Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Aurat march controversy
There has been a furore in Pakistan about Aurat March and their slogan “Mera Jism, Meri Marzi”, with conflicting interpretations by a few and some insisting on giving it a negative connotation. Would there have been such a pandemonium if such a slogan was raised by men? A sick mind has always been considered the devils workshop. Those who had only objections could have adopted a more civil approach and requested organizers of Aurat March to either modify this slogan or else elaborate on interpretation that organizers of this movement have in mind. What is shocking is that a few religious party leaders have jumped in and are trying to make it an issue.
We must remember shameful episode, when a prominent Baluchistan Senator stunned everybody when Senator Bibi Yasmin of PML (Q) raised issue citing newspaper reports by defending burying alive of three teenage girls and two women in his province in 2008. Three of these girls were aged between 16 and 18 years and were reportedly buried alive in a remote village of Jafarabad district in July 2008 for wishing to marry of their own choice. Although Islam insists upon fundamental right of women to marry men of their choice and their mandatory consent, yet male dominated culture which we have inherited by living in a Hindu majority country, where custom of Sathi, burying widows alive, was practised for centuries.
Yet there was a majority which succumbed, including religious parties, when prominent senators took refuge behind century-old customs and traditions, however repugnant they maybe. Holy Koran forbids burying alive of women. Let us respect women’s basic fundamental rights that Islam and Constitution gives them. Islam places restrictions not just on women but also on men and state’s responsibility to protect rights of children and orphans, which are often violated.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Women’s day
Every year on 8th of March, International Women’s Day is celebrated as worldwide event to honour women’s accomplishments from political to social. The original aim of this day is to achieve full gender equality for women around the world which has still not been realized. Figures show that globally, women’s education, health and violence towards women is still worse than that of men. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
Women are now highly appreciated for their role not only in domestic chores but globally also. There is a need to create awareness among them on their rights in family laws, social justice, women and child health and other vital women rights which can provide them secure and better living. In Pakistan, there is a need to educate, appreciation, care, support, affection and salutation for every duty they perform in any capacity as it will not boost their energy but their contribution towards better society will increase manifolds. “Every man needs a woman when his life is mess, because just like the game of chess – the queen protects the king”
HAFSA NADEEM
Islamabad
Bura na maano Holi hai
The festival of Holi gives us the message of friendship and goodwill. On this occasion we forget our old quarrels with people and mix with one another freely. At least for a day we forget social distinctions completely. On Holi, there is no difference between the rich and the poor. Holi gives us great joy. It is a happy occasion when we forget our cares and anxieties. But the festival has got some evils too.
Many people get drunk on this occasion. They indulge in rowdy behaviour and apply colours that are dangerous for health. Some people sing indecent songs and abuse women too. We should celebrate Holi in a decent way. We must realise that it is a festival of joy and friendship. We should share our joys with others. The real spirit of the festival should be maintained. Holi is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with a lot of non-Hindus too. Holi celebrations begin with the lighting of a bonfire the previous night. Numerous legends and stories are associated with the festival which makes it more exuberant and vivid.
People put ‘gulal’ and ‘abeer’ on each other’s faces and cheer up saying, “bura na maano Holi hai”. People who want to celebrate Holi in the real spirit of colours should be confined to certain areas along with the willing partners so that others are not offended or subjected to inconvenience. The way the unsuspecting passersby are discoloured with toxic dyes renders it as an unholy affair. Let’s have a holy Holi.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Via email
Rise of E-Commerce
E-Commerce is an opportunity to bring people in the mainstream and connect them with international markets through global online platforms. It can facilitate freelancers and start-ups run by young people, women and rural workers especially ones involved in manufacturing/supplying local handicrafts.
I believe this is the break businesses are looking for in these tough economic times. Many of the institutions are now conducting trainings on e-Commerce completely free of cost to build up the skills of youngsters and entrepreneurs which would help them to boost their profit returns even more. While capitalizing on such efforts, Pakistan can step up and take measures to increase the competitiveness of local e-Commerce players, thereby enhancing their share in local and global trade.
KANWAL ASHRAF
Islamabad
Politics of othering
Almost 41 people have been killed in the recent Delhi riots that erupted in India’s capital city amidst the ongoing demonstrations against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The sheepish silence of the Modi government is making things worse. The impunity with which the entire drama unfolded just when Donald Trump, a representative of the world’s most powerful country was in India, is absolutely shocking. India should stop pretending to be a secular democracy. The facade has fallen. Arvind Kejriwal, the CM of Delhi, too can go and chant the Hanuman Chalisa as much as he pleases, but the lives lost cannot be brought back.
It is highly shameful that it takes a Roger Waters to recognise and read out a translation of poet-activist Aamir Aziz’s poem at a protest in London, describing the CAA as ‘’fascist’ and ‘racist’, while our leaders back home continue with their game of appeasement politics, distancing and othering our very own people.
JUBEL D’CRUZ,
India
Greece-Turkey migrant crisis
Thousands of migrants gathered at Greek border shows the beginning of another migration crisis for Europe. Since Turkish government announced last week that it would not impede those seeking to enter Europe, thousands of Afghans, Iranians, Syrians, Pakistanis and others from Africa and Asia are rushing to try their luck. It is adequately clear that Europe has not learnt anything from the previous exodus of migrants or gathered its resources to permanently fix such kind of crisis.
It is also bizarre that the Greek government has stopped processing asylum applications for a month, closed the land border and rushed in military and police reinforcements. This is a knee-jerk reaction which will not solve the migrant crisis in the short and long run. The solution of mass migrations resides in host countries and any efforts to fix such crisis without involving host countries will definitely crumble.
HANDSEN CHIKOWORE
London
