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.
Palestinian’s genocide
It is true that the state of Israel rests on the land of the Palestinians who have been driven out of their land, their very homes. However, what is essential now is for the slaughter of innocent women and children to be brought to an end, which means that there must be a ceasefire. A more lasting solution must naturally be found, but a stop to the slaughter of innocents must not wait for that.
The western powers backing Israel should be made to realize that their turning a blind eye to Israeli behaviour is merely encouraging it. It is a painful irony of the present situation that the people which underwent the massive and unimaginable slaughter of the Holocaust, should now engage in a similar act of genocide. What is the difference between what is being done in Gaza and what the Nazis did in the Warsaw Ghetto?
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Smog extremity
THE issue of smog and air pollution in Punjab, especially in Lahore Division, is a significant concern and has been a recurring problem in the region. The fact that smog now starts earlier and lasts longer is a cause for alarm as it indicates a worsening of the air quality in the area.
It’s indeed essential to take concrete and long-term measures to address this issue effectively. The Smog Rules of 2023 are a step in the right direction, but it is crucial that they are implemented and enforced rigorously. These rules should include actions such as:
Implementing strict regulations on vehicles emitting pollutants and promoting the use of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles can help reduce emissions significantly. Enforcing stringent emission standards for factories and conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance is vital. Factories should be encouraged to adopt cleaner technologies.
Implementing and monitoring Zig-Zag technology in brick kilns can help reduce emissions significantly. This technology is more energy-efficient and results in lower emissions. Installing air pollution monitoring sensors across the region can help in real-time tracking of air quality. This data can be used to make informed decisions and respond to worsening conditions promptly.
Enhancing the public transport system is a sustainable way to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This could involve expanding public transportation options, improving infrastructure and encouraging more people to use public transit. Raising awareness about the consequences of air pollution and encouraging individuals to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint is essential. This can include promoting practices like carpooling, reducing idling and reducing personal energy consumption.
AHSAN UL HAQ SHAIKH
Chunian
Plea for
a safe Diwali
Every year, we waste millions of rupees on bursting crackers during Diwali. We should use the same money for the upliftment of the poor. There are millions of people all over the world who don’t even have two square meals of food to eat a day. Instead of spending money on crackers which goes up in smoke, we should donate the same money to an orphanage or a home for the aged. At least the people who are left to die there by their ungrateful children will feel happy.
On the other hand, firecrackers create a lot of noise pollution and cause a lot of distress to animals and birds. We should avoid them if possible, or localise their use in a community to an open field. We should also clear up the mess once the festivities get over.
The light of Diwali should be within us. It should symbolise our personal relationship between God and our families. Let the light of Diwali penetrate inward, for only then it will have the lasting benefit. A piece of cotton soaked in ghee lit with a pure heart, a conscious mind and a desire to be free from ignorance is far brighter than a thousand expensive electric bulbs or earthen lamps. I request all my fellow citizens to celebrate Diwali without harming the environment. A cracker-free Diwali will save many lives.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Job market scams
In today’s world, job market scandals have become a matter of great concern, not only draining people’s finances but also compromising their personal data. These scandals, which promise lucrative job opportunities through deceptive emails, demand substantial sums of money and may even result in unauthorized access to bank accounts, leaving victims in dire financial straits.
The prevailing shortage of robust cyber security measures only exacerbates the problems stemming from job market scandals. The consequences of falling victim to these scams are often dreadful, leading to financial turmoil and personal humiliation.
I respectfully implore the government to enact stringent rules and regulations and bolster cyber security efforts to provide citizens with a safer and more secure environment. I also urge individuals to exercise caution when encountering suspicious emails and to remain vigilant against these fraudulent schemes. Protecting yourself and your future is paramount.
AMINA AMJID
Karachi
Box letter
Medical supplies
Pakistan, particularly Sialkot, stands as a global leader in surgical instrument production since 1979, driving consistent growth. Despite the industry’s vitality, our nation’s medical sector grapples with a concerning shortage of essential surgical instruments, posing a severe health crisis. Hospitals face alarming deficits, endangering lives and challenging the nation’s self-sufficiency. Access to life-saving drugs, a critical necessity, is alarmingly scarce. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Lives hang in the balance, and the consequences of inaction are dire. Immediate and decisive government intervention is paramount. The government must ensure the seamless provision of all vital medical equipment, safeguarding not just individual lives but the integrity of our healthcare system.
TAHIRA WASHDIL
Sialkot
