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Unhampered genocide
There are now at least 29,692 dead Gazans since October 7, all of whom have been killed in the war being waged by Israel. Ironically, Israel seems to still think it can bully its way out of what is now openly and widely being called genocide. The people of Gaza have been starving for months now. The World Food Programme says, “While there is enough food on Gaza’s borders to feed all of Gaza, the genocidal war being waged by Israel means that food cannot reach the people.”
This is not a tragedy. This is a man-made, meant-to-be starvation, forced upon the people of Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces. It is part of the politics of elimination of the Palestinian people. The little glimmer of hope is when the international community acknowledges that what is going on is not normal, it is a war crime, it is genocide. The famed ‘bravery’ of the Palestinians has been tested to breaking point and yet they rise in resistance against the maniacal Israeli occupation.
How much more are the Palestinians supposed to ‘sacrifice’? How much more ‘bravery’ and dignity will the world demand from them? The genocide must stop and Israel must be held accountable for the unprecedented violence it has unleashed. While Israel is smarting over a lost PR war and evidently deciding that going ahead with what can only be called a genocide still won’t cost it much internationally, the world needs to come to terms with the monster that is staring it back in the mirror and reminding it that Palestine’s blood is on the screaming silence by regimes around the world
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Third term triumph
Syed Murad Ali Shah has secured a historic victory, becoming the first Chief Minister of Sindh to be elected for a third consecutive term. His legacy and simplicity have impressed people, undoubtedly showcasing his commitment to his work. Over the years, he has served with different ministries, and his dedication to remaining focused on his goals is remarkable. This impressive feat signifies the trust the people of Sindh have placed in his leadership.
I hope that Mr. Shah will fulfil the expectations of the people, and within his third tenure, we hope that all things will get fixed. I extend my congratulations and wish him all the best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people he represents.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Ending gender violence
The abuse of girls and women remains a critical issue worldwide, starkly violating humanity. According to 2022 reports, approximately 48,800 women and girls fell victim to intimate partner or familial violence, resulting in their deaths. Such acts of brutality create a perilous environment for women to exist in, severely impacting their physical and psychological well-being. Shockingly, this phenomenon occurs in at least 161 countries, exacerbating the global crisis.
Women and girls subjected to such violence are not only at risk of physical harm but also suffer from various mental health ailments including depression, anxiety and other disorders, often leading to tragic outcomes like suicide.
In the light of these distressing realities, I earnestly appeal to governments worldwide, especially Pak Government, to take decisive action to halt such violence and crimes, ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender.
SACHAN NASEER
Kech
Trade for development
Trade has always been essential for human existence, evolving across ages. International trade, facilitated by internet technology, involves the exchange of capital, goods, and services across borders. Exporting or importing benefits all countries, contributing to their development. For instance, China, a leading exporter, illustrates how international trade fuels economic growth. Developing nations increasingly seek to leverage international trade for their advantage.
In Pakistan, cross-border exchanges like importing electricity from Iran in exchange for petroleum highlight the interdependence fostered by trade. Developing countries must transition away from costly and environmentally harmful fossil fuels, prioritizing product quality to attract global markets. Value addition to products is crucial for maximizing benefits from international trade. In conclusion, international trade fosters development and enhances product quality across nations.
SABA ANWAR
Via email
Box letter
Soil pollution
Soil pollution is one of the major forms of pollution. Pollution in the soil means polluting the minerals that are present in the soil, which is mostly done by human’s harmful activities. One of the main reasons for soil pollution is that when too much garbage is collected, people burn unwanted plastic, wrapper, wood and then bury them into the soil. Resultantly the soil is contaminated which has a harmful effect on plants and trees and they die. Government should take action against it and should fine those people so that pollution can be reduced from environment and we can live a peaceful and healthy life because plants and trees are one of the reasons that we live.
MAHNAZ AMAN
Karachi
