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Chain of corruption
The late prime minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, largely eliminated corruption from Singapore and thereby transformed it from a third-world to a first-world country. He proclaimed, “We changed the anti-corruption law and widened the definition of gratuity to include anything of value. The amendments gave wide powers to investigators, including arrest and search and investigation of bank accounts and bank books of suspected persons and their wives, children or agents.”
“The most effective change was to allow the courts to treat proof that an accused was living beyond his means or had property his income could not explain as corroborating evidence that the accused had accepted or obtained a bribe.” concessions. Singapore has shown that a system of clean, no money elections help preserve an honest government. It is undeniable truth that the country would remain clean and honest only if honest, able men are willing to fight elections and assume office. Our Islamic tradition is even more replete with examples of good governance.
The Last Prophet (PBUH) was known as “Al-Ameen”, the trustworthy. The four most respected caliphs were “Al-Rashidun”, the rightly guided. The Second Khalif Hazrat Umer said if a dog went hungry on the banks of the Euphrates, he would be answerable on the Day of Resurrection. Muslims were enjoined not to enjoy their meals if a neighbour was hungry. Unfortunately, we have tended to regard these examples. A prosperous and peaceful society can be created only when we follow the golden principles laid down by Khulfa-e-Rashideen.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Challenges for transgenders
Despite strides towards inclusivity, the transgender community in Pakistan continues to face significant challenges in accessing meaningful opportunities. While there are policies and initiatives in place, the reality on the ground often paints a starkly different picture, where opportunities are limited, and many transgender individuals find themselves relegated to begging on the streets due to systemic barriers.
Education, touted as a gateway to empowerment, remains elusive for many transgender individuals. Despite policies promoting inclusivity, discrimination and social stigma persist within educational institutions, leading to dropout rates and limited access to quality education. The lack of support systems and inclusive policies within educational institutions hinders the academic and professional advancement of transgender individuals, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion.
Employment opportunities are another area of concern. While there are laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity, enforcement remains a challenge. Transgender individuals often face discrimination in the hiring process and workplace, leading to limited employment options and economic instability. The absence of inclusive workplace policies and support mechanisms further exacerbates the challenges faced by transgender individuals in accessing dignified employment.
Entrepreneurship, often heralded as a path to economic independence, is also fraught with challenges for transgender individuals. Access to financial resources, business networks, and mentorship opportunities is limited, making it difficult for transgender entrepreneurs to establish and sustain businesses. The lack of targeted support programs and inclusive business environments hinders the entrepreneurial aspirations of transgender individuals, perpetuating economic marginalization.
Moreover, societal attitudes and stigma contribute to the marginalization of transgender individuals, impacting their mental health and overall well-being. Discriminatory practices, violence, and lack of access to healthcare services further compound the challenges faced by the transgender community, making it difficult for them to access opportunities and lead fulfilling lives.
KASHIF HUSSAIN
Via email
Box letter
Security crisis
The law and order situation in Sindh is deteriorating alarmingly due to escalating banditry in rural regions and rampant highway robberies on major thoroughfares such as national highways and motorways. Urban areas are not spared, with civilians facing dual threats from bandits and corrupt police officials who exploit routine checks to commit robberies. This unchecked misconduct by law enforcement points to severe oversight deficiencies, further undermined by 15 years of governance by the PPP. Instead of using this long tenure to enhance provincial governance, politically motivated appointments have only worsened the public safety landscape. A glaring example of failed governance is the stalled Safe City Project in Karachi, which was supposed to emulate the successful surveillance models of Lahore and Islamabad but remains unimplemented. This leaves residents vulnerable to rampant criminal activities. For Sindh to regain stability, it is crucial to remove political influence from police operations and ensure merit-based appointments. Without such decisive actions, Sindh will continue to face not only unrelenting crime and violence but also significant economic decline.
GULAB UMID
Via email
