Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Promoting interfaith harmony
I’m writing to express my gratitude for the recent Holi event hosted by the Pakistan Hindu Council. These festivals not only represent the diversity of world customs but also function as a reminder of the necessity of intercultural work and the protection of religious tolerance in our culture.
Pakistan is an abode of various communities and their customs, and it is important that the sense of belongingness which has at its heart the respect of both faith and unfaith be created so that every Pakistani without any exceptions feels very treasured. The Holi festival is a good example of the projects that get people who convey different customs together, unite them and develop a better comprehension of each other.
The fact is, protecting religion is also compulsory for human beings as well as constitutional matters; every Pakistani citizen can enjoy this right. It is the strength of our country that it unifies its diversity and that is the reason why it is paramount to protect the freedom of non-Muslim minorities to practice their faith as they wish without being vulnerable to discrimination or persecution.
The Holi festival, indeed a beautiful global community bringing the nations together, is an event that serves to the religious communities that make Pakistan a great country. Through mediation being given to us and emphasis on dialogue of different religions we can achieve a more unified and logically diverse nation in the long run.
LAIBA KHAWAJA
Via email
Conflict reporting
Through the column of your esteemed newspaper I would like to draw the attention of the general public in the complex landscape of conflict reporting, media shoulders a pro found responsibility, one that they have information to a higher realm of ethical and moral obligation. Amidst the chaos and tumult of conflict, media bears the weighty task of being the custodian of truth fairness, and impartiality. Its role extends beyond merely capturing the sensational or the dramatic it must strive to present a nuanced narrative that reflects the multifaceted nature of conflicts, acknowledging the diversity of perspectives and experiences involved.
Media’s responsibility in conflict reporting lies not only in its power to inform but also in its potential to shape public perceptions and influence policy decisions. Therefore, it must tread with caution, recognizing the well as on the lives of those affected by those. Sensationalism has no place in this realm instead, media must uphold principles of accuracy, objectivity, and integrity, serving as a beacon of truth amidst the fog of war.
Moreover, media has a crucial role in fostering empathy and understanding among disparate communities, bridging divides, and humanizing those often reduced to mere statistics or stereotypes. By amplifying the voices of the marginalized, holding power to account, and challenging prevailing narratives, media can catalyze meaningful dialogue and contribute to the pursuit of peace and justice.
In essence, media’s responsibility in conflict reporting is not just a professional obligation; it is a moral imperative. It demands a commitment to truth, fairness, and humanity, even in the face of adversity and danger. Only by upholding these principles can media fulfil its noble role as a guardian of democracy and a beacon of hope in times of darkness.
DAWOOD SHAHZAD
Karachi
HCV virus alert
Hepatitis C viral infection is one of the many health predicaments faced by the people of Pakistan today. Globally a whopping amount of more than two billion people is in the grip of this virus painting a very disheartening picture. A report conducted by ninety various studies in Pakistan, reveals that the prevalence of Hepatitis C viral infection in adult population of Pakistan is 11.55 percent, with approximately one in ever 20 Pakistanis is already infected off HCV virus. The country ranks second globally in terms of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.
Hepatitis C Viral infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection spreads when blood that has the virus enters the bloodstream of a person who isn’t affected. Around the world, hepatitis C infection exists in several forms, called genotypes. The symptoms of Hepatitis C viral infection include: bleeding easily, itchy skin, weight loss, not wanting to eat, fatigue, jaundice etc. In jaundice the colour of white people turns yellow or pale.
One of the reasons for spiking HCV virus in our country is the non-availability of national registry or database system. The national registry or database system can provide assistance in thoroughly assessing the prevalence of HCV in our country.
M AHMAD SAJID
Raiwind
Irreparable loss
It is extremely shocking and saddening news to hear of the demise of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Undoubtedly, the loss of Ebrahim Raisi is a significant blow to the Muslim world. His unwavering commitment to Muslim States and his continuous struggle for the people of Palestine were evident to the world. Today, we have not only lost him but also his legacy. I don’t believe any leader can surpass his performance.
His way of serving his people and his commitment to justice for his state are undoubtedly milestones of achievement that he leaves behind as his memory. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to their families and to our brotherly nation, which has lost a great leader of the Muslim world. The demise of the President reminds us of the tragic killing of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. In this hard time, Pakistan’s government and Pakistan’s nation stand with you and hope that Iran will soon continue to uphold the same legacy.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Box letter
Police gundagardi
In the last three decades, different types of cases have been reported in the media which indicates the criminalisation of the Indian police. These are found in three forms: (i). Policemen committing crimes themselves. (ii). Policemen helping criminals in committing crimes and getting a share out of it. (iii). Policemen resigning from the department and joining the militant groups engaged in killing, looting and abduction. In these three types, we have not included police corruption which by itself is a serious crime. Robberies, extortion and kidnapping for ransom and rape of innocent women are some of the crimes allegedly committed by the men in khaki. Most of the traffic policemen in Mumbai and elsewhere in the country too keep fining people for no fault of theirs just to achieve their target. When this scribe complained about the harassment motorists face at the hands of our traffic policemen, the traffic department did nothing to help me out. Instead, I was abused in filthy Marathi language. One traffic policeman even snatched away my mobile phone while I was recording the abusive language he gave to a motorist and didn’t give it back to me. Even during the lockdown period, the police in India harassed citizens a lot when they stepped out of the house to buy vegetables, milk and food grains. They even beat the common man with batons and made them do sit-ups.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
