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Right to protest
In democratic societies, the right to protest is fundamental, allowing citizens to express their views, demand change and hold governments accountable. Protests symbolize unity and shared purpose, embodying the collective voice of the people.
However, when governments suppress these demonstrations out of insecurity or political bias, they undermine democracy itself. Recent trends show a rise in crackdowns on peaceful protests, often justified by public order and safety concerns. Common tactics, such as shutting down telephone and internet services, aim to stifle dissent but often exacerbate the situation.
These actions disrupt communication, spread panic and cause undue stress to residents. They also inflict significant economic harm, especially on those dependent on the internet for their livelihood. Online workers, freelancers and small business owners face immediate income loss, leading to financial instability and economic distress.
The right to protest is enshrined in many international human rights frameworks, emphasizing its importance. Governments should recognize that peaceful protests are vital to democracy. Silencing dissent through force or technological blackouts reflects poorly on a state’s commitment to human rights and democratic values. Such measures often backfire, as activists bypass restrictions using advanced communication tools. Instead of preventing chaos, these actions highlight the government’s fear of free speech, creating distrust and resentment among the populace.
Addressing the root causes of protests through dialogue and reform is more constructive. Governments should engage with protestors, understand their grievances and work towards meaningful solutions. Suppression leads to greater unrest and long-term instability.
Protests are a crucial expression of democracy and human rights and governments should facilitate, not hinder, peaceful demonstrations. By respecting the right to protest and addressing concerns constructively, authorities can foster a more inclusive and stable society.
ROYYAM SAQIB
Islamabad
Zimbabwe’s future?
Zimbabwe stands at a crucial crossroads in the heart of Southern Africa. As the nation grapples with economic challenges and social unrest, the call for rejecting corrupt leadership has never been more urgent. The future of Zimbabwe hinges on the integrity and transparency of its leaders, who must prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal gain. Zimbabwe’s economy has long been stifled by corruption. Misappropriation of funds and embezzlement by those in power have diverted resources away from critical sectors like healthcare, education and infrastructure. According to Transparency International, corruption costs the African Continent billions of dollars annually, with Zimbabwe being no exception. By embracing honest leadership, Zimbabwe can redirect these lost resources towards meaningful development projects that uplift the population and stimulate economic growth. Public trust in government institutions is at an all-time low. Citizens are disillusioned by the persistent corruption that seems to pervade every level of government. For Zimbabwe to move forward, it is imperative that leaders demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance. Transparent and accountable leadership will not only restore public confidence but also encourage civic participation, fostering a more robust and dynamic democracy.
NOMA MPOFU
UK
Street crime
Street crime is a broad term for criminal offenses occurring in public places. Nowadays, street crimes are commonplace in Pakistan, particularly in busy commercial areas and on highways. These crimes include pick-pocketing, mobile phone & wallet snatching, car and auto theft at gunpoint, target killing and purse snatching from women. Street crime negatively affects our neighbourhoods and society, contributing to its degradation. Today, almost everyone has a personal story of mobile or wallet theft.
Most people experience street crimes, but the police often fail to take action against the criminals, leading to a growing menace for citizens. No one’s life or property is safe nowadays. Major causes include unemployment, illiteracy and poverty, but other factors like lawlessness, fundamentalism, backwardness and societal double standards also play a role. The government must take serious steps to control street crime. For instance, addressing unemployment, providing education to the poor and ensuring police authorities are more vigilant in safeguarding citizens’ lives and property are essential to making Pakistan a safer country.
IMRAN SHAH
Sukkur
Box letter
Rein in high inflation
Unable to combat the rising price of tomatoes — they cost Rs 120 per kg in Mumbai — McDonald’s has stopped using tomatoes in its burgers across India. While there can perhaps be no replacing tomatoes in a burger, the vegetable now ubiquitous in Indian meals was only imported to this country in the 16th century by the Portuguese. There are several native alternatives to tomatoes which can create a more layered flavour profile. Yoghurt would be the most commonly available replacement. There are regional alternatives too, like raw mangoes in Bengal, ambatchuka in Maharashtra, kokum along the Western Ghats, thekera in Assam, and so on. Cooking with local ingredients can help ease the pressure on the domestic budgets of the middle class.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
