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.
Inflation
The recent furious wave of inflation has hit hard the common man as his purchasing power has been reduced 10 to 20%. But the most severely hit are our lawmakers who spend crores on election campaigns with the intention of serving the destitute and downtrodden masses. When these blessed people reach Parliament they leave no stone unturned in bringing happiness and joy to their electorates. They are so busy in lawmaking and welfare work that they are seen again by voters during next election. With such dedication, devotion and concentration they work; they need special remuneration for their outstanding services and contribution towards progress of the country.
Keeping in view the financial hardships, six lawmakers tabled three bills for 400% increase in the salaries of parliamentarians. Being concerned about the travelling of family members of lawmakers, they proposed 25 business class air tickets for their families, a positive approach to facilitate lawmakers’ mobility. A country deeply sunk in foreign debts can happily afford this for breaking the shackles of further loans from international agencies. Unfortunately, these bills have been rejected. Hopefully, it will be tabled again very soon and unanimously approved.
IFTIKHAR MIRZA
Islamabad
Malicious disinformation campaign
There is a malicious disinformation campaign launched in the social media against the head of one of the most powerful constitutional institutions of this country. As per 1973 Constitution, in line with constitutions of other major democratic nations, the three major independent institutions are Parliament, Executive and Judiciary. All other departments are directly under administrative control of one of these constitutional institutions.
However, the Judiciary alone has constitutional jurisdiction to adjudicate whether the act of any other state institution(s) is in conformity, or violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution. While Parliament alone has authority to legislate laws, it is the Supreme Court alone which has power to interpret these in light of the Constitution. It raises doubts about timing of this social media campaign, which coincidentally followed decision by SC of Pakistan challenging eligibility of a serving officer of security services on his appointment as head of national airline which has losses, exceeding almost Rs 490 Billion. While it is the constitutional right of any citizen to criticize any judgment announced, it is unfair to launch a campaign. If the SC of Pakistan can declare elected PM of Pakistan ineligible to hold office, it surely can act similarly against those whom PM has powers to appoint. Provision for providing security protocol to any of these constitutional office holders, each of whom is as important as the other, is in accordance with rules of business. It is, therefore, unjustified to singularly criticize one of them in isolation.
MALIK T ALI
Lahore
OIC is sleeping or dead?
The silence from OIC on Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan, which is nothing more than Piracy by Israel, shows zero unity among Muslim countries. The OIC is supposed to be a unified Muslim response and it has been silent on Burma Genocide, Kashmir ongoing Occupation and even Palestine occupation. The OIC has also failed to stop or resolve Syria or Yemen wars or resolve Iran-Saudi issues.
I think Pakistan should ask the OIC to respond to the new Peace Plan and Palestine annexation calling Israel actions “piracy”. Because Piracy is an International Crime and any nation can take action against Piracy. Pakistan should also propose to take over the OIC, revamp it and make it into an organization that will benefit Muslim nations. It should have conflict resolution, technology and business exchange mechanisms and poverty reduction duties besides working positively to resolve issues between Muslim nations and provide a unified voice for the Muslim World.
SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER
Peshawar
Deadly Corona-virus
Coronavirus is in limelight globally which has created menace for several countries like France, China, Canada, US, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka India, including the suspects in Pakistan. The virus is spreading like wildfire engulfing many population around the world. In China, the death toll due to the lethal virus has reached 106 and around 4, 000 people have been infected so far.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) indulged in taking immediate measures as the virus rang the alarming bells with a sudden rise. The Coronavirus is transmitted person to person through the air by coughing and sneezing, touching or shaking hands, and touching objects surrounded with that virus. However, the severe symptoms include fever, pneumonia, kidney failure and dreadful death. Unfortunately, the authorities and officials could not make vaccines available, but the virus can be controlled through effective and responsive conduct like washing hands with soap, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Pakistan must also keep sharp eyes on travel base contact in China. Secondly, our government must evacuate the Pakistani students studying in Wuhan, China. Most countries including US, Japan, India, Iran, South Korea, Egypt, Turkey, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are evacuating their students from Wuhan. Only Pakistan is remaining, leaving its people alone there in the deadly virus. Our country is already weak due to the economic nightmare so we cannot afford any other botheration.
SAMEER UMRANI
Karachi
Shah Abdul Latif university strike
Since many days there is strike in Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, due to which thousands of students are facing trouble in getting their documents like marks certificates, pass certificate, degrees and so on and so forth. And just because of this strike SALU has postponed the Annual Examination of BSC, B.A, B.COM and M.A. three times, but still no action has yet been taken by management or Sindh Government. I request Chief Minister Sindh to resolve this issue as soon as possible because students are facing many problems for applying for jobs.
ANTHONY SAHOTRA
Larkana
Zimbabwe struggles to offer basic cancer care
I am deeply disappointed that Zimbabwe continues to struggle to offer basic cancer screening and vaccination even after Mugabe is now history. President Emerson Mnangagwa promised to prioritise the resuscitation of healthcare system in Zimbabwe 3 years ago. He has dismally failed to set up basic cancer screening units in each 10 provinces of Zimbabwe to prevent deaths caused by breast cancer and cervical cancer.
A few rich women in Zimbabwe are going to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa seeking better medical facilities and straining healthcare facilities of those host countries. Pressure should be applied to Zimbabwean government to urgently reform healthcare system in Zimbabwe to save lives and prevent health tourist in other countries.
TAPIWA MUSKWE
London
