Corona-virus in Pakistan
Since the outbreak in Wuhan, China, Corona-virus has spread like wildfire throughout the world, not only that but it has created a mass hysteria of fear in the people, which is far more dangerous than the virus itself.
Recently, two cases of Corona-virus were reported in Karachi, which unquestionably are being dealt properly by the doctors and the government itself, but apart from that a mass hysteria was created among Karachites which included the need of wearing masks as a part of precaution, since then the prices of the surgical masks and N95’s have surged immensely in the Pakistani market, which is very disappointing to see as it has emerged as a business action for some while others fight to live.
The other strange developing news is that personal protective equipment like masks and other material have practically vanished from Pakistani markets and pharmacies in many areas, which is surprising as in this life and fear matter, things that should be provided for free is being sold for such prices that the majority cannot afford.
ARISHA ANSAR
Karachi
Health emergency
With countries shutting their doors to foreigners in the wake of stopping corona-virus, Health Emergency needs to be imposed in our country regarding the catastrophic outbreak of this fatal disease. Unfortunately, two cases have been reported in Pakistan, one in Islamabad and the other in Karachi. Pakistan claims to have excellent quarantine facilities at major airports, travellers from countries affected with lethal virus must be checked thoroughly.
For the time being, pilgrims from corona-virus hit-countries have been stopped by Saudi Arabia as a preventive measure. For the safety and security of public, Health Ministry of Pakistan must launch awareness schemes on electronic & print media as well as social media platforms about symptoms, treatment and preventive measures of this deadly virus. More importantly, public in general must avoid eating food at eateries not having ample clean and hygienically cooked food.
Prevention is better than cure. Pakistan should also minimize travelling to and from virus affected countries. Facilities to diagnose this virus should also be established in big cities to nip the evil in the bud. People of Pakistan must also exercise vigilance and control in their movement and doing all acts that may cause attraction of virus. In short, government is supposed to put in action hectic move to tackle this impending danger for the health of public at large.
IFTIKHAR MIRZA
Islamabad
Court bribed
The four Nirbhaya rapists should be hanged at the earliest so that other rapists may learn a lesson from this incident and not treat women like sex objects in order to satisfy their carnal desires. But what about the juvenile who has raped Nirbhaya too.
Why was he left with just a light warning? Besides giving him a light warning, why has he been hidden in an isolated place where no one knows where he is now? Is there an answer to this? How much money has he bribed the court to let him off with just a light warning?
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Via email
Pragmatic Naya Pakistan
Incumbent government’s slogan is “Naya Pakistan” and without criticizing whether this government has succeeded to make Naya Pakistan or not but in fact, incumbent government of India is paving way for Naya Pakistan.
After Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 passed by Parliament of India which is an anti-Muslim law, discriminatory behaviour with Muslims of India has drastically increased which sooner or later would turn into a strong movement for separate land for Muslims and that would be pragmatic Naya Pakistan.
Recent riots in Delhi in which a Masjid was set on fire provoked sentiments of Muslims all over the world and especially Muslims of India. Modi government is precisely doing what was being done with Muslims in the sub-continent which resulted in a separate land for Muslims. So real Naya Pakistan is likely to come into being soon.
FAISAL ANSAR
Karachi
Bill boards distracting drivers
Digital billboards are stimulating, shiny and attention grabbing. However, these billboards are distracting after all, that is their job. On roads or highways, these billboards stand far from the ground and mostly rotating through the advertisement and market various brands and products. They are visually attractive that can cause drivers to take their eyes off from the road.
According to the research, the flashing light advertisements boards are more attractive than the traffic signboards. Moreover, billboards have the potential to be unsafe, as more and the longer glance away from the roads might associate with frequent automobile accidents. Moreover, in Pakistan, a large number of accidents take place daily. Pakistan is already facing the issues of heavy traffic jams and traffic violations, where these billboards can also make one of the reasons of roads accidents.
HADIA AZIZ
Islamabad
Binge watching
Binge watching is a practice of watching multiple episodes of any programme in rapid succession, typically by means of digital streaming but it can have a variety of negative effects on a person’s mental and physical health. People who self-identified as binge-watchers reported higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression. I am a student and as much I like to binge watch. It also takes me away from studying which as a university student I do an excessive amount of.
Sometimes, people watch more than 6 episodes at night and realize it’s 4 a.m., and they’re like, ‘Oh, damn, I should’ve gone to sleep.’ That’s where excessive watching can become problematic on a variety of levels. Most notably, it can be a behaviour that leads to obesity. If you’re sitting there binge-watching for six hours, not only are you sedentary, but you’re probably also eating whatever’s in front of you and not thinking about it, all that mindless eating can lead to weight gain and depression.
There are a number of ways to ward off negative effects of binge-watching which is also necessary. We should exercise daily and make sure that we are getting a good sleep. There should be any physical activity in life to avoid binge watching effects.
MARYAM NOOR
Wah Cant
Digiskills.pk
Sometimes in life, we get a situation where we just need to divert to get ourselves. Recently, the husband of a cousin of mine went abroad for some professional obligations and it made her feel sad and lonely. She is a simple housewife and was not used to this new routine. I suggested that rather sulking she should keep herself busy as that can comfort her. Well in response to that she asked me what she could do. Being a housewife she has to look after kids and can’t leave home and that was a valid point.
So, I started looking for options that could help her. Digiskills.pk came across as a brilliant solution. It is an easy, free and certified learn & earn online program by Government of Pakistan which aims to uplift all segments of society. Anyone can avail it easily from their comfort zone, learn/polish their skills and also make their earning. And personally I think it’s a great deal for housewives, so I referred it to my cousin; she opted for it. It has brought really positive change in her personality and life, now she is very much into learning different courses and also planning to start freelancing in coming days. Digiskills.pk is a great opportunity for women specially housewives. Jut sign up at www.digiskills.pk, get yourself back and make a difference.
FAIZA ALI
Islamabad
Impact of cartoons
Cartoons are one of the most popular entertainments for children and there are numbers of TV channels that broadcast various kinds of cartoons for the children nonstop. Some time back, children used to spend most of their time on the outdoor activities rather spend whole time in front of TV sets. Moreover, now children watch television too much and get addicted to it. Sometimes parents believe that it gets easier to feed babies watching television. Nevertheless, they have no idea the excessive watching affects their children psychological and physical health. Children that are more exposed to cartoons are generally aggressive and suffering from other devastating problems.
Moreover, children easily learn what they watch. Whereas, parents need to ensure about the content of the cartoon and should know its impact on the mind of their children. If there is use of profanity or any explicit language and violent scenes in cartoons, parents and government should restrict these kind of content. Also, the TV channels should produce educational and quality cartoons, as it will help children grow with balanced personality. In addition, cartoons should also be produced in Urdu language with the representation of our culture and norms as it will encourage our children to learn the ethos of our society.
HADIA AZIZ
Islamabad
