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.
Daycare centres
The National Assembly has passed the laudable Maternity and Paternity Act 2020 which promises great relief for working women who usually have to choose between starting a family and continuing their career. Such initiatives are worth appreciation for a country that already faces acute economic challenges.
Data from PBS shows at least 20.73% women comprise our workforce, against the global average of 50.13%. Several studies by International Labour Organization (ILO) reveal that childcare often forces Pakistani women to leave work.
The law, which applies to Islamabad for now, provides 6-month paid leave to first-time mothers and 30-day leave to fathers. This will help parents focus on their family more efficiently without constantly worrying about their career. Many workers in the country are employed in the informal sector that often uses temporary work contracts to absolve themselves of any responsibilities.
There are many private companies that still do not offer women paid maternity leave and most women rejoin office usually a month after their delivery. While most first-time mothers try to manage their responsibilities as efficiently as possible, most of them finally take the hard decision of leaving the workforce.
This also happens because both small and large companies rarely offer day-care facilities to its workers. Further the private day-care centres are providing this facility under their own enacted rules, which are to be supervised by a competent authority of the government.
Over the years, however, there has been an increase in the number of informal women-run businesses in the country. These initiatives are mostly driven by necessity and only let the sole entrepreneur have decent earnings to run her household. And this necessity arises because of job scarcity in the market for women who may opt for flexible hours to balance job and child’s care.
With the new law, there is some hope that industries will be more inclusive for women and not leave them to make arrangements on their own. Apart from offering paid leave, the government should also convince employers to set up day-care centres at their workplaces so that women can return confidence and attentiveness.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Our rape laws are very weak
Rape has become a serious problem in our country today because our laws don’t act as a deterrent which often leaves the culprits go unpunished. Some rapists escape with light punishment or no reprimand at all, as they enjoy political clout.
Young girls and elderly women are scared to travel alone in public transport and night travel is risky. The government must recruit better qualified and trained personnel to keep a strict vigilance in sensitive and isolated areas as well as in local trains to induce caution and fear in the minds of criminals. This preventative mode could result in a reduction in the number of crimes taking place and might even make people respect the laws of the country.
The strictest possible punishment with no provision for exemption should be meted out without any consideration for juveniles, as they are the ones committing most of the crimes, including rapes and robberies. None of the criminals should be released on bail. This will teach other criminals not to commit such gruesome acts of crimes in future.
The existing rape laws in India are very weak, that’s why we have not been able to curb the numerous cases of sexual assaults on women that are happening daily. Perhaps, the most uncomfortable procedure in the investigation of such cases is the identification parade.
Barbaric laws like those of Saudi Arabia and other Arabian Gulf countries should be introduced in India where the rapists are castrated, beheaded or stoned to death. The law should be such that it upholds the dignity of a woman while giving the rapists the maximum amount of punishment. This will reduce the number of rapes taking place in the country.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Sit together please
Though it is fact that ‘union is strength’ yet, Ummah never acted accordingly. So, Muslims are nowhere at present. Thanks to China for reconnecting KSA and Iran. Political parties (especially) were/are responsible for many tragedies in our country.
Presently in case of defence of fort of Islam (Pakistan), slanderous campaigns are going on against (her) defence forces with well-planned-agenda of enemies through disloyal within. Souls of martyrs – Mohammad Sarwar, MM Alam, Rashid Minhas are crying for scarification again and again if honoured worldly-life again! Anyhow, best principle to say wrong to a personnel (if any) not to any Institution/logically and legally. Because, this tendency has turned into venomous and sustained propaganda with the help/guidelines of our enemies, working on principle of – divide and rule – since our independence de facto (!!).
It is need of the hour that those elements either civilian/forces crossed/crossing their limits and becoming tool in the hand/s of enemies (must be) dealt with iron hand without further delay. No argument, defence forces are rendering matchless-services for nation – during war and peace for the last 75ys. If today, we are presenting semblance of defence achievements, it is mainly because of sustained efforts of Institution/s like: ISI; MI; army; security; police… So, the nation is bound to pay ‘tributes to forces’. And, even then no argument for saying bad-character personnel” bad; nonsense” without any hesitation.
In fact, sincere people are (really) weeping and demanding from every political-party-and-forces-also for ignoring past and sit-together for discussion for bringing out motherland from present scenario without further delay. And, also, at present, according to our religion, easiest way is to: forgive each other; bring back foreign deposits; manage election. Because, solution of every difference/s is possible through discussion. So, scribe will suggest to all concerned to – Sit together please.
M AZAM MINHAS
Tatrinote, AK
Begging in Pakistan
The prevalence of beggars in our society is not only distressing but also indicative of systemic issues that need to be addressed to alleviate poverty and restore dignity to the marginalized. Begging, unfortunately, has become an all-too-familiar sight on our streets, at traffic signals, outside places of worship, and even in public transportation. While some individuals turn to begging due to economic hardships and lack of opportunities, others exploit the sympathy of passersby as a means of making easy money. To combat this issue, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, government authorities should focus on poverty alleviation measures, including the provision of skill development programs, job opportunities and social welfare initiatives. Lastly, as responsible citizens, we must contribute to the solution by engaging with beggars in a compassionate manner. Rather than encouraging a cycle of dependency, we should support initiatives that promote long-term change and contribute to organizations working towards sustainable poverty alleviation.
SABA ASHFAQ
Lahore
