Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Postponement of elections
The Senate passed the resolution to postpone the general election to be held on February 8 in the country by a majority vote. An Independent Senator Dilawar Khan presented a resolution to postpone the general election, in which it has been stated that there is severe cold in most of the areas, due to which it is difficult for these areas to participate in the election process. Dilawar Khan in his resolution said the Constitution upheld the right to vote for every citizen of Pakistan and the Election Commission of Pakistan was bound to conduct free and fair polls contingent upon inclusive and ensuring the participation of all regional people.
The Constitution upheld the right to vote for every citizen of Pakistan. The vote turnout in colder areas remains notably high during the moderate weather conditions. January and February are recognised as the coldest months in the majority of the areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said. It is an un denying fact that attempts have been made on the lives of JUI-F chief Mau lana Fazlur Rehman,Senator Hafiz Hamdullah, former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar and other political figures. The Ministry of Interior has conveyed serious threats to the lives of prominent politicians increasing the challenges faced by political parties in exercising their right to a free and fair election.
There had been a spike in attacks on security forces and citizens, particularly in KP and Balochistan. The intelligence agencies have warned of militant attack threats on election rallies in both provinces. Alerts had been issued by intelligence agencies indicating imminent threats of militant attacks on election rallies, which could have a potential impact on the safety of citizens and the democratic electoral process. The election schedule may be postponed to facilitate the effective participation of people from all areas of Pakistan and belonging to all political shades. Delay aims to uphold constitutional rights to political participation.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Street priorities
The life-saving need for 240 million Pakistanis is economic betterment, lifting them from the abyss of poverty to a liveable human life. Elections empower the already elite, not the poor individuals on the streets. If the elite classes see the plight of the poor on the streets, they should acknowledge their responsibility and take action to remedy the situation.
History indicates that when countries have geographically broken up, the cause of collapse has often been linked to elections. In 1971, Pakistan’s humiliating collapse was also tied to elections, as the largest province sought ‘freedom’ from the smaller province—a stunning fact of history that’s hard to digest.
Pakistan’s urgent need is economic reform; the daily rise in commodity prices has reached a horrendous extent, making it unbearable for the majority—the man on the street. Their plight must be the number one priority. Billions of rupees meant for elections should be diverted to improving the fate of the common people.
Hameed Shaheen
Rawalpindi
Communication gap
Through this article in your newspaper, I would like to draw attention to the issue of a communication gap. I have been reflecting on our recent interactions and wanted to address something that seems to be affecting our relationship – a generational gap. It’s important for us to understand that effective communication is the cornerstone of any healthy connection. Sometimes unintentional gaps can arise, leading to misunderstanding and confusion.
I believe that by acknowledging and addressing this gap, we, as a nation, can work together to strengthen our communication. Sometimes the generation gap might make it challenging for us to see eye to eye, but I believe there’s a middle ground where we can meet and understand each other better. I appreciate your love, and through improved communication, we can create an even more harmonious and understanding family environment.
MINAHIL MAQSOOD
Islamabad
Hoarding
I am writing to express concerns about the issue of hoarding in our community. Hoarding is a complex and challenging problem that affects not only the individuals who hoard but also their loved ones and the overall well-being of our neighbourhood.
Hoarding behaviour can lead to severe consequences for both physical and mental health. It can create dangerous living conditions, increase the risk of fire hazards and hinder emergency response efforts.
It is important for our community to come together and address this issue with compassion and understanding. Education, awareness and intervention play a crucial role in combating hoarding. By doing so, we can make positive impact on the lives of our people and enhance the overall wellbeing of our community.
SAMAN IRFAN KIANI
Islamabad
Box letter
E-commerce
The rise of e-commerce is indeed transforming the global economy and Pakistan is no exception. While online platforms contribute to economic growth, the prevalence of scams tarnishes the image. Misuse of platforms like Facebook and Instagram for fraudulent activities undermines consumer trust. The government must intervene by implementing stringent measures to verify accounts selling products on these platforms. Ensuring transparency and accountability in e-commerce transactions will protect consumers from deceptive practices. By cracking down on shopping scams and imposing verification processes, authorities can foster a more secure and trustworthy online marketplace. This not only safeguards consumers but also enhances Pakistan’s reputation in the global digital economy. It is crucial for the government to adapt policies that reflect the evolving nature of online commerce, promoting ethical practices and deterring fraudulent activities. In doing so, Pakistan can fully capitalize on the potential economic benefits offered by the e-commerce boom.
UMAMA RAJPUT
Sukkur
