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Crimes against humanity
The Middle East is once again on the brink of devastation, as Israel appears poised to extend its campaign of violence beyond the Palestinian territories and into Lebanon.
This is not merely an isolated act of aggression but part of a larger, dangerous pattern of expansionism and disregard for international law. Israel’s ongoing violence against Palestinians has been a painful reminder of world’s indifference toward Arab lives.
For months, Israel has inflicted unimaginable suffering on the people of Gaza: starving civilians, killing children, bombing hospitals and silencing those who try to speak the truth. Meanwhile, the world powers, especially those that claim to champion human rights, are again doing what they do best, issuing statements of concern while remaining on the sidelines.
The US, European Union and several Arab nations issued a joint call Wednesday for a 21-day ‘temporary ceasefire’ in Lebanon threatened to tip the Middle East into all out war but Israel has rejected the ceasefire call. Pakistan has also condemned Israel’s military aggression against Lebanon and called it a grave violation of international law and the UN Charter.
The signs are clear. We must recognize that the world is not only turning a blind eye to Israel’s crimes, it is actively facilitating the Zionist regime to complete its agenda for expansionist ambitions.
The question is no longer whether Israel will face repercussions culmination to a Greater War in the Middle East. The loosened role of Arab League and OIC also disappointed the Ummah.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Deceptive advertising
The recent issuance of notices to 20 brands for deceptive discount ads by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on September 22, 2024, is a commendable step towards ensuring consumer rights. It is encouraging to see government bodies taking action in this regard. However, I would like to offer a suggestion to the CCP. While deceptive marketing in FMCG markets is indeed problematic, it often involves relatively small sums of money—typically in the range of a few hundred or thousand rupees. In contrast, misleading advertisements in the real estate sector, where consumers invest millions of rupees, go largely unchecked. Real estate billboards and campaigns frequently feature images of stunning skylines from cities like Singapore or Dubai, creating a false sense of expectation that is far from the reality on the ground. Why doesn’t the CCP extend its scrutiny to these large-scale, deceptive real estate ads?
Additionally, I would like to take this opportunity to urge the CCP to revisit my previous complaint regarding beverage companies that engage in exclusive contracts with major outlets and restaurants, effectively limiting consumer choice. This practice, in my view, contradicts the principles of fair market competition and warrants attention.
ISPHANYAR M. BHANDARA
Chief Executive & MNA
Murree Brewery Group of Companies
Customer betrayal
As a loyal HBL customer for years, I am deeply frustrated by my recent experience. Two months ago, I ordered a MasterCard after meeting with the bank manager, as directed by the helpline. Despite making my needs clear, I received a UnionPay card instead of the MasterCard. After weeks of waiting, the card I actually needed never arrived. I tried contacting both the helpline and the bank manager for assistance, but no one picked up the calls. After three days of trying, I finally spoke with a representative who offered no help and simply told me to file a complaint at the bank.
When I mentioned that I would include her name in the complaint, she was completely unphased, as if this lack of service was a normal occurrence. This dismissive attitude shows a deeper problem: a complete lack of accountability and support for customers. Even after completing all the necessary paperwork, I was informed that I would need to repeat the process again. This level of incompetence and negligence has made me reconsider my loyalty to HBL.
It’s incredibly disappointing that after banking with HBL for so long, my family and I are facing these unnecessary hurdles. Instead of focusing on promotions and marketing, HBL should be prioritizing customer satisfaction and addressing core service issues. It’s time for the bank to take its customers seriously and demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving its services. If this situation remains unresolved, I may be forced to explore other banking options. HBL needs to act, not just promote.
ROYYAM SAQIB
Islamabad
