is imperative that we prioritize the restoration and effective management of Pakistan’s forest ecosystems. We must take decisive action to control the indiscriminate cutting down of trees, both on public and private lands. This calls for stringent measures to curb deforestation, ensuring the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations.
We urge the authorities to implement robust policies aimed at conservation and sustainable forest management. Emphasizing reforestation efforts, promoting eco-friendly practices and raising public awareness are pivotal steps in the right direction.
KULSOOM ARIF
Lahore
Box letter
Breast cancer
There is still no specific known cause of breast cancer, but it has been suggested that it can be passed down from mother to daughter. Essentially, it involves the formation of a tumour inside the breast due to abnormal cell division in that area. During cell breakdown, these abnormal cells can potentially spread through the blood to the armpit and then to other parts and organs of the body. This disrupts the body’s functions and can be a cause of death if not treated in its early stages. Every woman should take care of her health by conducting a monthly self-examination. This involves physically checking for the presence of a tumour inside the breast, as well as in the armpit, and being vigilant for any abnormalities or unusual fluids. It’s important to note that not every lump is necessarily breast cancer, and any doubts should be clarified through testing with a healthcare professional. Breast cancer should not be ignored, and one should not hesitate to share any concerning symptoms. Not every case of breast cancer leads to death, and early treatment can be the key to recovery. Therefore, it is the responsibility of educators and experts to disseminate information and raise awareness about this life-threatening disease.
SHAH NAWAZ MEERAN
Via email
