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.
Women harassment
Pakistan’s scorecard on women would give nightmares to any sane person. The unfortunate story of the country’s 107 million women includes domestic and sexual violence, harassment. Statistics and data, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, often fail to capture the scale of gendered violence, abuse and harassment. Nevertheless, that most women will face some form of abuse or harassment at the workplace because of their gender remains an undeniable reality.
The fact that so few of the perpetrators are ever brought to justice puts more women at risk, as does the support these men receive from their male colleagues and friends in a strictly patriarchal society. There is also the fact that many such crimes tend to go unreported due to victim-blaming and an ineffective justice system. The fact that so many women chose to remain silent and suffer such attacks is an indictment not just of the judicial and police systems but also of our society as whole. That these women suffered in silence instead of speaking out should put to shame all those who are quick to cry honour each time a woman dares to ask for her rights.
The tragedy of so many women in the country is that they are remembered only in the trauma they have had to face in a society that seldom sees rape and harassment survivors with any kind of empathy or sympathy. Women continue to get killed, raped, tortured and kidnapped, and even in death somehow manage to become the holders of their entire families’ honour. What the Pakistani woman needs from the state and this society is thorough implementation of laws that will give them the right to safety.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Dangerous drink warning
SIUT, a kidney hospital, has reported that more than a hundred cases of kidney patients are being reported on a daily basis. Alarmingly, the majority of these patients fall within the age range of 22 to 30 years old. It is of great concern that these individuals have been consuming a beverage known as “Sting,” which poses a serious threat to their kidneys.
This dangerous drink is being consumed by many of them multiple times a week, resulting in severe damage to their kidneys. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every individual to be aware of the risks associated with this harmful drink and to take measures to protect their health.
WARIS ALI DOLATH
Kech
Loadshedding
I am writing to express my deep concern over the ongoing problem of loadshedding in Pakistan. Continuous power outages have become a serious problem for the citizens, affecting their daily life and the overall development of the country.
Load shedding has led to many problems ranging from disruption in household routines, to disruption in industrial production. Students are unable to study during power cuts, businesses struggle to meet deadlines and the healthcare sector faces enormous challenges in maintaining critical medical services. Industries face increased costs and reduced efficiency due to unreliable power supply.
It is necessary that the government and the relevant authorities take immediate and effective steps to deal with this problem. In addition to infrastructure improvement, emphasis should be placed on efficient energy consumption practices among citizens and businesses. Awareness campaigns, incentives for energy-efficient appliances and penalties for wasteful use can contribute to more responsible consumption patterns.
The impact of load shedding on daily life and the economy cannot be understated. Pakistan has immense potential for growth and development, but without reliable electricity supply, these ambitions are hampered. I hope that through joint efforts by both the government and the people, we can overcome this challenge and smooth the way for a brighter, more energy-efficient future.
BISMAH AYUB
Via email
Immediate attention
The shortage of electricity in our community has become an increasingly pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The frequent power outages have a significant impact on our daily lives, causing inconvenience and disruption. These outages disrupt our daily routines, work, study and other household tasks.
Furthermore, these outages disrupt not only our daily routines but also businesses and essential services, leading to inconvenience and financial losses. A consistent and reliable electricity supply is essential for us. Therefore, it is crucial to take necessary action to improve the electricity situation and create a more stable and efficient energy infrastructure that benefits everyone.
ZARNAZ AKHTAR
Kech
Child abuse
Child abuse is a pressing issue in Pakistan, one that raises serious concerns. At its core, this problem is rooted in the widespread occurrence of child sexual abuse. Regrettably, cases of such abuse are alarmingly rampant.
Efforts to ensure a secure childhood and protect the basic rights of minors are critical. In a recent news report, it was revealed that during the first half of 2023, Pakistan witnessed a staggering 2,227 or more cases of child abuse. Among these cases, there were heart-wrenching reports of six and seven-year-old girls falling victim to rape, a deeply disturbing violation.
The consequences of sexual abuse on children are profound and can lead to severe challenges in their adulthood. Many victims lose their sense of self-worth, and tragically, some even lose their lives. It is imperative that parents and caretakers take responsibility for making their children aware of this rampant abuse and educate them on how to protect themselves.
JANGUL PULLAN
Turbat
