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.
Golden Jubilee of Constitution
Quaid-e-Azam while addressing the First Constituent Assembly on 11 August 1947, elaborated upon importance of this vital document, on which foundations of his vision for a modern democratic welfare state was to be built. This vision motivated constitutional political struggle for a separate homeland with self-rule through elected representatives.
The golden jubilee celebrations of the 1973 Constitution was on 10 April and this merited display of Unity, Faith and Discipline and participation of all major political parties, state institutions, judiciary and members of civil society.
There is absolutely no justification for this lacklustre participation in the golden jubilee celebrations. It was an occasion, especially for politicians, who aspire to hold elected public, to sit together and sort out their differences through political deliberations and display maturity and statesmanship needed at this critical juncture. Every elected and paid public office holder, including the judiciary takes an oath to uphold the Constitution and derive powers from it. It is time that the Constitution becomes an essential part of school curriculum, as is practice in many countries.
Pakistan’s constitutional and political crises started when GG on 24th Oct 1954 prematurely and arbitrarily dissolved First Constituent Assembly, as if it were a game of chess and citizens just pawns to be sacrificed. This was the beginning of derailing Jinnah’s Pakistan. In 1955, a 5-member Federal Court bench led by CJ Munir ruled in support of GG, with one lone dissent by Justice AR Cornelius, giving a judgment based on Doctrine of Necessity to suspend decision by High Court, which declared suspension illegal.
In 1956, a new Constitution was adopted by a reconstituted Constituent Assembly on 23 March and Pakistan finally became a republic instead of a dominion of HM. This was again suspended by a coup in 1958. What followed thereafter is our (tarnished) history. We have faced dismemberment, our territorial sovereignty compromised and Pakistan became a Client State, serving strategic global interests of foreign powers.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Increasing Umrah and Hajj prices
I am writing to express my concern about the increasing prices of Umrah and Hajj packages. As a Muslim, I understand the significance of performing these religious obligations and the importance of fulfilling this duty in the best possible way. However, the rising costs associated with performing these pilgrimages are becoming a major obstacle for many individuals and families.
It is unfortunate to see that the prices of Umrah and Hajj packages are increasing every year, making it difficult for many people to afford them.
This has resulted in fewer people being able to perform these religious obligations which is contrary to the spirit of Islam that encourages every Muslim to perform them.
I urge the concerned authorities to take notice of this issue and take necessary measures to reduce the cost of performing Umrah and Hajj. This could include negotiating with travel and accommodation providers to reduce their prices or providing subsidies to those who cannot afford cost of these packages.
In conclusion, it is vital that we address the issue of increasing Umrah and Hajj prices to ensure that every Muslim has the opportunity to perform these religious duties. I hope that the relevant authorities take this matter seriously and take the necessary steps to address this issue.
KAREEM-UN-NISA
Karachi
Inspiration for women in Pakistan
In recent times, photographs of Miss Leslie Scanlon, the esteemed Canadian High Commissioner posted in Pakistan, have caused quite a stir on social media. Her fresh and vibrant appearance has led many overweight or obese women to follow her example and lose weight. The Twitter account of Leslie Scanlon portrays her as a dynamic and energetic woman, with a persona akin to that of a faster machine. Because her graceful execution of her duties is so fast that even men in Pakistan don’t possess such agility.
A female lecturer from Peshawar expressed her admiration, stating that she aspired to ride a mountain bike like the Canadian High Commissioner or dress as impeccably as her. The majority of women in Pakistan, due to a lack of exercise, often face various health complications and diseases. With Leslie Scanlon’s contagious optimism and cheerful demeanour on display on social media, many women strive to emulate her, but physical limitations or insufficient facilities often impede their efforts.
Leslie Scanlon’s fan followers have been known to scour local stores for shoes similar to the ones she wears. Furthermore, numerous local women have taken pictures with Leslie Scanlon, sporting elaborate makeup, yet the photos suggest that she looks just as stunning even without makeup. In developed countries such as Canada, America and Europe, women regularly engage in physical activity to maintain their health and ward off ailments which makes it difficult to gauge their age.
Leslie Scanlon’s snappy and edgy photos convey the message that women should prioritize exercise to remain healthy, engage in social services and always maintain a positive outlook. In conclusion, Leslie Scanlon’s uplifting demeanour and active lifestyle have made her a role model for women in Pakistan. Her contagious positivity and physical prowess serve as inspiration for many to pursue a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
SYED IHTISHAM BUKHARI
Via email
Box letter
Unprecedented price hike
It is through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, would like to draw the kind attention of the concerned authorities towards the unprecedented hike in prices of essential commodities. During the last few months, prices of essential commodities have shot up. This rising trend continues unchecked. As a result, the majority of people who have meagre salaries find it difficult to make their both ends meet. It seems there is no system to check the unusual price rise. We cannot imagine where this price rise will stop. It has crushed the common man. The essential commodities and things of daily need are becoming dearer with each passing day. The common man cannot fulfil his basic needs. He cannot give a good education to his children. Good medical treatment is beyond his reach. It seems that the regulatory system has completely collapsed. The skyrocketing price rise is a cause of great concern for all. Though the low income group people are the worst affected. It is time that our government should check the causes behind the ever-increasing prices without any delay. It needs to immediately check black-marketing, hoarding and profiteering and it should strictly deal with those who are found guilty. In fact, they are the enemies of society. Hence, they deserve to be tackled hard-handedly. Only then can the common man be relieved of the effects of price hike.
ALISHA FATIMA
Via email
