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.
Egregious India
Recently, a British MP leading Kashmir Group denied entry into India and Indian Foreign Ministry summons Turkish envoy over Erdogan’s remarks on Kashmir. Learning this, one feels sick to his stomach over such egregious moves of India. India should bear in mind that this time around, unlike past, it cannot muzzle the preponderating voices echoing against it post abrogation of special status of occupied Kashmir and unilateral/controversial Citizenship Amendment Act. Such preposterous attempts and diplomatic machinations seem to be futile, because, for the first time in history, both the aforementioned issues have gained an unprecedented attention from world’s top-notch countries and forums.
Lately, out of 751 members of the EU Parliament, 626 have moved six resolutions on both the issues. Whereas, US House of Representatives’ Congressional panel reviewed the consequences of India’s decision to revoke the valley’s special status—Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Eliot Engel said: “We have concerns about Kashmir, and we are watching the situation very closely”. Virtually, every corner of globe could be heard raising voices of concern over both abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A and CAA.
Now, India cannot brush under the carpet the Kashmir issue, atrocities it has been inflicting on the innocent people of the Vale and the brazen Muslims discrimination and marginalisation tactics anymore. Accompanying a saffron-terror, India has exposed globally as a ‘fascist’ state. Such Machiavellian moves to veil its heinous face can only bring a diplomatic embarrassment to itself in geopolitics. Therefore, India had better choose a statesmanship’s role to resolve J&K issue in sync with the ‘right of self-determination’ of the people of the valley thereby giving up intransigency.
ZAHID ALI ZOHRI
Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan
Indian impact on Pakistani culture
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the kind attention of concerned authorities towards the massive impact of Indian culture on the culture of Pakistan. Things have really gotten out of hands for many countries like Pakistan because of satellite and cable networks which showcase hundreds of foreign and Indian channels. These channels really affect the youth of Pakistan and bring about negative impact on our youth.
The foreign media has severely affected almost every member of our society. It has been affecting our social values, customs and traditions since ages and still is dragging us away from our roots in several ways. These never ending Indian Serials are one of the root causes for such an adverse impact on our culture, they exploited us in every possible way, from mentally to behaviour, living standards to our religion and the list goes on. It is funny how we practise all the non-Muslim traditions and yet call ourselves the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
HAFSA NOOR MALIK
Karachi
Physical appearance
Does any of this sound familiar? “I’m too tall.” “I’m too short.” “I’m too skinny.” “If only I were shorter/taller/had curly hair/straight hair/a smaller nose/ I’d be happy.” As a human, you’re going through lots of changes in your body and your image of yourself changes with it. It’s not always easy to like every part of your looks, but when you get stuck on the negatives it can really bring down your self-esteem.
Self-esteem is all about how much you feel you are worth and it is important because feeling good about yourself can affect your mental health and how you behave. People with high self-esteem know themselves well. They’re realistic and find friends that like and appreciate them for who they are. This healthy attitude allows you to explore other positive aspects as well. So it is really important to recognize that your body is your own, no matter what shape or size it comes in.
MARYAM NOOR
Wah Cant
Kabaddi World Cup
Pakistan has come out with flying colours in the final of World Cup Kabaddi held in Lahore against arch rival India after nail biting finish with 43-41 score. It is quite heartening to see good news pouring from different fields of sports. Last year, in Aug, Pakistani gamer Arslan Siddiqui won the Tekken 7 Championship held in Las Vegas, US, becoming the first national player having achieved this landmark. In our golden past era Pakistan held head high in Hockey & Squash for decades together.
Unfortunately, now performances have dried in hockey, squash and athletics, touching the lowest ebb but high potential able to reach the top of ladder is still there. It is worth mentioning that kabaddi is not a royal and expensive game like golf. One needs good health and a pair of simple knickers to participate in this game, bare footed. Agility, quickness and high morale are perquisites. The games ensure robust health. Kabaddi is a game originating from rural areas and flourishing in cities. Having folk touch in the game it has become part of our culture. Kudos to kabaddi team for showing such a high performance.
IFTIKHAR MIRZA
Islamabad
Public hangings
Crimes according to the Shariah laws which could result in capital punishment include murder, rape, adultery, etc. Pakistan’s Parliament passed a resolution Friday calling for the public hanging of convicted child killers and rapists, drawing a quick backlash from human rights organizations.
The non-binding resolution follows a spate of high-profile child sex-abuse cases that have provoked outrage and riots across Pakistan in recent years. Child killers and rapists should not only be given the death penalty by hanging, but they should be first dragged and then hanged publicly, though a majority of lawmakers approved the resolution, human rights Minister Shireen Mazari stressed it was not sponsored by the government. In a scandal that rocked the country, at least 280 children were sexually abused by a gang.
As an Islamic State, Pakistan has to follow Islamic laws, and as a matter of fact, Islam does not reject capital punishment. Muslims believe that capital punishment is the most severe sentence but one that may be instructed by a court for crimes of suitable severity. Although murder is deemed as a big sin in most religions, it is also punishable by death in many countries including Pakistan. This is a good step for all of us because it can help control the crimes.
HAFSA NADEEM
Islamabad
Barriers on women
Pakistan has been ranked sixth as a dangerous country for women. There are cultural, traditional and religious barriers that restrain women. It has also paralyzed the state, because they have not been able to play their role in socio-economic development of country.
Women are not considered equal as men. They are equally important as men are. I earnestly request the Government to protect and empower women so that they can strengthen the state.
MARIA YAQOOB
Karachi
