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.
Jaranwala vandalism
Whatever the provocation, there is absolutely no justification for the criminal vandalism in Jaranwala Tehsil of Faisalabad, where a crowd chanting slogans associated with an extremist party (TLP) torched at least five churches and looted houses of peaceful Christian citizens of this country. The Constitution guarantees equal rights to all minorities and it is also a fact that many minority community members, made common cause with the Muslims, against the bias of Hindu fundamentalists and supremacists and supported the Quaid.
It is precisely for this reason that the first Minister of Law selected by Quaid was a Hindu Dalit, Jogendra Nath Mandal, whose group voted for amalgamation of Bengal with Pakistan, while many Muslim religious parties supported the Congress. Reports of desecration of the Holy Bible, which Muslims revere and respect as one of Holy Books, is unpardonable. The senior police officers, who failed to protect these places of worship, must be prosecuted. The sternest punishment must be given to them, including dismissal from service, to serve as deterrence for others.
It is in incidences of such criminal acts, where proportionate use of force, including firing of live ammunition is justified to disperse the crowd. Such unacceptable acts occurring within a few weeks of international condemnation of Modi government’s handling of systematic killing of Kuki Christians in Manipur, should raise eyebrows. No cleric should dare defy the Treaty of Najran where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) agreed to a charter granting protection and privileges to the followers of Prophet Esa ( PBUH).
This treaty exists in Saint Catherine’s Monastery, sealed with an imprint representing the hand of the Last Prophet (PBUH). This madness must stop, irrespective of who supports these extremists. They pose a threat to our national interests and bring disrepute to our country internationally. This is not just an act of vandalism but sacrilegious, because it defies the clear message of our Holy Prophet (PBUH).
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Finding ambulance
Although the city has newly inaugurated Sindh Emergency and Rescue Service 1122 and other welfare organizations ambulance services, yet finding an ambulance in case of emergency in the Gulzar-e-Hijri KDA-Scheme 33 has become an uphill task. Recently, the father of one of my friends had a roadside accident on Safora Chowrangi although DOW Hospital is nearby, yet it took more than half-an-hour to get an ambulance and reach the hospital. As the injuries were fatal, the patient had to undergo an operation which took place in a private hospital in Gulberg at Rafae Aam Medical Centre.
Hence, reaching the hospital and finding an ambulance from the KDA scheme 33 to the venue became difficult in the metropolitan city. While contacting government and welfare organizations, the helpline number of Rescue 1122 was continuously engaged; neither they tried to call back, which must be the sole responsibility of a rescue service when contacted with Al-Khidmat; they said they would get back with a positive response but they never did. Finally, after waiting for an hour, they managed to get Edhi Ambulance; but it was not in a good condition. It reflected the broken-state of affairs of the metropolitan city despite the new mayor being sworn in a couple of days ago.
Such is the affairs of the city; where finding an ambulance in case of emergency is difficult. If the Govt of Sindh and DC pay attention to this matter, one may not face such a crisis in future. The authorities/Mayor must facilitate the citizens of the city who are deprived of their basic health facilities. Hence, Rescue 1122 Services must be provided with more ambulances and prompt response on the helpline. Imagine what would be the scenario in case of a health emergency in District East.
M HASSAN ABBASI
Karachi
Petrol prices
Many people are worried about petrol prices in Pakistan nowadays. These are increasing, which can make it difficult to manage expenses. Many people are struggling to meet basic needs. The increase in petrol prices has increased the cost of transport. This has affected the prices of goods and services, making them more expensive.
The increase in petrol prices has also affected the agricultural sector. Farmers are facing difficulties in getting their produce to the market. This has led to a reduction in the supply of food items which has pushed up prices further. The tourism industry has also been affected by the hike in petrol prices. It is becoming expensive for tourists to travel in Pakistan due to which the number of tourists coming to the country has decreased.
I appeal to all the higher authorities to find ways to control rising prices. The government needs to find ways to reduce petrol prices to help the economy. They can reduce taxes on petrol or find alternative sources of energy.
MISBAH SANA
Karachi
Box letter
World Photography Day
World Photography Day (also known as World Photo Day) is an annual, worldwide celebration of art, craft, science and history of photography. Every year, World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19. The day commemorates the importance of cameras and photography in our lives. Photography enthusiasts around the world celebrate the art of capturing pictures on this occasion. The first durable colour photograph was taken by Thomas Sutton of London in 1861. He was an English photographer, author and inventor. It was a set of three black and white photographs taken through red, green and blue filters. On August 19, 2010, World Photography Day hosted its first global online gallery. Almost 270 photographers shared their pictures and people from over 100 countries visited the website. This marked the first official, globally reaching World Photography Day. The first digital photograph was taken in 1957, almost 20 years before Kodak’s engineer Steven Sasson invented the first digital camera in 1975. People use the medium in a variety of ways, from taking selfies to documenting wars and human rights abuses. Photography is an art form that can be intensely personal and also project ideas publicly in a simple manner. The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” remains true even now. The theme for this year’s World Photography Day is “Connecting people and raising awareness through the use of photography”.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
