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Cricketing ethics
As far as “cricketing ethics” is concerned, Shakib-Al Hasan has been turned into the “latest villain” of sorts as he had appealed for “time out” following alleged “late arrival” of Sri Lankan Angelo Mathews to the crease during the World Cup match!
The Bangladeshi captain could have acted gallant enough to ignore such delay specially because the strap of Angelo’s helmet had got snapped; but Shakib cannot be dubbed as “villain” also as none other than ICC cricketing rules are in his favour, thereby “inspiring” him to utilise it and the on-field umpire responding in his favour accordingly!
Still those “puritans” who are feeling “bad taste in mouth” revolving around such a mode of dismissal should ask ICC to dissolve the “time out” rules instead of castigating the Bangladesh skipper. If rules are there in the cricketing book, it can be easily utilised and seen from this angle, Shakib-Al Hasan is absolutely justified in doing so as he has not done anything illegal.
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
Flood recovery
I am writing to bring to your attention the ongoing flood recovery efforts in Pakistan, a critical matter that requires our collective support and attention. Pakistan, a country that has faced its fair share of natural disasters, is currently reeling from devastating floods that have wreaked havoc in various regions. These floods, often caused by monsoon rains and snowmelt, have displaced thousands of families, destroyed homes and left communities in desperate need of aid.
The scale of the disaster is enormous, affecting millions of people and struggling to restore a sense of normalcy. At such a time we must come together as a global community to support the recovery and rehabilitation efforts in Pakistan.
Several organizations and government agencies are actively involved in providing aid and assistance to the affected communities. They are working tirelessly to ensure that those affected have access to clean water, food, shelter and medical care. The recovery process involves rebuilding damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and schools, to help communities get back on their feet. However, the road to recovery is long, and the resources required are considerable. It is our moral duty to contribute in whatever way we can to alleviate the suffering of those affected by this natural calamity.
NIMRA AZAM
Karachi
Compassion fatigue
Counselling a 13-year-old patient in the 4th stage of cancer is a profoundly challenging and emotional experience for healthcare professionals. Delivering such a bleak prognosis is heart-wrenching, as we are all emotional beings. The vulnerability of a young patient’s body magnifies the distress. Facing the harsh reality of a patient having only two days left to live is an immense burden. These situations significantly impact the emotional well-being of healthcare workers, often leading to burnout. We recognize that words alone cannot ease the patient’s suffering and witnessing such distress is never easy.
In the most challenging cases, where hope for recovery has faded, healthcare professionals grapple with their inability to reverse the patient’s condition, ultimately resulting in the patient’s loss. These situations can leave healthcare workers feeling helpless and vulnerable, contributing to the high rates of suicide within the profession.
Nurses and other healthcare workers must prioritize self-care to effectively care for their patients. Coping with compassion fatigue is essential, involving seeking support and adopting strategies that promote resilience and emotional strength.
Hospitals must respond by offering resources and support to help healthcare professionals manage the emotional toll of their work. This support can encompass relaxation techniques, exercises and improved communication skills to help them navigate these challenges and, in turn, maintain their compassion and provide the best possible care to their patients.
ARISHA IRSHAD ALI
Karachi
Women rights
Violence against women is the most shameful and pervasive
human rights violation. 70% of women face violence at some stage of their life. In a society like ours, it’s a sin to be a woman. This violence can take different forms, such as beating, acid throwing, rape and murder. A major portion of such cases in Pakistan remains unreported. Statistics of reported cases of violence against women in Punjab are 7,678; in most cases, women are abused by their family or close relatives. Some of the reasons behind such abuse are marrying the man of their choice, claiming their right in inheritance or property, and asking for divorce. Often, women are even denied the very basic rights of divorce (khula) and education. In the case of domestic abuse, women develop a strong, stock-like bond with their abuser. In an effort to survive, most acid-throwing incidents take place as a revenge for refusal of a proposal for marriage or an illicit relationship. There are few organizations working to aid abused women. Each time a woman stands up for herself without knowing it’s possible, without claiming it, she stands for all women. Alarmingly, society has always stood with the abuser rather than the abused. The system has failed to deliver justice to the abused; this failure opens the path for more such incidents.
ROZINA DILMURAD
Lahore
Call for action
It is concerning to hear about the rise in crime rates in Karachi, and it is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. Shockingly, data compiled by the Sindh police states that 44 residents were killed by muggers in the first five months of 2023.
The incidents of armed muggers killing the youth, men, women and children and compelling them to surrender their valuables at gunpoint in order to stay alive are alarming. According to the Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) statistics, 4,396 motorbikes were stolen at gunpoint, and 182 vehicles were also snatched.
The cases of kidnapping for ransom and extortion witnessed a surge in Karachi, with 13 cases reported in October alone. Furthermore, 9,464 citizens had their cell phones stolen and only 161 were recovered. Even a bank in Karachi’s SITE area had at least Rs 5.1 million stolen from its cash vault. Therefore, the government needs to take urgent action to ensure the safety of its residents. Most importantly, it should prioritize the security of ordinary people and create a safer environment for everyone.
AYESHA ARIF
Via email
