Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Air ambulance
The introduction of air ambulances in Punjab appears to be misguided given the pressing needs for essentials like clean drinking water, regular ambulances, subsidized education and healthcare. Prioritizing high-cost projects over basic necessities risks neglecting the welfare of the populace.
Air Ambulance is neither affordable nor practicable, even in Lahore, where even Walton Airport, which was built by the British, has been demolished and replaced with commercial plazas, etc.
Instead, leaders should emulate examples of proactive engagement during crises, such as Shehbaz Sharif’s visible presence during natural disasters. PMLN’s focus should shift towards delivering good governance to regain lost ground in Central Punjab.
The disregard for fundamental needs in favour of extravagant projects is not just a policy oversight; it’s a betrayal of the trust placed in leaders to prioritize the well-being of their constituents. As communities grapple with the daily challenges of accessing basic services, the sight of resources being squandered on impractical ventures only deepens the sense of disillusionment and frustration among the people.
ALI TARIQ MALIK
Lahore
Unifying
Pak future
Dear Suhail Warraich Sahab,
I am writing to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the publication of your outstanding article the other day in a contemporary, ‘We the Prisoners of the Throne of Politics’. Your insightful reflections on Pakistan’s current state of affairs are both timely and profound.
Your assertion regarding the critical juncture in Pakistan’s history resonates deeply. Indeed, our nation can ill afford further internal divisions and political turmoil. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we unite in the spirit of tolerance and coexistence for the collective survival and progress of our beloved country.
It is incumbent upon all stakeholders in the Pakistani state to acknowledge a fundamental truth: the pervasive bankruptcy experienced by the entire non-elite populace of Pakistan. The plight of the poor, lower-middle, and middle-class citizens, who have been deprived even of their basic sustenance, underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in governance.
The failures of past governance models underscore the necessity for a new approach. Rather than entrusting our fate to traditional political structures, I suggest a government comprised of fearless and selfless Pakistani experts. Such a government, untethered to foreign influences, holds the promise of steering Pakistan towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
In embracing this vision, we must remain guided by the timeless words: “Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him.” Our actions must be driven by a steadfast commitment to uplifting the marginalized and vulnerable segments of society.
As we chart our course forward, let us heed the lessons of history, mindful of the consequences of inaction. The disintegration of the Soviet Union serves as a stark reminder of the perils of complacency and division.
In closing, I commend you for your unwavering dedication to fostering dialogue and progress within our nation. May your courageous insights continue to inspire positive change and unity among us.
SYED NAYYAR UDDIN
Lahore
Protest
against rigging
The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman has sparked concerns with its announcement of a nationwide protest movement against what it alleges to be rampant election rigging. His call can create major disruption in the daily lives of citizens as his party no doubt hails street power. Accusations of electoral malpractice not only cast a shadow over our electoral system but also ignited the flames of social unrest and instability, in a nation already teetering on the brink of political and economic turmoil.
Maulana’s allegations, though these may be valid, if left unchecked, these claims could deepen the fault lines within our society, eroding public trust in institutions and plunging us into further disarray. However grievances must be addressed through established legal channels and transparent investigations, not through the disruptive spectacle of mass protests.
The sanctity of our constitution hangs in the balance, as its value has been diminished to that of a mere piece of paper for those attempting to subvert it. It is incumbent upon all parties to uphold the rule of law, rather than resorting to theatrics that serve only to undermine the very foundations of our democracy.
Even though the means may be ill advised, the end goals must be honourably pursued, as the qualms of our citizens are valid and need to be addressed. Transparent investigations, constructive engagement and depoliticisation of state institutions are crucial steps to earn public trust and create an inclusive political landscape where the voice of every citizen is heard. The constitutional institutions should take into account the allegations of JUI chief and other leaders of political parties before a situation of unrest and protests is created.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
