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.
Indian Overseas Diaspora
The Constitution of India does not allow holding simultaneously Indian citizenship while being a citizen of another country because of Conflicts of Interest. Irrespective of who wins or loses elections in India, or any politician is arrested (such as Rahul Gandhi, grandson of Nehru), and gross human rights violations, including persecution of minorities, there has never been any protests by Indian Diaspora, nor do they seek intervention of members of US Congress.
They are an asset for India, since they focus solely on politics of countries whose citizenship they hold and are united in supporting India. They have made inroads in the USA and UK respectively with VP and PM being of Indian origin. When an Indian PM or President visits any foreign country, they are seen united welcoming and lobbying for them. The only exception is Sikhs who seek an independent Khalistan State.
In 2005 Overseas Citizenship of India was introduced, which was recently amended (15 April 2021) where an OCI card was introduced for overseas citizens, except those living in Pakistan or BD and have no child, grandchild or great-grandchild living there.
It is only eligible to those who were citizens of India on 26 January 1950, or belong to a territory that was part of India after 15 August 1947.
It entitles OCI holders on payment of $275 per head, for multiple entries with extended stay in India and employment in private companies or do business, but no right to own farmland. They can only inherit it. It also restricts ODI holders from becoming a member of any Indian political party, nor contributing funds to it, nor be employed by any SOE or government service. The Indian Government has the exclusive right to cancel ODI at their discretion.
Unfortunately, the Pakistan Diaspora who hold dual nationality are totally polarized along political divides and are seen fighting with each other. They hold protests whenever the elected PM belonging to a party, which they are not affiliated with, is visiting.
Recent demonstrations following former PM IK’s ouster through a no-confidence vote and arrest, by a few dual national activists of that party have exceeded all limits. Anti-Pakistan slogans were raised and they are engaged in negative propaganda against the country and its army. It is time to take stock of granting dual nationality status with no restrictions and checks.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Global warming
Global warming is increasing day by day because of the continuous increase in the levels of greenhouse gasses. Such gases have a tendency to trap heat from many sources like sun, electricity, burning coal, burning fuels, etc and prevent them from escaping back to the atmosphere. Thus, the collective effect of all the greenhouse gases increases temperature on the earth and gives rise to many dangerous problems.
Earlier, the earth was so cool and every natural cycle was going timely, however, nowadays lots of dramatic fluctuations in the weather, climate, temperature, health, etc take place. A vast increase in the temperature, sea level and weather patterns has been seen clearly in the last few decades.
A little fluctuation in the level atmospheric carbon dioxide may cause a high level significant effect on the global temperature. The continuous rise in the percentage of atmospheric carbon dioxide is alarming us by its dangerous effects, however, we are still ignoring it. Increasing need of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and gasoline) by the people of industrial civilization is giving the opportunity to rise in carbon dioxide emissions.
Deforestation is also causing an increase in the carbon dioxide through decreasing the number of plants and exposing soil to the sunlight. Trees are the best source to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, however, what happens if we finish the main source of reducing CO2 level.
Our malpractices just to live luxurious life on a daily basis are hugely altering the environment as well as endangering the life of people in return. A little rise in the level of greenhouse gases may hugely affect global warming.
PARVEEN ABRO
Karachi
Downside of feminism
It is said that feminism is about all genders having equal rights and opportunities. It’s about respecting diverse women’s experiences, identities and strengths. Beside these statements, I believe there are some downsides of feminism.
Most importantly it’s a women-centred concept through which women are asking for a society where they (women) will be given priority over men. In the way of empowerment of women the right concept of gender equality is being ignored. Some silly behaviours like bold dressing, using vulgar language and even dark red lipstick is considered as women empowerment. In some societies toxic behaviour and violence against men is also considered as women empowerment, which in my opinion, is a very wrong concept.
If women are asking for equal gender rights they should be given so. But if women want empowerment by crushing men, then this concept should be discouraged and the society should be given awareness about the right concept of gender equality.
AZBA AMAN
Sahiwal
Box letter
Increase in corruption
In recent years, the level of corruption in Pakistan has skyrocketed and it is affecting all aspects of the country’s society and economy. At its core, corruption is the abuse of power for personal gain and it is not limited to anyone sector or level of government. From the highest level of government to the lowest corruption is rampant. The roots of corruption in Pakistan can be traced back to various factors; one of the main factors is the lack of accountability and transparency in government and public institutions. Corruption exacerbates social inequality and hinders the delivery of essential public services. The consequences of corruption are severe and long lasting and we cannot afford to ignore this issue any longer. The government must take urgent action to address this problem. It is important to raise awareness and educate the public on the damaging effect of corruption. This problem requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society and it is essential that action be taken now before the problem becomes even more entrenched.
SHAHEER MUMTAZ
Karachi
