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Israel kills own citizens
Several new testimonies by Israeli witnesses to the 7 October Hamas surprise attack on southern Israel adds to growing evidence that the Israeli military killed its own citizens as they fought to neutralize Palestinian gunmen.
Tuval Escapa, a member of the security team for Kibbutz Be’eri, set up a hotline to coordinate between kibbutz residents and the Israeli army. He told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz that as desperation began to set in, “the commanders in the field made difficult decisions – including shelling houses on their occupants in order to eliminate the terrorists along with the hostages.”
A separate report published in Haaretz noted that the Israeli military was “compelled to request an aerial strike” against its own facility inside the Erez Crossing to Gaza “in order to repulse the terrorists” who had seized control. That base was filled with Israeli Civil Administration officers and soldiers at the time.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Political parties manifesto
Latest report by the Pakistan Institute for Development Economics (PIDE) has published a statistical study which shows that three major parties in the country, the PML-N, PPP and PTI have failed to include the country’s fundamental issues in their manifestos. It has been a bitter experience since long known that political parties use manifestos more as a checklist item for elections written, released, forgotten.
Issues like local government, parliament, elections, cabinet, police, bureaucracy, budget-making, debt management, PSDP, real estate, agriculture, energy, taxation, tariffs, trade, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and the internet remain neglected. The PIDE survey has found that the PPP mentions 7.0 per cent of the fundamental issues pointed out by PIDE; the PML-N covers 12 per cent and the PTI only 1.5 per cent. PIDE has identified the essential areas that need to be addressed and we have seen in the past how governments have failed to tackle these issues. Political leaders have to be transparent about their policies, so that people know what plans their representatives have and how they will affect them.
The failure of political parties to even try and address the majority of these issues is a massive problem. It is time political leaders had constructive discussions with people to figure out a foolproof plan for the future. Our parties and politicians both will have to chalk out their manifesto for betterment of downtrodden people instead of topsy-turvy politics for power. Political leadership should focus their attention towards solving the critical economic issues faced by the country instead of the dirty politics of blame game and mud sliding on each other
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Library needed
The absence of a public library in Hyderabad, Sindh, highlights a pressing issue impacting education in the city. Libraries are not just repositories of knowledge; they play a crucial role in fostering education, intellectual growth, and community development. To address this deficiency promptly, the establishment of a public library is imperative.
Hyderabad, known as the “City of Education,” has a rich history as a cultural melting pot. However, the limited access to quality educational resources, especially books, is a concerning reality for many students.
The high cost of books, periodicals and magazines acts as a barrier, dampening enthusiasm for reading and hindering the pursuit of knowledge. A well-equipped public library would serve as a vital bridge, providing free access to all and democratizing knowledge.
Beyond books, a public library offers access to a diverse range of magazines, newspapers and digital resources, benefiting students, researchers and self-learners in the community.
The establishment of a library would contribute to improving literacy rates, enhancing the educational environment and complementing the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
It is an appeal to the local government and concerned authorities to recognize the urgency of this initiative. Establishing a public library in Hyderabad is an investment in the city’s future, aligning with the national goal of enhancing literacy rates.
ZEESHAN ALI
Hyderabad
Lacks of facilities
Karachi, considered the largest city in Pakistan, unfortunately, confronts significant challenges affecting the wellbeing of its residents, including issues related to cleanliness, pollution and more. The city’s overpopulation exacerbates these difficulties, yet the Sindh Government has failed to effectively address this pressing issue, posing a major concern for the people of Karachi.
Consequently, not only do existing issues persist without resolution, but new problems also emerge. The state of transport facilities is particularly dire, forcing passengers onto the roofs of vehicles and leading to road accidents that claim valuable lives.
In the light of these pressing concerns, I implore the relevant authorities to take immediate action to rectify these problems and work towards finding timely solutions. The urgency of the situation necessitates a proactive approach to ensure the wellbeing of the citizens and the overall improvement of living conditions in Karachi.
MAHNAZ SABZAL
Via email
Box letter
Untold struggles
Within the contemporary framework of our communities, women often face mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety stemming from familial issues, traumas, postpartum depression, menopause, menstrual cycles, and miscarriages. Regrettably, due to societal pressure, reaching out for support can be interpreted as a symbol of frailty. Instead of promptly turning to antidepressants, it is crucial to foster a compassionate and supportive environment for women, refraining from judgment or actions that sabotage their strength. It is imperative to give precedence to raising awareness through campaigns, particularly within underprivileged areas.
MISBAH ASHRAF
Karachi
