Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Apologise in public
May 9 is a date which will be remembered as “Black Day” in the history of Pakistan. This time last year, we witnessed a chaotic turn of events when state symbols and military installations came under attack following the arrest of Imran Khan. ISPR DG Major-General Ahmed Sharif has categorically said in a firm tone that dialogue with the PTI hinges on an earnest public apology. DG ISPR also with facts and figures refuted the claims of Imran Khan and his party leaders that PTI scored the majority vote of the people in election 2023.
Certainly, this reflects the hypocrisy at the side of PTI. Despite their attempts over the past year to paint a different picture, every piece of historical evidence hinted at a violent agenda, one that sought to forcefully seize power over the nation. This narrative and tactical approach is not new for the party either. The 2014 siege of the parliamentary house in the capital was a testament to the lengths that the PTI is willing to go to gain control by force. The scenes of a PTI-commandeered truck ramming into the fence of the NA is still a reminder of the party’s penchant for disorder.
We ought to remember that this siege was also in response to their allegation that elections were rigged. As we navigate the politically charged days ahead, it will be crucial for all parties, especially PTI, to abandon their individual ambitions and qualms, and instead focus on the collective interests of the people they govern. However, it is worth notable that country’s present staggering economy demands political stability that can be obtained after fair and impartial judicial system without coercion and intervention from either side unto the satisfaction of the nation.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Patients’
voice
I feel terribly sad when I notice that the voices of patients or membership engagement are not taken seriously.
Empowered patient voices play a crucial role in shaping health care systems worldwide, including in regions such as Africa, Europe, Asia, and America. Patient experiences are becoming worse, which puts tremendous pressure on hospital services to actively listen to patients’ concerns and involve them in improving the quality of care they receive.
Countries with exceedingly poor health systems often overlook patient voices, regardless of how loudly patients speak out. They should take note of other countries, such as the NHS in the UK, that strive to prioritise patient experience.
Trusts collaborate to design projects aimed at understanding the experiences of people and communities within health and care services. These initiatives provide opportunities for leaders responsible for patient experience to share insights and learn from one another.
By engaging with members, trusts, medical surgeries, and care settings, we create work and volunteer opportunities that lead to better care quality. However, more must be done to ensure that hospital services prioritise the voices of those they serve.
BEVERLEY MUTANDIRO
Harrow
Lawyers protest
Judiciary is an essential part of three constitutional primary pillars of state, the others being parliament and executive. All three exist to serve citizens of Pakistan whose taxes fund their salaries. Lahore High Court was built in 1882 and has enough space for further extension to meet needs of growing population. The Lahore City Courts located in Aiwan-i-Adl, were built by LDA in close proximity to LHC and District courts. However, the fact is that the present premises of Aiwan-e-Adl and its location in a congested area, makes access problematic for litigants.
There is not enough parking space etc. The existing location of Aiwan-i-Adl maybe convenient for lawyers because of its proximity to LHC and District Courts etc., but not for litigants. Giving priority to convenience of lawyers is like putting the cart before the horse. It is precisely for this reason that there is a need to diversify the court offices to other parts of the city. Courts exist not for the lawyers, but to provide justice to litigants.
Unfortunately, since past few decades, in the post CJP Iftikhar era, and the lawyer’s movement to restore judiciary, activism within a few lawyers is on the rise, especially amongst those affiliated with political parties. Incidents of resort to violence, like the violent protest by lawyers outside Punjab Cardiology Hospital in 2019 resulted in death of 3 patients. They attacked intensive care unit and resorted to arson and injury to scores of patients, doctors and staff. There is absolutely no justification for frequent protests, inside the LHC premises which disrupts judicial proceedings and harm litigants
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Box letter
Where’s Achche Din, Mr Modi?
Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised the people of India that he would bring down corruption within 100 days of his coming to power but he has not kept his promise Mr Modi is a man of words, not of action. He doesn’t seem to care for the common man. He only thinks of enjoying himself going abroad every now and then on the common man’s hard-earned money which they pay as taxes.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
