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Protect minorities
Muslims can maintain good relations with non-Muslims by following the principles of tolerance, respect and understanding. It’s important to engage in open and respectful dialogue, listen to different perspectives and foster mutual respect.
Building bridges of friendship and cooperation, promoting interfaith dialogue and participating in community activities can help foster positive relationships. It’s also essential to uphold the values of justice, fairness and kindness towards all, regardless of religious differences. However, Islam encourages Muslims to be ambassadors of peace and to treat others with dignity and compassion.
Pakistan is one of the worst countries to live in as a member of a religious minority group, due to the lack of human rights protection accorded to minority communities. Recent years have seen an intensification of violent persecution of religious minorities. Minority communities’ lives are increasingly marred by negative social identity, insecurity and a lack of human rights protection.
As a recent report highlights, religious minority groups feel the impacts on their legal and political marginalisation and disenfranchisement in their daily lives.
FAHAD YAQOOB
Dadu, Sindh
Battling the heat
Heat waves, prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. These events, caused by high-pressure systems trapping heat and rising global temperatures, pose severe threats to health, ecosystems, and economies. In Pakistan, the situation is dire. Health impacts include heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and exacerbation of chronic conditions, with vulnerable populations at greater risk. Those without air conditioners, particularly during load shedding, face severe heat-related illnesses due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Environmentally, heat waves in Pakistan can lead to droughts, reduced water supplies, and increased wildfire risks, while also disrupting ecosystems. The agricultural sector, crucial to Pakistan’s economy, suffers from reduced crop yields, threatening food security. Water scarcity further exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for communities to access sufficient water for drinking and irrigation.
Economically, heat waves strain energy systems due to heightened demand for cooling, leading to blackouts and increased energy costs. Mitigating and adapting to heat waves involves several strategies. Urban planning can incorporate green infrastructure like parks and green roofs to mitigate the urban heat island effect, while reflective materials can reduce heat absorption. Public health measures such as cooling centers, hydration access, and awareness campaigns are crucial for protecting vulnerable populations. However, taxation on solar energy solutions hinders their adoption, despite their potential to provide relief. In agriculture, adopting heat-resistant crops and efficient irrigation practices can maintain productivity.
Addressing the root cause of increasing heat waves requires global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy transitions, improved energy efficiency, and supportive policies. By understanding heat waves and implementing these strategies, Pakistan can better protect its health, environment, and economy from their devastating impacts, creating a more resilient and sustainable future.
ROYYAM SAQIB
Islamabad
Geopolitical strife
In the complex landscape of geopolitics, the relationship between the US and China serves as a defining feature of the 21st century. According to Thomas Donald, both the US and China have elements of competition and cooperation.
In recent standoff, semiconductors serve as a linchpin between both states. In their vie for power and to grow their influence in geopolitical landscape, both countries are imposing sanctions on each other’s major tech industries. In addition to this, Taiwan and the Russia-Ukraine war serve as bones of contention between two.
This standoff has a ripple effect on the landscape of South Asia, especially Pakistan. It has impacted Pakistan in various ways: for instance, it reduces US engagement in various sectors as the US has changed its foreign policy. In addition to this, with the help of China’s financing, Pakistan can bolster its economy. For China, Pakistan serves as a gateway to the West, whereas the US views Pakistan through the lens of the geopolitical landscape. Thus, in a nutshell, the standoff has a substantial impact on Pakistan, but both countries recognize the importance of Pakistan, and this recognition makes them willing to accept Pakistan’s relations with others.
MARIA ZULFIQAR AWAN
Islamabad
Box letter
Mahmud Ali Road unveiled
I am grateful to the Almighty! Finally, after my almost five years of tireless efforts, the Service Road East, Sector G-11/4, has been named after the late Veteran Statesman and Pakistan Movement Leader, Mr. Mahmud Ali. I am happy that the government of Pakistan heeded my entreaty to honour Mr. Mahmud Ali with the respect he so richly earned. My recommendation to the administration was to name a street in the capital after him. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) accepted this request, and after receiving approval from the incumbent federal government, the CDA has designated Service Road East G-11/4 as “Mahmud Ali Road.”
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
