Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
So-called UN
December 10 is observed as World Human Rights Day, yet prosperity and peace remain absent across many regions. The so-called peacekeepers who drafted the human rights charter to ensure global harmony have themselves ignited flames of destruction in Gaza. Muslims in Gaza are under siege, while the US, openly supporting Israel, supplies advanced war equipment, missiles and bombs to annihilate Gaza and erase Palestinians from the map.
This ongoing genocide exposes the hypocrisy of justice, freedom of speech and the right to life enshrined in the human rights charter. Israel treats Palestinians as subhuman, blocking humanitarian aid from Muslim countries and depriving Gaza of critical support. Despite this, the United Nations remains a passive observer, taking no action against Israel’s relentless genocide.
Palestinians face constant displacement, receiving daily orders to leave their homes and camps. Moving from south to north, they encounter the same brutality everywhere. These atrocities, perpetrated by Israel and backed by the US, reveal the failure of the UN and its human rights charter. It is now evident that the charter, filled with empty promises, has never benefited Muslims and continues to fail them today.
SADAM HUSSAIN
Ghotki, Sindh
US double standard
For over two decades, the United States has been interfering in Ukraine, disregarding the wishes of its people and the former leaders who sought support and protection from Russia.
During this time, the then-US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland allegedly played a role in influencing Ukraine’s political landscape. This has now culminated in a proxy leadership under President Zelensky, who is perceived as furthering a Zionist agenda. Meanwhile, the US accuses Russia of violating Ukraine’s sovereignty. Syria serves as a stark reminder of US double standards. The relentless bombing of Syrian cities, blatantly violating their sovereignty, has been met with silence from much of the global community, especially the West. The United Nations often acts as a mouthpiece for the US, enabling its actions rather than holding it accountable.
The aggressive, hawkish policies of the US and its allies risk escalating tensions to the point of igniting a third world war—a catastrophe that would bring untold destruction to humanity.
ALI ASHRAF KHAN
Karachi
Dow hospital
Dow University Hospital, a key healthcare institution in Karachi, is often a referral point for patients transferred from smaller hospitals, including my sister. However, we observed serious mismanagement and profiteering practices under the guise of healthcare.
Patients face excessive payment demands even before proper treatment, inadequate facilities and unnecessary prolonged stays, seemingly to extract more money. My sister’s admission to the ICU highlighted these issues—minimal care but exorbitant costs beyond the reach of financially struggling families. Many would rather face loss than endure such exploitation.
This unchecked greed raises concerns about whether Dow Hospital operates as a private or government institution. Sadly, higher health officials remain silent, suggesting potential complicity. Families from weak backgrounds are trapped, forced to pay while receiving subpar care. This exploitation must end.
SADAM HUSSAIN
Ghotki, Sindh
Appeal to CDA Chairman
Everyone knows that your good self is heavily occupied with matters of immense importance in the development of our Capital City – Islamabad. I hesitate to divert your kind attention to a minor issue, but I feel compelled to briefly present my concern.
Sir, There is a bus stop at Kuri Road on the main Expressway, with a road leading to Sadiqabad. A short distance from the highway is a crossing known as Sahi Chowk. Between the highway and Sahi Chowk, the footpath on both sides of the road has been encroached upon by pushcart vendors (Rehri Walay). Some vendors even place their carts on the road, making it challenging for pedestrians to find space, especially in evening. Alarmingly, some have begun dumping waste concrete material on the footpath, seemingly to erase any trace of it (footpath). Occasionally, CDA senior staff conduct raids to remove the rehri walas, but lower-level staff inform the vendors in advance, allowing them to flee with their carts, for which they (allegedly) receive bribes.
Sir, I am not lodging a complaint against the pushcart vendors, as they are underprivileged individuals with a right to earn a livelihood for their families. However, it would be prudent to direct them to place their carts in the vacant spaces alongside the footpath. The vacant space on both sides of the road is more than double the width of the footpath itself. This adjustment would ensure that the footpath remains clear for pedestrians while allowing vendors to continue their activities.
Additionally, I propose that a small fee be charged from pushcart vendors, which could then be distributed among the concerned staff of the CDA. This practice, similar to one in the Islamabad Traffic Police, would discourage bribery while providing a formalized mechanism benefiting both parties. The rehri walas would feel protected from harassment by CDA staff, and the staff would receive a legitimate share of income, preventing illegal practices. This solution would create a win-win situation, ensuring fairness and satisfaction for all stakeholders involved.
M S SWATI
Rawalpindi
