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Halwa: Virtue or vice
The word “Halwa” has definitely created some stir in our cuisine at the moment. In the midst of the recent incident about a woman wearing a dress with Arabic scripture, several people have begun to speculate whether one should be wearing brands such as Manto, which have Urdu scriptures. I, for one, will never make this mistake.
The question arises: will we women ever have the freedom of expression, let alone freedom of speech? It is actually disturbing to know that we still live in a society where anything can become blasphemy. Some might think that we need to promote more feminism to avoid such instances.
Are women safe in metropolitan cities of Pakistan, or do we have to run away abroad to attain and protect our secular identity? The term secular identity has become more relevant nowadays, especially in politics and generally in life, especially with the recent events such as the case of Nikah during Iddat or women taking on leadership roles in Punjab.
The ideology of secularism must prevail in order to run the state affairs smoothly, maintain peace and harmony and separate from religious notions. The problem is deep-rooted in Pakistan’s history; during the 70s, major transformations were carried out to convert the country into a religious regime. If any country is to develop, then it must focus on the general improvement of law and order, sanitation, education, medicine and health. One can only hope to achieve the better version of the state in the future away from fundamentalism and extremism.
DR SANIA USMANI
Karachi
Dilemma in glory
Recently, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) commenced with a grand opening, captivating people across the country and contributing to Pakistan’s positive global image. Notably, it has also played a significant role in boosting revenue collection for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
However, every coin has two sides, and so does this one. In Lahore, residents grapple with inconvenience caused by police blockades of some avenues, leading to longer routes and wasted time. Additionally, local people have been caught off-guard due to security concerns, with the e-library closed during matches held in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. This situation creates a disguise in what should be a blessed situation.
Whether these barricades bring benefits or not is a matter of debate. However, what is clear is that these tournaments attract people from around the globe and are not confined to a single nation. Take the case of Qatar, for example, which enticed people worldwide and boosted its tourism industry. Therefore, amidst the glory, a dilemma presents itself.
Here lies a serious question: Are we capable of managing security without intruding into people’s lives, or are there alternative methods to balance essential security measures? That, of course, remains to be seen.
JEEHAND NASIR
Turbat Kech
Box letter
Toxicant air
Pakistan’s air quality is in serious disrepair, particularly in areas such as Punjab, where major cities face significant pollution problems. The residents are at risk of serious health issues due to this. Regrettably, the authorities are not taking the necessary steps to address this crucial problem. To deal with the serious issue of pollution, a comprehensive plan is necessary. The authorities are currently using temporary solutions like artificial rain without consulting experts. The solution to this issue is not clear due to the lack of a clear strategy. To prevent people from suffering from toxic air, a proactive and effective approach is necessary.
SABA ALI
Awaran
