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.
Humanity is priority
The WHO (World Health Organisation) has declared Covid-19 a pandemic since the virus has influenced over 170 countries with over 220,000 cases and over 9000 deaths so far. The entire world is coming to a stand still and many major cities of the world are under lockdown to prevent further spread of the virus. This is time where humanity must take precedence above all differences and all countries keep their animosity, hatred and hostility towards others set aside.
During these testing times we must not think of settling political scores and sectarian rivalries, gaining territories, defeating others economically and punishing someone who raised their voice for rights. This is the time where world nations must forget their differences, their enmity and mutual hatred. The powerful must help the weak and poor to the best of their abilities. Warring nations must resort to talks and end aggression in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. The tough sanctions on Iran must be removed on humanitarian grounds. Humility, kindness and helpfulness should prevail, and this is the time to unite, care and love each other – as humans only
NAMIRA NAEEM
Rawalpindi
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A temporary quarantine centre is being established in Expo Centre, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Karachi where those infected from COVID-19 would be kept and treated. Doctors termed it a big blunder as COVID-19 is highly contagious disease and people in surrounding areas might be affected. Unfortunately Punjab government also decides to open temporary quarantine centre in expo centre, Lahore for treatment of infected persons from COVID-19.
Government should take doctors on board before taking such decisions as doctors say that such quarantine centres should better be established in outskirts of cities so that population living in cities and provinces might remain safe from this epidemic and commuters travelling from one province to another or from one city to another should be screened first and if found infected be treated in quarantine centres and then allowed to enter into city and province which is quite logical as well.
Moreover, keeping suspected and infected from COVID-19 would aggravate the overall situation in the country as there is a high probability that suspect might be affected too from infected person. So government should take this decision back and establish quarantine centres in outskirts of cities and provinces.
FAISAL ANSAR
Karachi
Unity in ranks
Today, we all Pakistanis have divided ourselves into many ethnic and sectarian considerations. Today, we are more Pakhtuns, Punjabi, Sindhi, Urdu Speaking, Baloch, Siraiki, Sunni, Shia, etc. than Pakistani. Such disintegration and segmentation have led us to destruction as we have completely failed to act sensibly by bringing all ethnic and sectarian groups of the country under one national agenda — the agenda of complete unity and consensus within our ranks for achieving larger national objectives.
Due to disunity and conflict on many important national issues, various evil elements have been successful in their nefarious designs of creating further fissures in our already fragile society. The secret to all our ills lies in attaining unity within our ranks. A united Pakistan will be a constant eyesore to all such evil forces where they would achieve nothing but a sheer frustration. So let’s make a commitment that from today on we will be true Pakistanis first by sidelining all our ethnic and sectarian considerations. In it lies our real salvation both at individual and collective level.
ABDUL SAMAD SAMO
Via Email
Smoking is injurious
Smoking is increasing day by day and is becoming one of the most pressing health issues in Pakistan. Smoking causes cardiovascular diseases, lung and other forms of cancer and breathing problems. Smoking not only harms smokers but it also harms non-smokers who continue to consume this smoke through passive smoking.
According to WHO, 128,000 people die every year due to smoking. Pakistan adults engage in smoking, in which 31.8% include men and 5.8% women, who use tobacco products on a daily basis. The ratio of smokers in rural areas is 3.9% as compared to 10% in the urban areas. Most often, smokers are aware of harmful effects of smoking but they can’t seem to quit. Diabetes is on the rise. Lately smoking has been clearly associated with diabetes as it increases blood glucose levels and reduces efficiency of insulin activity.
Government needs to take comprehensive steps to control smoking amongst youth particularly in educational institutions. The government should increase taxes on cigarettes or raise selling prices. In longer term, tobacco companies should be banned in Pakistan. Different awareness programmes should be organised against smoking, especially in rural areas to control this habit.
NAMIRA NAEEM
Via email
Plantation drive
We often forget to realise how important trees are for us, taking them for granted until it hits us that their numbers are slowly decreasing day by day. What is the purpose of trees? They help to purify the air we breathe, providing us oxygen and taking in carbon dioxide. This helps to maintain a balance in the environment, making sure the air is fresh. Trees also provide natural beauty. Even certain medicines can be obtained through trees. Other than that they serve as a habitat for animals to live in. Recently Australia experienced a fire that caused the loss of many animals and this leads to extinction.
Trees act as a barrier against natural disasters like tsunamis. They give us shade during scorching heat and also a lovely ambiance to enjoy in parks. Fruits obtained through trees are also used for export and this helps to strengthen economy. Trees also help to prevent soil erosion.
Nowadays deforestation has become very common. Trees are being cleared to make roads, houses, buildings and improving infrastructure but little do we know the harm it is causing us and even the animals. Due to construction, trees are unable to get adequate water supply so they too are unable to survive for long. Many things like doors, furniture and papers have a common source, trees. Due to increased pollution, trees don’t thrive much either. As a responsible citizen, we should all do our part to make sure that number of trees increase with time. Awareness should be raised among children so that they too feel motivated to help in this important issue. Schools should encourage plantation and use of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).
NABIHA WAQAR
Karachi
