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.
Nutrition month
March is celebrated as a month of nutrition. Nutrition month is dedicated to spread nutrition awareness among masses. Pakistan is a country where there is a dire need of nutrition education because the status of nutrition among the population is very low. Therefore, a strong emphasis should be laid on this.
The main purpose of this month is to focus on the importance of the healthy diet and physical education like exercise as they are an important part of sustainable health. Moreover, it also protects one from chronic diseases by enhancing immunity and promotes overall health. Although, in Pakistan more than 50 percent of girls and women are anaemic and have difficulty during pregnancy due to poor nutritional status before and after pregnancy. This poor nutritional status eventually leads towards chronic malnutrition in both mothers and their infants. Furthermore, Pakistan has one of the highest prevalence of child malnutrition as compared to other developing countries.
In Pakistan over 44 percent children under five years of age are suffering from chronic malnutrition. The nutritional status of people in Pakistan is poor and to eradicate this situation pertinent measures are needed to be taken. It is need of the hour that Pakistani dieticians and nutritionists give their best services to uplift the nutritional status of the country. Moreover, they should spread awareness by guiding people about the healthy dietary guidelines and its importance in one’s life. Furthermore, Government has to allocate optimum budget for nutrition to fulfil the requirement of its citizens. Lastly, media should also play its role to aware the people with nutrition education.
KIRAN FATIMA
Islamabad
Red Indians of Pakistan
Ever since Iskandar Mirza and Ayub Khan took over reins of this country and derailed it from vision of its Founding Fathers, it seems that citizens of Pakistan, who hold no other passport or immigration status, have been reduced to Red Indians in their own country. It is true if you consider events in our recent history, be it choice of Shaukat Aziz, Mahboob Ul Haq, etc by powerful stakeholders of this country and their foreign sponsors, who did not find a single individual who has chosen to live and die here, fit to hold any important office.
Gone are the days of physical occupation and replaced by economic occupation. In the opinion of those who matter, these single passport holders are suitable only to lay down their lives fighting to defend soil of their motherland from evil designs of enemies. This is the NEW EAST INDIA COMPANY, where citizens of Pakistan have only the role of following orders and decisions made by others. They may resemble us in colour or ethnicity, but have sworn an oath of loyalty or allegiance to another country. This may sound very offensive but is the bitter truth. Pakistani passport has become a liability within our country. Quaid’s dream and vision for a modern democratic welfare state for all citizens of Pakistan has suffered a setback.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Aurat March and women empowerment
In Pakistan, there is a debate going on about feminism and its objectives. Some critics have challenged the entire idea of women empowerment and blamed Pakistani feminists for the current social and cultural chaos. However, the idea of feminism is largely misunderstood in male-dominated Pakistani society.
The real purpose of Aurat March campaign boils down to a single word which is “consent”. Women who talk about this slogan are referring to have control over their own bodies, not being pushed or forced into certain things like harassment, rape and forced marriages etc. It has nothing to do with “Be-hayai”.Some men in our society believe that women are respected, heard and decently treated but they don’t practise it. When talking about respect and dignity misogynists talk about the status of a mother, a wife and a sister but what defines a woman is a good character. Mostly women are not allowed to take decisions like the right to choose a better-half and majority of the women are not allowed to decide her role in public sphere for example, her job and interaction with her colleagues.
Empowering women is seen as if it would disturb our ideal family system. This idea is only framed in our society and it’s not what women think of empowerment because they are obedient daughters and faithful wives and beautiful creation. So we should stop misunderstanding the whole purpose behind Aurat March.
ARYAM NOOR
Wah Cant
Aurat march dilemma
There is an extensive dilemma in social media about “Mera Jism Meri Marzi”. The first point I want to mention is that abuse of any human being is immoral and unethical. It is not gender specific, so do not justify any man or woman with his or her abusive behaviour. One who cannot accept the right or wrong judgment of another should evade an argument so that he does not become aggressive. And the second point is that we support Aurat’s March because even in the 21st century our women are being oppressed, and we should fight for their legal and religious rights.
Do not criticize the concept, but ethically disagree with the slogans and attitude that are not acceptable. Focus on women’s real rights, not on state liberalisation. There are some serious issues such as harassment, domestic violence, child marriage, child abuse, honour killing, and start concentrating on those factors. Pakistan is an Islamic State, if you are making it a liberalistic state that is not adequate.
MISBAH IMTIAZ
Islamabad
Personality development
Personality development cannot happen in a day. It happens over time. Here are some tips for enhancing the typical characteristics and attributes which add to an individual’s overall personality. Confidence is the most important factor which adds to the personality of any individual. Improve your communication skills. The way you speak reflects who you are. Be polite and gentle and always think before you speak.
Dress up well. Good looks no doubt will add to your personality but what matters the most is how you are dressed up. They play a major role in personality and confidence development. Be passionate about your work. Make sure that you give your best in whatever you do. Watch your body language. This plays an important role to judge a person’s confidence and personality. Improve your social skills. Try participating in group discussions and seminars. This will help you to be more open and adjust amongst a group of individuals. Develop leadership qualities.
This skill doesn’t mean how well you give orders to your subordinates. It means how well you can manage your subordinates to accomplish a particular task. Be optimistic. Use positive statements like “I can do it”. Expect good things from the future. Be a patient listener. It is part of communication. Mental presence is a must to be good listener. Be a good learner. Good learning skills in an individual are highly desirable.
SABA NAWAZ
Islamabad
Jirga for PIA
It seems PTI Government in its wisdom has decided to set up a Jirga headed by a Council of Elders, a retired former executive almost 85 years in age. Who else will comprise this Jirga remains to be seen. However one thing is clear, that all these allegations of mismanagement and financial impropriety that have been levelled against former senior executives stand dashed, because otherwise why should “cooks that spoiled the broth” be again placed at the helm.
The Council of Elders and their patrons should also nominate members of clergy who should lead the prayers to cast evil spirits that have daunted both PIA and its subsidiary PIA Investments etc.
NIGHAT M
Karachi
