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Jaishankar’s Pakistan visit
The news of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of visiting Pakistan to participate in SCO summit is quite delightful news as it might be left with a positive impact on the relationship of Pakistan and India. It’s a sudden statement that came out on Friday (4 October) before this the news was circulating that India might not attend the SCO summit this year. While the minister has ruled out the bilateral talks during his visit, as he said that he’s only visiting as a SCO member, but it’s a major development that came out from New Delhi.
Pakistan has also confirmed that there won’t be any bilateral meeting, referencing the Indian minister’s own remarks on the matter. Despite the lack of bilateral talks, the visit of the Indian minister may still have a positive impact on the relationship between both countries; his attendance at the SCO summit could help create a conducive environment for future dialogue and cooperation on regional issues. Last year, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari went to India to attend the SCO summit which was a very powerful and positive decision by him, He brought us honour and inspired national pride. Mr Bhutto demonstrated Pakistan’s potential during his visit and he went there with a positive energy.
However, Jaishankar’s visit lacks the same positivity, enthusiasm and energy. The invitation extended to him to attend a protest by a political party is condemnable. Such actions can jeopardize international relations and harm the country’s image. On the other hand, Pakistan continues to promote peace and harmony among nations and will graciously offer a warm welcome to all members of the SCO moot, remaining committed to regional peace and prosperity.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Unchecked commercialisation, environmental threat
There is no doubt that Monal Restaurant, located on Margalla Hills, was built on a declared national park and wild life reserve area. It was indeed very picturesque and popular amongst foreigners and the elite of this country. The owners should be given preference in allotment of a suitable place in Islamabad.
When unchecked commercialization is facilitated by regulatory bodies like CDA, then environment suffers a major setback. Pakistan’s judiciary must share the blame, given their frequent resort to Suo Motto powers, which should have been invoked in the public interest. The owners of this restaurant should not be blamed in isolation. They could not have built it without approval and consent of the then PM of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz, and Chairman CDA Kamran Lashari. During that period, concrete jungles started replacing, what were once, green pastures, forests and reserve national parks etc. Since then, this madness has continued unabated and in haste.
It has polluted the environment, causing numerous issues for citizens who live in the vicinity of these areas. Even the air that the unfortunate citizens residing in major cities (Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi etc.) of Pakistan has become so toxic that average lifespan has been reduced by over seven years.
But this does not seem to bother those who are at helm of affairs in the corridors of power. Insatiable greed of a few has become burden for large majority of peaceful, law abiding and tax-paying citizens of Pakistan. Will sanity prevail?
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
World Mental Health Day
Although World Mental Health Day was observed on October 10, it underscores the ongoing mental health challenges in Pakistan. According to the WHO, approximately 45.5 million individuals in the country suffer from mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Unfortunately, stigma and a lack of awareness often leave many untreated, forcing them to suffer in silence.
Pakistan’s mental health care system is severely under-resourced, with only 500 psychiatrists and even fewer trained mental health professionals for a population of over 240 million. Estimates suggest that nearly 35% of the country’s population faces significant mental health issues, which require urgent action.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often gets overlooked. Those who speak up are frequently judged, highlighting the general lack of knowledge about mental health issues. Youth, particularly those aged 20 to 30, are most affected, with stress, anxiety, and depression becoming more widespread among students due to academic pressure.
Suicide rates are increasing due to social, economic, and personal challenges. To address this, open dialogue, awareness campaigns, and accessible mental health care are essential, particularly in rural areas.
MOIN AHMED AWAN
Kandhkot, Sindh
