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.
Misuse of social media
Through social media thousands of mesmerising apps have been created that include Face book, Whatsapp, Twitter, Instagram and further more. But here, I want to draw your attention on serious issue regarding misuse of social media. It has been spoiling our youth for many years. Misuse of social media is something which is unauthorised that threatens and harasses people interrupting their normal lives.
Stalking, identify theft, personal attacks and misusing someone’s private information are worst forms of its misuse. Instagram is found to have most negative impacts on people’s mind. Another misuse can be buying a product that doesn’t exist. A total of 5.16 billion people around the world are using Internet from start of 2023 which is equivalent to 64.4 percent of total population of world.4.9 billion are active users. Looking ahead cyber security ventures predict that there would be 7.5 billion users by 2030.Among these users, mostly social media is giving negative outcomes. Misuse of media is leading to anxiety, depression, cyber bullying, addiction and exposure to content that is not age appropriate. So knowing all negative impacts, we should limit use of social media, uninstall useless apps and engage ourselves in physical activities because more stuff we are occupied with, more time we would spend on social media that is risky. These ways will help youth to be on right track.
KIRAN MALIK
Lahore
Rising prices
It is through column of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention of concerned authorities towards unprecedented hike in prices of essential commodities. During last few months, prices of essential commodities have shot up. This rising trend continues unchecked. As a result, majority of people who have meagre salaries find it difficult to make their both ends meet. It seems there is no system to check unusual price rise.
We cannot imagine where this price rise will stop. It has crushed common man, as essential commodities and things of daily need are becoming dearer by every passing day. It seems that regulatory system has completely collapsed. The skyrocketing price hike is a cause of great concern for all particularly low-income group people who are worst affected.
It is time that government should check causes behind 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 enemies of society. Hence, they deserve to be tackled with an iron hand. Only then common man can be relieved from effects of price hike.
M USAMA KHAN
Karachi
Is rule of law a jigsaw puzzle?
Judicial activism has assumed a new role of a village dispute resolving council for promoting a particular party’s interest! Serious rethinking is required about solidarity and unity of federation. Our constitutional history demands that wisdom and sincerity of purpose is not thrown to the winds. 1973 Constitution though we claim to be unanimously passed but perhaps two members of National Assembly had abstained including Noor Mohammed Hashmi from Rahim Yar Khan because at the time of creating One Unit a pledge was made with Bahawalpur State that if and when one unit is dissolved States original status will be restored. Air Marshal Asghar Khan (Retd) was another farsighted leader having realised the need for devolution of power at Divisional level by renaming commissioners as Lt. Governors exercising executive powers of Governors. If accepted present chaos could have been avoided but who cares when status quo suits them more.
As a student of history and politics, I salute the sagacity of the legislative assembly that felt dynamics of polarisation and got the Objective Resolution passed in 1954 to overcome the deadlock. In today’s situation one way out for Parliament is to consider invoking the emergency clause provided in the Constitution to save unity of the federation. There are no two opinions on the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and the remedy for correcting any violation will be not judiciary but with the people who are to express their will through their chosen representatives in Parliament. Confusion is getting more confounded as Neo-Colonialism is working in full swing to weaken writ of the state through foreign funded political parties and NGOs spreading their tentacles like an octopus to jeopardise our socio-economic fabric. Therefore it’s need of the time to build future political order brick by brick and in doing so legislature has to show maturity and honesty in protecting safety and security of the nation and the country.
ALI ASHRAF KHAN
Karachi
Self-defence techniques
I am writing this letter to highlight the issue of increasing rape and sexual assault cases in Pakistan and how parents are still not encouraging their daughters to learn self-defence. Rape is a heinous crime and it is important to acknowledge that rape is not just a woman’s issue but a societal issue. Women need to be taught how to stand-up and fight for themselves, as not everyone gets justice in today’s world. To this end, parents must enrol their daughters in self-defence classes. Self-defence isn’t just about physical strength or martial arts skills, it’s about knowing your surroundings, identify and take immediate action if needed to deal with emerging threats. In addition learning of self-defence can help strengthen a woman’s confidence and increase her sense of empowerment.
Society need to learn that they should not make negative comments on survivors of sexual assault as it can force them to end their lives. It is therefore necessary for parents to learn that they should not silence their daughters due to fears of what society will say. It must be recognised that actions of perpetrators are not a woman’s fault and they are not to blamed, ashamed or stigmatised. Women need to realize that self-defence is needed in their daily lives. Therefore, they must take the issue with great seriousness and recognise that it is vital for them to acquire the requisite skills and tools for protecting themselves as well as being able to set an example among fellow females.
INSHARAH GHOURI
Karachi
