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Time for introspection
Over 54 citizens have been martyred and 200 injured in yet another terrorist attack. It is an endless odyssey for hundreds of thousands who are playing with blood for sins of a few. This time, the target was JUI Workers Convention, held at Khar, headquarters of Bajaur district. It is indeed a serious security lapse.
Ever since 50s, those at helm have been harping on an economy based on exploiting our geo-strategic location with involvement in security-related pacts, in partnership with the West, instead of focusing on trade and development of human resources. Had we followed the path, which Quaid had elaborated upon, the modern democratic welfare state would have been in place, whose citizens would have acquired knowledge in science, technology, economics etc., and established centres of learning like IIT in India.
Instead, adventurers without vision or intellect took over this country in 1958 and embarked on a security state, whose citizens today face scourge of terrorism, extremism and sectarian divides. In pursuance of such a course, individuals benefit but the nation suffers. The Americans have never allowed armed militias on their soil, but have created such Frankenstein thousands of miles away in other countries. In 1962 they almost went to war, to prevent missiles being located in Cuba by the (former) Soviet Union. Countries, like Pakistan, which offered themselves to perform client services for foreign powers and fighting their proxy wars, are suffering the consequences.
Daesh, created by CIA, has accepted responsibility for this attack. This splinter group was created by them to achieve short-term strategic goals. NATO has withdrawn from Afghanistan, but innocent citizens living in this country, close to Afghan border continue to suffer. It is not just these border areas, but cities like Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan etc., have been targets of such terrorist acts. The individuals responsible for embroiling Pakistan in this quagmire knew the dangers involved and shifted their families and assets to foreign countries.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Hate the other
When religious muscle-flexing has become the “in-thing” in the global society with “Hate the Other” being the “in-thing” and the overwhelming section of the population on the verge of succumbing to such inhuman poison; Akash Kahar stands tall as an exceptional human being by voluntarily coming up with a Tazia for the Muslim inhabitants of his Birbhum village (West Bengal) during Muharram, without charging a single penny as labour cost! Asked why he didn’t charge any commission for his work, the 30-something aged Kahar humbly explained that he didn’t want to make a profit off his Muslim brothers!
May the much “educated” (actually mere attainers/possessors of academic degrees/University certificates) folks of privileged vintage learn a thing or two revolving secularism and humanity from this “mere” wall painter named Akash Kahar!
May the international community produce more and more such messengers of brotherhood, amity and mutual respect; thereby compelling the merchants of communal hatred to frantically search for the nearest door to escape from this world which the Almighty has created for all human beings irrespective of demographic credentials!
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
Food shortage
Pakistan’s current rank on the Global Hunger Index is quite disturbing as per the latest report, “Pakistan is ranked 99th out of 121 countries”. The report measures four main indicators: undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting and child mortality. In Pakistan, more than 20% of the population is undernourished and 45% of children under the age of five are stunted.
Political conflict among the elite, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have left millions vulnerable to food shortages. These statistics are alarming. Meanwhile luxuries enjoyed by the bureaucracy and politicians is getting beyond measure, corruption is at its zenith, country is swinging between ruling and opposition parties but the poor trod towards suicide. It seems to be a great game of unjustification.
Urgent action and long term planning is needed to address accessibility, affordability and boost domestic food production. One solution could be to increase access to education, particularly for girls. Educating girls has been shown to improve food security by reducing the number of child marriages and increasing the number of women who are able to enter the workforce. Another solution could be to invest in small-scale agriculture and provide farmers with the resources they need to grow crops and raise livestock.
This could include providing access to seeds, fertilizer and training on sustainable farming practices. Finally, we can work to improve the overall economic situation in Pakistan by creating jobs and investing in infrastructure. This would help to reduce poverty and food insecurity in the country also. By supporting and advocating organizations like the World Food Programme and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund we can help combat hunger in Pakistan.
UNZILA TAHIR HUDA
Karachi
Box letter
Drug addiction
As I sit down to write this letter, I am acutely aware that the topic I wish to address is one that often stirs emotions and ignites debate within our communities. Drug addiction has become a devastating reality that we can no longer afford to ignore, and it’s high time we tackle this issue with empathy and understanding rather than judgment and stigma. The faces of drug addiction are diverse, ranging from troubled youths to successful professionals grappling with their demons in secret. Instead of shunning those suffering from addiction, we must recognize that this is a disease, a complex condition that requires both societal and individual attention. Rather than condemning addicts as moral failures, we should foster an environment of support, rehabilitation and compassion. Addiction is a battle against oneself, and those caught in its vicious grip often yearn for a way-out. Let us remember that a helping hand can make all the difference in their journey to recovery. One essential aspect of addressing this crisis is to increase access to quality addiction treatment and mental health services.Countless lives have been lost due to a lack of adequate resources and a fragmented healthcare system. By investing in proper facilities, research and medical personnel, we can offer hope to those in need and guide them towards a path of healing. Finally, drug addiction is a pressing issue that demands our collective attention. It is time for us to shed the shackles of ignorance and fear and work together to address this crisis with empathy and actionable solutions. By investing in treatment, prevention and compassionate understanding, we can build a society where the pain of addiction is minimized and the path to recovery is wide open for all.
SHERJAN QADIR
Kech
