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Cracks within PTI
Not all seems to be well in the House of the PTI, with reports of rifts within the party after the reserved seats fiasco. First it was Sher Afzal Marwat who admitted during a show on Geo News that the PTI had made a mistake by joining hands with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). Then senior PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar gave a statement agreeing with Marwat and saying that, on the directive of Imran Khan, the PTI decided to join the MWM, but the decision was changed the next day when ‘some people’ who met Imran Khan in Adiala jail came out and said the party would be going with the SIC.
On Friday SIC Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza warned the PTI not to wash their dirty laundry in public, saying he had a lot to reveal but had chosen not to share because of his commitment to Imran Khan’s cause. Hamid Raza took a strong exception to Marwat’s comments and advised the PTI to put its house in order. He also revealed that he had not requested the alliance and the decision to join the SIC was taken by Imran Khan. There had been rumours and apprehensions that too many groups within groups have mushroomed within his party.
Media reports suggest that within the PTI, different factions prioritize personal agendas over the party’s interests, particularly exacerbated by the influx of lawyers. Criticism mounts against the party’s legal teams, while public disputes among leaders have become routine. This internal discord, previously existing but now more pronounced, undermines the party’s unity and effectiveness.
This sort of internal friction can hardly help an already besieged PTI. Of course, it does not help when PTI leaders like Shahbaz Gill are seen holding demonstrations outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington just when the government is engaging with the global lender over the release of the final tranche of the $3 billion Standby Arrangement (SBA). However, before pinpointing the shortcomings of the ruling party/government, it is better for the PTI to set its house in order.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Oath taking ceremonies
I am writing to express my thoughts on the recent oath taking ceremonies of the President, and Prime Minister, and its implications for the country and its people in my opinion. While the new government holds promise, it also shoulders immense responsibility.
The stakes are high, and the expectations of the people even higher. If this administration fails to deliver on its promises, it could mark the end of an era for the veterans of PML-N and PPP in government. Furthermore, maintaining the integrity of elections and the legitimacy of the government is essential for building trust and confidence among the population. Any claims of electoral misconduct must be diligently examined to uphold democratic principles and guarantee the representation of the people’s voices.
For progress, government and opposition must cooperate. Instead of constant criticism, the opposition should support Pakistan’s improvement. In conclusion, the success of this government will be measured not by rhetoric but by tangible results. It is my hope that they rise to the occasion and steer Pakistan towards a brighter future.
FAHAD ZAHID
Lahore
Islamic month of Ramadan
Ramadan is observed in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This one month is dedicated to reflection, peace, spirituality and community. People start observing the fast from dawn and break it after sunset. The pre-dawn meal is known as sehr and the post-sunset meal is known as iftar. Traditionally, the fast is broken by having water and dates.
Muslims believe that in A.D. 610, the angel Gabriel appeared to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and revealed to him the Qur’an. That revelation, Laylat Al Qadar — or the ‘Night of Power’ is believed to have occurred during Ramadan. Muslims fast during that month as a way to commemorate the revelation of the Holy Qur’an.
Fasting is purely out of love for God and to thank Him for what He has blessed us with in our daily life. There are many reasons to fast, including the Muslim tradition. Other reasons include self-control. If a person is able to abstain from food and water for that much amount of time, he/she learns to control his/her desires and temptations and thus has greater self-control.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Women’s rights
I would like to draw the government’s attention towards a pressing concern to look after women’s rights. As a fact, women are the backbone of a society and culture, who, by their hard work and capacity, provide good help for the development of the country. They play an important role for a country.
Encouraging women entrepreneurs is our duty to help them start off well and guide them towards further support, as they have the right to live a free life. Women should be given their equal rights to complete their desires. In Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, women are not getting their rights so forth. Due to this financial issue they are suffering from various difficulties. Therefore, the government should take action and avoid this problem seriously.
ULFAT NAZEER
Karachi
Box letter
Gas shortage
I am writing to express my deep concern about Turbat’s ongoing gas shortage which is causing significant hardships to the residents of our city. With the population, Turbat has been considered the second largest city of Balochistan but unfortunately, the city is suffering from various challenges including gas shortage. It is imperative that the concerned authorities act swiftly to identify and address the crisis of gas, ensuring a reliable gas supply throughout the city. The wellbeing and livelihood of our city’s residents depend on it. I urge the concerned authorities to take immediate action to look into the matter as soon as possible.
ULFAT NAZEER
Karachi
