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.
PM tree planting drive
PM Imran Khan’s endeavours to promote tree plantation, so essential to protect the environment, is indeed commendable. Civil society and conscientious members of every political party must support this noble cause. Such tree plantation drives will achieve their optimum objective after at least five years, when they grow to an appreciable age, where they contribute to maintain vital echo balance.
However, this noble campaign of PM Imran will fail to achieve desired objectives, if simultaneously fully grown and developed forests spread over thousands of acres are being destroyed by land mafia and converted into concrete jungles. The quality of air which envelops most of our cities is already deteriorated to a level which is unsafe for human beings and wildlife. Landslides have increased in hilly areas because of reckless unchecked cutting of trees. This insatiable greed of a few powerful individuals and groups, including members of powerful paid establishment, poses threat to the health of millions of innocent citizens.
The PM must initiate action against all those involved in illegal occupation of forest land. State must use its writ to take over this precious land irrespective of technicalities like Third Party Interest, because nobody has power vested in him, including the office of PM, CM etc., to allow occupation of forest lands and amenity parks. The State failed to protect Kidney Hill Park in Karachi from evil designs of the Land Mafia and today Karachi has become a city where even vital Nallahs have fallen prey and been occupied by mafia in connivance with corrupt paid public office-holders. Unless exemplary punishment is given to criminals who benefitted from such illegal activities, there will be no end to this.
ALI MALIK TARIQ
Lahore
Outcome of Beirut explosion
There was a massive explosion in the Beirut city of Lebanon last week resulted in serious destruction. Almost two hundred people have expired so far and more than six thousand people have sustained injuries. The devastating outbreak in Beirut changed the dynamics of the country. Hundreds of people lost their family, jobs and homes.
There is anger in the people of Lebanon against the sitting government. According to the sources, there was 2750 metric tones of ammonium nitrate used in that outburst. Hassan Diab, the PM of Lebanon, on Monday, stepped down from the office along with his all parliamentary members in the wake of the overwhelming loss. He said in a television interview while announcing the resignation that it was the wish of the ordinary people of Lebanon to knee down from the post and we fulfilled their will.
There are the evidences of the massive corruption in the country which resulted in such a huge loss, he added. There has been the continuous break out by the common Lebanese which compelled the sitting government to kneel down before the people. The Prime Minister set an example for other nations by leaving the position.
SHAHZAD PANHWAR
Sukkur
Pak Army
How strong is Pakistan’s military, we are super proud on our army. And why we wouldn’t? The nation has one of the strongest military forces in the world. Pakistan army has the largest women armed forces in the Muslim world. They have fought unannounced fights, gave their sons into the mouth of death for the sake of common people’s safety. Yet after all this, there are brave parents of young and enthusiastic kids who want their beloved children to serve the nation.
The facts about Pakistan army in the name of all those people died serving and who are still serving the nation which is proud of them. What could possibly be better than having such a great and consistent army? We have heard many other nations praising the Pakistan army for its work, there have been many times when Pakistan army has helped its allies get out of trouble. Our army still stands still with its stance of helping the friends and protecting our own land which has given birth to the bravest lions of all. Salute to the Heroes of Pak Army and their mothers.
HAFSA NADEEM
Islamabad
Uddhav is a shame to India
Uddhav Thackeray is a shame to the people of India. Maharashtra does not need a CM like him to run the state who keeps supporting Bollywood mafia. It’s high time he submitted his resignation. Devendra Fadnavis and Narayan Rane were better CMs.
During their tenure, there was no goondagiri in the state and the people were happy. It’s high time the BJP took over Maharashtra once again. Not only men, but even women are not safe in Uddhav Thackeray’s Mumbai.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
73 years of Indian Independence
India will celebrate 73 years of Independence on 15 August 2020. As we celebrate 73 years of independence, we are reminded of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of swaraj. On this day in the year 1947, India became a sovereign and independent nation and it was a new beginning for us as our country was freed from the British rule at last.
On Independence Day, we remember the sacrifices, pain and struggle of our freedom fighters who fought bravely for the freedom of our country. We also pay our homage to them. Many of our freedom fighters even gave up their lives to free the nation from the tyranny of the British rule. Let’s salute all of them this Independence Day.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
War on several fronts
Soon after Pakistan declared its political map, India started playing its card internally and on open front. As Pakistan unveiled its map India started ceasefire violation and killing innocent lives in Azad Kashmir with its shelling. This is the first front India opened. Secondly, as we clearly know that India has forthright intervention in Afghanistan and it tries to scuttle the every peace agreement.
After the map declaration, shelling started from the Afghan territory and one Frontier Core (FC) soldier died. Thirdly, India is trying to undermine Pakistan with its terrorism in Karachi, as we observed two cracker bomb attacks in a procession held against Indian atrocities in Kashmir. So it is crystal clear that India can exceed to any limit to cripple Pakistan in one way or the other. The incumbent government must take a strong stand and counter every terrorist attack caused by India.
AWAIS GOPANG
Sukkur
Lockdown ends
As cases of Covid-19 infections drop, the country is likely to reopen. No doubt, results are reflection of our government continuous efforts with the collaboration of people. According to federal government, tourist spots, hotels, restaurants, transportation and other businesses will be reopened after August 10. However, schools can be reopened by September 15 after a final meeting is held on September 07 to again review the situation.
Definitely, it is good news especially for businesses of northern area because they work only three to four months in the whole year. Now they can earn some money after a great loss. Jobless growth rate can easily be seen across the country. Other countries enforced lockdown instantly but after some period businesses were allowed to work. But in Pakistan, the situation seems different as on a daily basis around 300 cases were being reported in Punjab and most of them were from Lahore.
Most of the countries in the world are facing second wave of Corona Virus and Pakistan can be one of them if we become incautious. Another wave will put us in serious economic loss. Proper SOPs must be set up before reopening. We must take serious precautions like using a mask, social distancing etc.
KHALID FARUQI
Karachi
China-Iran deal
The China-Iran deal seems to be embarking on a new geopolitical chapter in South Asia. It is mostly being assumed that Iran’s shunting India out of its rail project is the result of Lion-Dragon agreement. This deal has been adopted to weaken the position of their belligerent neighbour.
China tends to invest $400 billion dollars in Iran and in return Iran will provide regular and heavily discounted oil to China for 25 years. China and Iran will instigate military parades and intelligence sharing in the near future. All these agreements seem to be debilitating India in South Asia. Its fake claims of being the regional superpower seem to be in serious peril. This historic deal is a great opportunity for Pakistan, because Pakistan has robust relations with China and with the help of this agreement it can strengthen its relations with Iran.
It is assumed that the triangle of Pakistan-Iran-China relations may emerge as a powerful trio for the whole globe and a big threat to India. This trio can squeeze India from all sides. Pakistan must avail this opportunity and must not let it go wasted.
AWAIS GOPANG
Karachi
