Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Stop this misogyny
It’s unacceptable for anyone, especially on television, to make derogatory remarks about a specific gender. What message was the speaker trying to send about women? If similar comments were directed towards men, I would oppose that too. There are better ways to make a point.
If 95% of women are illiterate, why should that concern you? Why resort to such disrespectful language about any gender? I’m particularly surprised that the host, being a woman, didn’t challenge or seek justification. When a girl interrupted and demanded an apology, the response was equally inappropriate: ‘Mera kasoor hai, Meri bachi jahil hai.’ Is such a comment suitable for television?
What would his family think of this statement? Have you considered your conduct civilized? There are respectful ways to communicate; he could have chosen otherwise. In the future, no one should be allowed to degrade any gender—women, men or transgender—especially on television. Mind your own business.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Street crime
I am writing to address a pressing concern that affects all, the rise in street crime within our community. This issue not only threatens our safety but also undermines the sense of security and trust that is vital for a thriving neighbourhood. Street crime encompasses a range of illegal activities, including theft, robbery, assault and vandalism. These crimes often occur in public spaces such as streets, parks and shopping areas, making it crucial for us to take collective action to address and mitigate their impact.
Firstly, I would like to emphasize the importance of community awareness and vigilance. By staying informed about recent incidents and potential threats, we can better protect ourselves and our neighbours. Regularly attending community meetings and engaging with local law enforcement can provide valuable insights and updates on safety measures. Furthermore, I urge each of us to adopt proactive measures to enhance our personal safety and that of our surroundings. Simple actions, such as securing our homes, avoiding poorly lit areas at night and travelling in groups when possible, can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of street crime.
Additionally, reporting suspicious activities promptly to the authorities can prevent potential crimes and help law enforcement respond more effectively. Community programs and initiatives also play a crucial role in combating street crime. Establishing neighbourhood watch groups, organizing self-defence workshops and promoting youth engagement activities can foster a sense of unity and collective responsibility. By creating a supportive network, we can deter criminal behaviour and provide positive alternatives for at-risk individuals. Local government and law enforcement agencies are essential partners in our efforts to curb street crime. We must advocate for increased police presence in high-crime.
SARFRAZ KHAN
Karachi
Tharparkar progress
THARPARKER, a desert area in Sindh with a population of over 1.7 million people, began witnessing socio-economic uplift when coal extraction projects commenced, creating employment opportunities for local people. These coal mining projects in Thar have significantly improved the lives of the residents by providing access to clean drinking water, basic healthcare and quality education.
Before these opportunities, the residents relied solely on agriculture and livestock, often migrating to riverine areas. During the summer, 35-40% of the population would move to feed their animals and earn a livelihood by working in fields during the harvest season. The Thari people are skilled artisans, known for their carpet industry, intricate embroidery and shawls. However, limited resources have hindered the growth of their small industries, preventing greater benefits for the community.
Water scarcity made it difficult for the majority of the population to irrigate their agricultural lands, leaving them dependent solely on rainwater. The government has since improved water availability by laying pipelines and installing RO plants. Additionally, the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, operating in Thar Coal Block 2 near Islamkot, built the Gorano Dam reservoir to help local residents irrigate their lands.
USAMA RASOOL
Karachi
Mohenjodaro airport
The Mohenjo-Daro airport is of no use, as most people in Larkana use Sukkur airport for domestic travel. When they return by flight, they face a two-hour journey from Sukkur to Larkana, which is a continuous disturbance. Despite having an airport near Larkana, people are unable to use it. We don’t know why it’s closed for flights; it’s a significant issue that is continuously ignored.
This is an issue that needs to be addressed. If the airport is useless, why isn’t it used for people who face daily travel issues, especially women who don’t have the facility for drop-offs? They can’t come alone because they have to travel two hours to reach their destination. They can’t manage this alone because they lack their own transport; how can they arrange a taxi? This issue needs to be solved and the government should ensure facilities are provided to residents of Larkana, Naudero, Ratodero and others. It’s a serious concern that should be dealt with seriously. Don’t ignore significant issues that may seem smaller.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Box letter
Lack of medicines
I express deep concern over a critical issue: the shortage of essential medicines in our city, which is home to a large population facing dire circumstances. The government has yet to take significant steps to address this alarming issue, posing a serious challenge to the survival of residents. Due to inadequate healthcare facilities, a substantial number of people lose their lives each year. It is alarming that the second largest city in Balochistan lacks basic necessities, resulting in the deaths of many underprivileged communities. Every year, numerous life-threatening diseases go untreated in Turbat due to shortages of doctors and medicines. Patients with serious conditions such as cancer are forced to seek treatment in Karachi and other cities across the country. I urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action; it is imperative for the government to address this matter promptly.
ZANIAB GAFOOR
Turbat
