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.
Threats to national security
It is unfortunate that India today is ruled by Hindu Supremacist Group led by Modi, whose past track record is proof if any is needed, that this man can go to any extent to appease his political base who believe in Hindutva. Within months of changing constitutional status of India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, his Party through brute majority has managed to enact Citizenship Amendment Act, which has led to nationwide mass unrest.
Protests against CAA are not only confined to Indian Muslims but has angered others who fear that this would ultimately lead to clash between Hindu Upper Caste supremacist and Dalits and members of other faiths, ethnic groups etc., given zero tolerance RSS school of thought has for others. In such circumstances, when we have witnessed that groups such as RSS, KKK, Hitler’s Nazi Party etc whenever they have been in power go on rampage and sanity is the first casualty.
Given the backlash and countrywide demonstrations against CAA, it is most likely that Modi Government in an effort to divert attention may embark on an adventure against Pakistan especially along LoC. PM Modi and his Party leaders have already expressed their desire to occupy Azad Kashmir and even beyond to have a common border with Afghanistan.
Given the dangers that Pakistan faces, it is shocking that federal government and important state institutions are too busy embroiled in egoistic pursuits like focusing on Musharraf case and harassing political opponents. There exists a functioning judiciary in this country and a written constitution etc., which should be allowed to perform their assigned role judiciously and transparently within confines of law. The govt should reach to all political parties to forge unity so that we stand united to support our armed forces to meet any eventuality.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Christmas day!
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated all over the world on 25th December every year. On Christmas day people decorate Christmas tree, add a nativity scene to focus on a religious Christmas, Bright homes with Christmas lights and decoration, turn up the Christmas music, Watch Christmas movies and read Christmas stories with family. Many people attend a Christmas Eve prayer which is held in churches on Christmas Eve, usually late at night (around 11 p.m.), that mainly consist of a short sermon, scripture readings about the birth of Jesus Christ , and Christmas hymns.
Church choir after prayer sing Christmas carols in which they go to whole communities’ home and wish them Christmas by singing Christmas songs with musical instruments and they give chocolates and sweets. On Christmas day families arrange Christmas dinner for their neighbours and also for needy people. Parents and elder give gifts to their children and younger ones. Christmas is celebrated with love and joy. I wish merry Christmas to all.
ANTHONY SAHOTRA
Larkana
Ethnic cleansing in India
Students and youth of India are in the vanguard of the protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that the Indian Parliament passed a few days back. Coupled with the nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC), it takes India down a road of religion defining citizenship, which is at total variance with its so-called secular Constitution. The government’s use of brute force against students, leaving at least 200 injured, shows the world the true colours of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The CAA and the attacks on universities to bar students from protesting against the legislation should leave no one in doubt that under PM Modi, India is fast becoming a fascist state. Modi and his BJP party are pushing an agenda of Hindu nationalism onto secular India. They are so eager to convert India into a Hindu nationalist state that public anger and protest do not mean anything to them. If the tyranny of the majority is on display in the most definite sense anywhere in the world, it is India, where the government is keen on changing the demography of its northeast regions.
It reiterates the recent anti-Muslim actions of BJP/RSS-led government like revocation of Article 370 from Indian Constitution and illegal annexation of the IoK, and collective incarceration and violation of the rights of more than 8 million innocent Kashmiris at the hands of Indian occupation forces for the last four months, shifting the burden of proof of citizenship on minorities through the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and rewarding those who vandalized the Babri Mosque in 1992 are all signs of movements towards ethnic cleansing. It asserts that extremist and fascist measures of BJP government in pursuit of Hindutva ideology are fast leading India to a Hindu Rashtra, where the minorities, particularly Muslims, are facing the brunt of persecution.
AFIA AMBREEN
Rawalpindi
Welcome victory
Pakistan has comprehensively beaten Sri Lanka in 2nd test match. The batting of touring team crumbled like a house of cards. Pakistan showed superb confidence in the match, save first innings and ensued victory by dominating in batting fielding and bowling. Congratulations to Green Shirts for coming out of losing streak.
More and more cricket inside Pakistan will bring confidence in players and will improve their performance as well. PCB must establish nurseries for young cricketers to groom them so that they may become top cricketers. Welcome back Test Cricket and bravo Pakistan.
IFTIKHAR MIRZA
Islamabad
Shortage of libraries
Libraries are important for a healthy development of a society. It provides a plethora of knowledge for everyone. The lack of libraries can adversely affect society and especially those who do not have the financial means to buy books. No one can deny the importance of libraries they are useful for laymen, professionals and students. In foreign countries library facilities have been extended even to the remote villages. The need of the hour is to broaden the base of our library system.
Our society needs to pay more attention to education. Enough funds should be provided to libraries to buy new books, magazines and newspapers. Adequate funds should be allocated to all provinces for the construction of new libraries. The membership fee should be affordable so that more people can get membership of the library. Libraries in cities are important to improve the standard of education in the city. Public libraries are important for those who are interested in reading but cannot afford to buy expensive books.
DANYAL AKRAM
Islamabad
Quaid’s motto
As we all know, Faith, Unity, Discipline are the national motto of Pakistan. Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah gave this motto through his personal example and imparted this message not only for the people of his time but also for posterity. However, the current situation of our country suggests that we have failed to understand this message. As unity means, all Pakistanis should be joint without having any kind of biasness related to sect and discrimination. Faith means, you should start struggle for goodness at your end, and must have strong faith in Allah.
Moreover, discipline means you are obligated to follow the rules and regulations that are created by the law. This is actually the Quaid’s vision but sadly, we are unsuccessful to erect this motto in our country. On the birthday of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, we can aim to progress our country again. Only if we truly establish this motto in our country, we are not far away to make Pakistan a peaceful and successful state. At the end, I would like to thank to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, national heroes, Abdul Sattar Edhi and all people who sacrificed their lives for us. Pakistan Zindabad.
HADIA AZIZ
Islamabad
