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.
War of Palestine and Israel
With Israel declaring war on the Gaza Strip after an unprecedented attack by the armed Palestinian group Hamas on Saturday, the world’s eyes are again sharply focused on what might come next. Hamas fighters have killed more than 800 Israelis in assaults on multiple towns in southern Israel.
On the other hand, in response, Israel has launched a bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 500 Palestinians. The international communities must respond to this deadly war.
ATIYA LIAQUAT ALI
Karachi
Help Palestine
As a Muslim, it is deeply saddening to say that the Palestinian people are suffering brutal attacks at the hands of Israel. They are being subjected to terrible violence, and innocent women and young children are tragically losing their lives.
Moreover, despite the existence of many Muslim countries, regrettably, they have not taken substantial action on this critical issue. It seems that some perceive the Muslim world as financially weak, which has hindered them from effectively addressing this crisis. We can only hope and pray for the safety and well-being of the Palestinian people.
AHSAN KHALID
Mashkai
Wars, not the solution to peace
Throughout history, wars have left an indelible mark of destruction and suffering. Examining historical examples and statistics underscores the profound impact of armed conflicts on societies and nations. The First World War (1914-1918) stands as a somber testament, causing over 15 million deaths and 21 million wounded. It left entire cities and landscapes in ruins, and its economic toll was staggering.
World War-II (1939-1945) remains the deadliest conflict in history, with an estimated 70-85 million fatalities. Entire cities were obliterated, epitomized by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) engulfed much of Europe, resulting in approximately 3.5 million casualties and widespread chaos in affected regions. The American Civil War (1861-1865) tore through the United States, leaving over 600,000 dead and causing extensive damage to the Southern states.
The Korean War (1950-1953) caused around 2.5 million casualties and left a divided North and South Korea that persists today. In the case of the Syrian Civil War (2011-present), as of my last update in 2021, it had led to hundreds of thousands of deaths, the displacement of millions, and widespread destruction. War at any time in the history just left hopelessness, worries and sorrows. War, wherever in the world occurs, also brings destruction, loss of humans and psychological impacts on human beings.
Therefore, it is within the responsibility of those powers that matter, to consider solving the conflicts, particularly Palestine-Israel issue, by promoting dialogue, understanding and negotiations with the active engagement of international organizations to mediate and foster a peaceful resolution.
HAMEED KHAN
Lahore
Fuel shortage
I would like to draw attention to the persistent fuel shortage in our community, a pressing issue that is causing major disruptions. This scarcity is making it challenging for people to travel and is significantly impacting both businesses and essential services. Moreover, the steep rise in fuel prices has made it exceedingly difficult for residents to afford this essential commodity.
It is imperative that the government takes this pressing issue seriously and takes immediate action to resolve it.
DIL JAN
Peshawar
Same-sex marriages
The Supreme Court in India is right in not allowing same-sex marriage to take place. Allowing gay or same-sex marriage as a constitutional right would be a mistake. Since it has been good to improve civil rights for women and minorities, some think it would be a noble thing to also grant same-sex marriage as a civil right. Marriage, being sanctioned by God, however, has a theological element that should not be abridged by the government.
According to the Catholic Church, sexual intimacy between a man and a woman is the normal method of male and female bonding (emotionally and physically) because it corresponds to the design of our bodies and because it is the normal means by which offspring are created. If God had intended the human race to be fulfilled with both heterosexual and homosexual marriages, He would have designed our bodies to allow reproduction through both means and made both means of sexual intercourse healthy and natural.
Homosexual anal intercourse carries a high risk of disease, which is recognized in the Holy Scriptures where gay men are said to receive in their bodies the due penalty for their sins. The Holy Bible clearly tells us in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 6, Verses 9 and 10: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” God will not honour a sinful marriage between two homosexuals or lesbians.
Remember, God destroyed the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis, Chapter 19) because the men in those cities were filled with lust and were gay (homosexuals).
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Box letter
Plagiarism
I am eager to share my views on one of the most prevalent issues, “Plagiarism,” which is increasingly on the rise. There is no denying that plagiarism has become a widespread concern within our community, impacting both individuals and organizations. This unethical practice is spreading at an alarming rate, posing a serious threat to the integrity of our work and the values we stand for. It is of paramount importance that we promptly address this issue and take decisive measures to prevent further instances of plagiarism. I propose the implementation of stricter guidelines and the provision of clear education and awareness about plagiarism. By doing so, we can cultivate an environment that encourages originality, honesty and respect for intellectual property.
BILAL RAHIM
Karachi
