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No ceasefire yet
More than four months have passed to the contemporary war in the Middle East; around 28,000 lives are massacred and above 60,000 have been wounded.
Half of Gaza has become a mound of rubble. However, Hamas offered armistice, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rebuffed and has carried a mission of total extermination of Hamas at expense of civilian lives.
Yet diplomacy persists at the back of the doors. Ceasefire offered by Hamas had three phases: exchange of women and children, exchange of male hostages and exchange of remnant dead bodies. Rebuilding of diminished hospitals was included, too. Presently, PM Netanyahu’s repressive actions have created turmoil within Israel and its surroundings. People of Israel demand hostages back and its allies emphasize a permanent ceasefire.
Although, the Arab League and Islamic world’s stance at Israel’s encroachment is fragile and comical. The OIC does nothing formidable except releasing euphemistic statements. Israel has expedient backup, by Uncle Sam, resultantly, faces no expected sanctions or presages. Historically, Israeli forces have frequently defeated Arab armies, due to advanced weapons.
The global powers, holding veto buttons, must highlight their concerns. Excessive wars generate inflation and paucity of resources. Moreover, climate is drastically presaging, latterly, natural disasters. It is certainly high time for the US to carry a bold unbiased stance, by stepping into hornet’s nest; the US would again revitalize its hegemony in the Middle East, by choking Israel to cease war at any cost.
Notwithstanding, the European Union, the Islamic world must secure their exposure to western onslaught, exemplifying Palestinian pogrom by Zionist zealots. Refreshing the motives of OIC and mustering a unilateral platform, not merely on paper but emotionally and practically, would certainly redress the panacea of undaunted western imperialism.
SAJID ALI NAICH
Khairpur Nathan Shah
Corruption crisis
Corruption poses a significant challenge in Pakistan, exacerbating poverty and hindering overall development. The detrimental consequences of this issue are evident in various aspects of our nation’s economy. The depreciation of the Pakistani rupee, rising inflation rates and increasing unemployment rates serve as alarming indicators of the urgent need for swift and decisive action from the government and administrative bodies to combat corruption.
In recent years, the value of the Pakistani rupee has experienced a downward spiral due to pervasive corruption. This depreciation further amplifies the economic woes faced by the country, impacting the purchasing power of individuals and businesses alike. Concurrently, rising inflation rates put additional strain on the already vulnerable population, making it increasingly difficult for families to meet their basic needs.
Moreover, rampant corruption greatly contributes to the escalating unemployment rates in Pakistan. The diversion of funds intended for development projects and public welfare into illicit pockets hampers job creation efforts and obstructs potential opportunities for the youth. Without prompt intervention to address corruption, the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment will persist, perpetuating socio-economic inequalities.
TALAL RAFIQ RIND
Turbat
Life without limits
I am writing to share the remarkable story of Nick Vujicic, as depicted in his book “Life Without Limits.” Born without arms and legs on December 4, 1982, in Melbourne, Australia, Nick faced immense challenges from the outset. Denied the opportunity to attend a mainstream school initially due to his physical disability, he later became one of the first physically disabled students integrated into such a school. However, the journey was far from easy. Nick encountered bullying and fell into severe depression, even contemplating suicide at a young age. Yet, his unwavering love for his parents and his belief in God’s plan for his life kept him from succumbing to despair.
Despite his physical limitations, Nick learned to adapt and thrive. He mastered daily tasks using his two toes and a special grip, typing at an impressive speed and embracing activities like surfing, playing music, and speaking to audiences worldwide. Nick’s parents, devout Christians, instilled in him the belief that life knows no bounds. They refused to see their son’s disability as a limitation and encouraged him to pursue his dreams with unwavering faith. Through his book, Nick shares his message of resilience and hope, inspiring others to embrace life’s challenges and pursue their aspirations without constraints.
In a world often marked by adversity and hardship, Nick Vujicic’s story serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that with determination, faith and a positive mindset, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
MAHWASH UMAR
Kech
Education dilemma
Education serves as the bedrock of a child’s development and is pivotal in shaping a promising future. However, numerous challenges, including financial constraints, limited access to educational facilities and societal issues, contribute to many children being out of school. This situation not only impedes the individual growth of these children but also carries long-term consequences for the wider community and society at large. It is imperative that all stakeholders address the root causes of this problem and prioritize initiatives aimed at expanding educational opportunities for every child.
Investing in education not only empowers individual lives but also fosters the collective well-being and advancement of our community. Therefore, efforts must be directed towards initiatives that provide financial assistance, enhance access to schools and address societal barriers hindering children’s access to education. By ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education, we not only fulfil their fundamental right but also pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.
ROZINA DILMURAD
Turbat
Box letter
Inflation woes
It is quite unfortunate that the people of Pakistan have been facing numerous challenges for several decades. One recent challenge that has significantly impacted the residents of Pakistan is inflation, which has been increasing for many years. According to a recent report, consumer prices rose by 24.50% in December from a year earlier, as per data released by the statistics department on Monday. This compares with a median estimate for a 24% gain in a Bloomberg survey and a 23.84% jump in November. Food inflation accelerated to 35.5% year-on-year, while transport prices rose by 41.2%, the data showed. Additionally, clothing and footwear prices accelerated by 17.1%, and housing, water, and electricity costs rose by 7%. If inflation continues at the same rate, the residents of Pakistan, especially the poor, will face significant challenges. It is now up to the government to take action and implement measures to reduce inflation.
ZAHEER SIRAJ
Awaran