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Sectarian & divisive rule
When a right-wing group in India razed down Babri Masjid in the 1990s, many analysts had thought that the incident was an unwanted patch on India’s shining example of a secular democratic state and that the country would take measures to restore communal harmony within. In 2019, in an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court of India handed over the land to a Trust to build a temple and so the long weaponized slogan of making a temple on the ruins of Babri Masjid finally turned into reality.
The 2019 decision came at a time when India increasingly showed itself as a terrible place for minority communities. The India of today is starkly different from what its founders: Mahatma Gandhi, Pundit Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad had imagined. While India has always remained a Hindu-majority state, both the Indian government and its people kept religion and the state separate. But over the recent past, India has focused more on becoming a majoritarian state, with no respect to the country’s minorities. The Modi government has comfortably built itself a state that stands on communal hatred and disrespect to other religions.
The Modi Government has already silenced the media. Digital outlets that cropped up to challenge the government’s narrative are slapped with long, complicated FIRs, with their founders and editors imprisoned. The Indian Diaspora, in its search for its lost identity, often ends up amplifying the government’s voice abroad, leading to little protest by international organizations against India. The Sectarian and Divisive rule of Modi Sarkar against the Indian’s minorities has tarnished the secular face of Bharat under a veneer of democracy.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Foggy challenges
The recent disruption caused by thick fog in Punjab has once again brought to the forefront the annual challenge of smog in the region. The consequences have been far-reaching with the cancellation and rescheduling of flights, delayed train departures, and advisories for road travel during daylight hours. This situation is not just a momentary inconvenience but a stark reminder of the persistent issue of smog that plagues Lahore and its surrounding areas.
Chinese environmental experts, engaged by the provincial caretaker government, presented a preliminary report shedding light on the causes of smog in Lahore. Their findings reveal a complex interplay of factors contributing to the issue, including the unnecessary use of organic and inorganic fuels, high atmospheric humidity, household emissions, and pollutants from coal plants in India. The decision to implement a second round of artificial rain in Lahore indicates a commitment to innovative solutions. The first successful pilot last month, supported by the UAE government, involved cloud-seeding equipment flown over 10 areas of the city.
This proactive measure, utilising artificial rain to mitigate smog levels, showcases a commitment to exploring unconventional methods for environmental improvement. As Lahore grapples with hazardous smog levels, such innovative approaches are essential for providing relief to the over 11 million residents impacted during winter. It is imperative for stakeholders to continue working together, leveraging international expertise, and exploring innovative solutions to safeguard the health and well-being of the residents of Lahore.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Education crisis
Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan, is grappling with a severe education crisis marked by the absence of a robust educational system and effective management. Numerous children are being deprived of their basic right to education, with around 8 lakh school-age students officially reported to be out of school.
A staggering 1,964 schools lack essential infrastructure and an additional 3,500 schools remain closed due to a shortage of teachers. Many schools are at risk of being left without educators, exacerbating the challenges faced by students. In various regions, the scarcity of primary schools intensifies the difficulties children encounter in accessing education, even in this modern era.
The youth represent the future of the country, and it is disheartening to witness their potential hindered by these conditions. Urgent interventions are needed to address this education crisis. The government must establish new educational institutions and ensure the provision of basic facilities such as water, washrooms and electricity to create an environment conducive to learning. Comprehensive steps are essential to alleviate the current challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.
AMINA MUSHTAQ
Turbat
Box letter
Deforestation
Deforestation, one of the main symbols of spreading diseases, climate change, globalisation, desertification and many more. Pakistan is tremendously facing an immense problem regarding deforestation, impacting individuals constantly. Chomping down the trees is known as deforestation. In Pakistan, every year millions of trees are chomped down which might have huge results of spreading diseases. But unfortunately, the concerned authorities have not adequately tackled the matter. Due to this unexpected challenge our greenhouse is being affected. It is merely not a problem for Pakistan but also other regions are suffering significant challenges due to this. The matter has been overlooked by the government. Therefore, I earnestly implore the wildlife department to look into the matter as soon as possible.
AYESHA NOOR
Karachi
