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Jaranwala incident
The BBC, which is known for its bias, started its international news broadcast on 24 December, with a report about sufferings of Jaranwala Christian Pakistanis. Viewed in the background of principled stand of Christians of Bethlehem, who suspended usual festivities associated with Christmas, this incident has become a national shame for Pakistan. We cannot absolve ourselves for providing them grounds to embarrass us.
It is the failure of State prosecution, law enforcement, judiciary and lack of political will, to prosecute those criminals responsible for 16 August criminal act in Jaranwala, a city in Faisalabad. The culprits should have been given strict exemplary punishment to serve as deterrence. Unfortunately, whilst Caretaker Government did initially move, but what followed later on, was not sufficient.
A charged mob, mostly the youth, went on rampage in acts of vandalism, including many affiliated with an extremist organization, that has a record of resorting to violence, including its involvement in (8 November to 16 December) 2017 Faizabad violent protest. It is common knowledge that this particular 2017 protest was part of the political engineering project, where violence is used to destabilize elected governments, without regard to its devastating impact on national economy.
Such criminal acts of vandalism against citizens of Pakistan, belonging to Christian faith has no place in Islam, or Jinnah’s Pakistan. They will keep on occurring, unless the State reverts back to the promise by Quaid in his 11 August 1947 address. We need to put our house in order. Extremism should have no space to manoeuvre in this country.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Astrology
and elections
The recent column “Election Astrology,” by Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani featured in The News International, urges a comprehensive analysis of the significance of celestial predictions within political spheres. The column adeptly examines the potential ramifications of astrological observations on the results of elections. Nevertheless, this article stimulates contemplation regarding the constraints that arise from applying astrological forecasts exclusively to foresee the outcome of elections.
Despite the fact that astrology provides enthralling predictions regarding potential outcome in accordance with zodiac signs and celestial movements, it is vital to recognize the inherent limitations of these horoscopes. Divergences and incongruities in astrological interpretations, as emphasized by various professionals, pose obstacles to reaching a consensus regarding anticipated results.
In addition, the lack of empirical validation presents a substantial obstacle. Although astrology continues to captivate individuals, the empirical evidence supporting its efficacy in predicting tangible occurrences, specifically electoral outcomes, is inconclusive.
Dr. Vankwani’s column acts as a catalyst to emphasize that elections encompass intricate dynamics that extend well beyond celestial alignments—policy agendas, societal variations, historical contexts and diverse voter sentiments—into consideration. The complex network of elements substantially influences the results of elections, thereby calling into question the deterministic tenets of astrological forecasts.
MUHAMMAD FAZIL
Karachi
Escalating crime rate
I’m writing this letter on a pressing problem, being faced in our area almost on a daily basis, specifically, the rise in criminal activity on Rawalpindi’s Range Road. Residents in their own areas feel unprotected and unsecured due to an increase in crime rate. One sad incident that most accurately highlights this growing problem happened last month when one of my friends was the victim of a phone snatching. She was being followed to the bus station by robbers who quickly stole her phone and disappeared into the streets. This disturbing event not only made me feel anxious right away, but it also left me feeling uncomfortable for a long time.
Sadly, there are other similar incidents. Every citizen in our area is really worried about the rising crime rate. The absence of good security measures, low police enforcement have all given criminals in our area more confidence. We, the community, ask the relevant authorities to act quickly and forcefully in order to resolve these issues quickly. To stop the rising crime rates, it is essential to increase police searches and put better monitoring measures in place. Also, cooperation between law enforcement and locals can be extremely important in stopping and avoiding criminal activity. To protect the safety and wellbeing of the people who live in our community, it is essential that we respond to these issues as soon as possible. Every person has a right to feel safe and secure in their own neighbourhood and the community and the authorities have to work together to make this a reality.
EISHA ZULFIQAR
Rawalpindi
Door of opportunities
I am writing this letter to raise awareness regarding the illiteracy rate in Pakistan. Pakistan’s educational status has suffered due to lack of facilities accompanied by lack of interest and lack of good teaching capabilities. Poverty plays an important part in harming Pakistan’s educational system as well. Lack of educational infrastructure in many areas of Pakistan prevents people from attending school which puts Pakistan’s educational standing far behind that of other countries. Educational institutions concerning the village side are too far away and too costly for the poorer to pay.
With the rising cost, people can hardly afford to take their children to school anymore. Also the persistent stigma creating gender barriers for women, implying that women should not further their education and that they cannot pursue their career in the future is also one of the primary causes of illiteracy. The government must improve the facilities and infrastructure for education. There should be more reasonably priced establishments and the people of Pakistan must adopt a new perspective on the value of education for both genders.
NIMRA ABBASI
Rawalpindi
Box letter
Deforestation
Pakistan, due to population growth, has grappled with significant challenges, including a high rate of deforestation. Our forests are being cleared for agricultural lands, industrial estates, factories, and more. The deforestation has led to climate change, globalization, desertification, and other detrimental effects, posing a threat to our survival. Unfortunately, the government has not addressed this issue seriously. Authorities must take notice of this problem and take action to preserve our forests
SHARAN SHAH
Quetta
