Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Rich and
poor gap
Pakistan is facing severe economic crisis. Economic inequality and its reduction is one of the major challenges of Pakistan. The widening gap between rich and poor has largely excluded poor from benefit of growth. Moreover, many citizens of this country, including civil bureaucrats and khakis, own properties in Dubai, UK, Canada etc not justified by declared income. There is no rocket science involved in finding identity of those who own luxurious houses built on 1000 sq yds, farmhouses and luxury apartments and income tax paid by them. The fact that FBR has failed to bring them to book for decades has promoted corruption and tax evasion.
Pakistan is technically a bankrupt country on verge of default, yet if you venture into ever expanding gated housing societies and numerous golf courses that have erupted in Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad, this country seems part of First World with abundant water. There are two categories, one affluent elite beneficiary of state allotment welfare schemes and tax amnesty schemes, catering for all their needs from cradle to grave with pension emoluments more than salary for qualified doctors or engineers. Other where majority of 200 million live without water, electricity, no subsidised health or education, no security of life or property and no house to live in.
SARFRAZ SOOMRO
Shikarpur, Sindh
Indigenous peoples day
According to UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, “indigenous peoples and individuals are free and equal to all other peoples and individuals and have the right to be free from any kind of discrimination, in the exercise of their rights, in particular that based on their indigenous origin or identity” But, there are still many communities around the world that are trying to resist cultural levelling and are keeping ancient traditions and ways of life alive that have different social, cultural, economic and political characteristics compared to dominant societies.
To celebrate this wonderful human diversity in December 1994 the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 9th of August as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
MEHARULLAH MENGAL
Karachi
Free Kashmir
As PTI government has introduced official political map of Pakistan, I want to point out that Occupied Kashmir is facing very tough times since last year owing to BJP brutality under the leadership of Modi. Pakistan is striving to divert attention of the whole world towards on-going brutalities in Kashmir.
Will there be any solution by adding Kashmir in Pakistan Map? Pragmatic efforts needed to be taken to tackle this grim issue in a realistic manner. For this whole Muslim world must be on one page to obtain freedom for Kashmir.
WAQAR B KANDHRO
Larkana, Sindh
NAB Court
in residential area
Courts are usually avoided in residential areas, but this is not the case with NAB Court Sukkur that is primarily located in a residential area that has created many psychological and social issues for residents. Since children from adjoining homes suffer psychologically viewing prisoners with handcuffs surrounded by policemen and brawls out there for rest of the day.
Although, summoned individual’s shouting voices, laughter, whispering and sometimes noisy quarrels are common practices for neighbouring inhabitants to experience from dawn to dusk inside their abodes. Moreover, relatives and other visitors are alarmed to see the chaotic situation outside host’s residence, this situation worsens even more when some notable public figures appears before the court. Also their parked automobiles leave no space for residents to move out or move in their vehicles. Therefore, females mostly remain confined to their homes. I request higher authorities to transfer NAB Court Sukkur to an appropriate location so that residents heave a sigh of relief.
JABBAR JUNEJO
Via email
Celebrating Independence Day
Every year on August 14, cities and villages across Pakistan celebrate Independence Day with national pride. The national flag can be seen fluttering in various sizes on balconies, cars and landmarks. Green and white lights illuminate streets. Independence Day t-shirts, green and white traditional clothes and badges representing Pakistan’s flag are available for sale. Everyone feels united with a feeling of patriotism.
In 1940s, rise of Muslim nationalism led to the creation of Pakistan as a separate state. The struggle for an independent Muslim homeland was led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and with the partition of India, Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947. August 14 is a national holiday celebrated around the country with parades, air shows and fireworks. Every year, official dignitaries and some times heads of state visit the mausoleum of founding father of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in Karachi to pay their respects. In schools and universities, students gather to sing national anthem and to take part in poetry competitions and cricket matches. Portraits of founder of Pakistan and other prominent leaders of Independence struggle are displayed.
Karachi’s Boat Basin and Sea View Beach are swarming with people on the eve of Independence Day until late the following day as people blast songs of patriotism from their vehicles and wave flags, raising slogans of azadi and Pakistan Zindabad.
BAHISHT SHEIKH
Karachi
