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Dengue in Turbat
In Turbat, Balochistan, dengue has become severely lethal. Over 7,000 individuals have been diagnosed with the disease in the Kech district of Makran division. Moreover, the lack of necessary equipment and facilities in hospitals is exacerbating the situation, making it difficult for people to survive and tackle this hazardous disease.
Doctors and nurses are working painstakingly to prevent it, but it’s unfortunate to say that the government, along with concerned institutions, is not providing an efficient response. However, to hinder dengue, it’s imperative to take firm action and ensure a healthy environment. The government of Balochistan should provide the necessary tools and equipment to protect the people from this disease.
M KHAN SHARIF
Turbat
Tatmadaw haunts Myanmar
Myanmar, despite its vast resources of tin, tungsten, copper, gold, zinc, lead, nickel, silver, timber, gemstones, oil and gas reserves, faces unrest, ethnic strife, poverty, insecurity and international isolation, courtesy authoritarian role of, what is known in Burmese language as Tatmadaw. Its opium production makes it largest producer contributing 36% of global trade. Malnutrition, unemployment and inflation has impacted large majority.
Aung San Sui Kyi, daughter of Aung Sun, who led the BNA in 1941 and 1945 to liberate Burma, was elected in November 2020 general elections. She was arrested in January 2022 and is still in prison serving a 27year sentence. In 2008 the Tatmadaw rewrote Myanmar Constitution, outlawed political parties and in their attempt to divert public opinion, collaborated with corrupt Buddhist monks to persecute Rohingya Muslim minority, perpetrating worst human rights violation and ethnic cleansing. The Tatmadaw has ventured into commercial business since 1962 coup. They formed Myanmar Economic Corporation MEC, and Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd MEHL, with stakes in everything from banking, mining, real estate, tobacco and tourism industry etc.
The son of coup leader Aung Hlaing owns several companies, such as beach resort and national telecom Mytel. Given tight control and immunity from accountability and taxation, it is hard to quantify their total assets. According to reports from 1990 to 2011, MEHL was worth $16.6b, as compared to 2021 national forex reserves of $8.3b. Today there is widespread unrest, especially amongst youth, for discrimination in opportunities and domination by Tatmadaw and their family members in all spheres, and denial of basic civil rights etc. Myanmar has become an international pariah state, whilst Tatmadaw junta has become richer yet country and its population are living on edge. Lessons should be learnt.
ALI MALIK TARIQ
Lahore
Mothers
A mother is profoundly a guiding light in our lives, who teaches us lessons of life. We know some mothers may live in an outdated era, but their experiences are true enlightenment in our lives. We should learn from their life lessons. A mother who wakes up all night if we feel sick or if we suffer from any pain, the first word we take out of our mouths is ami, amma, mama, maa. We should never forget their struggle for us, and we not only celebrate them on Mother’s Day but also cherish them daily.
I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all mothers in the world. I extremely appreciate your presence in our lives and its profound impact. You went through a lot being a mother you are a wife, a daughter, a sister, and you are woman definitely, your life is more difficult than others; your obstacles are more difficult than others; and your struggle is more difficult than others. I would like to take a moment to appreciate my mother, whose journey is truly a guiding light. Mothers are always with us from nightmares to dark days, you have secured us in your lap. May all mothers have a healthy, long and prosperous life, may your desires be fulfilled and dreams come true. Stay blessed and happy.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana, Sindh
Drug abuse
Drug abuse has become widespread, causing immense harm not only to individuals but also to families and communities. Lives are being lost, and many are suffering from mental health issues and depression as a result of drug addiction.
The impact of drug addiction extends far beyond individuals directly involved. Families are torn apart and communities are destabilised by devastating effects of drug abuse. Meanwhile, drug dealers profit from the misery they inflict, leading luxurious lives while others suffer. I urge government to take immediate and decisive action to address this crisis. It is imperative to implement stringent measures to stop the flow of drugs and crack down on drug dealers.
ZARA TARIQ
Turbat, Balochistan
Governance crisis
In today’s world, the governance of societies and states is supposed to be driven by systematic approaches rather than individual whims. However, we often find ourselves grappling with consequences of neglecting this fundamental principle.
As we witness advancements and progress around the globe, we can’t help but question why we fall short in achieving similar feats. What happened to wisdom and scientific advancements of the past? How did we, who were once epitome of prosperity and industrial advancement, descend into such depths of degradation?
The answer lies in our failure to prioritise effective leadership that serves interests of the people rather than personal gains. Our institutions have fallen into the hands of those whose vision is clouded by self-interest, incompetence, and political manoeuvrings. Instead of fostering an environment conducive to growth and well-being, these entities have become instruments of oppression and exploitation. The crisis of governance we face today can only be overcome by prioritising systems over personal agendas. It’s time for our leaders to rise above petty politics and focus on the task at hand — creating prosperity and progress for every citizen. Only then can we truly claim to be on path to greatness.
GULAB UMID
Turbat, Balochistan
Juvenile
delinquency
The government of Pakistan has recently announced a four year ‘education emergency’ to eradicate illiteracy from the country. About 26.2 million children in Pakistan are out of schools, emphasizing that educational crisis is a deep-rooted problem in the country. In addition to this, country is suffering from another hapless problem that is juvenile delinquency. As per Eurasian Review and Analysis, about 1400 juveniles are in prison and 20 percent of them are girls.
The thing that further exacerbates the situation is that 90 percent of them are awaiting trials. Also, the country doesn’t have rehabilitation centres and therapeutic facilities for them. The juvenile justice committee, which was created to handle cases of juveniles, is dysfunctional even after 5 years of passing the legislation.
The current juvenile justice system is cumbersome and prone to procedural bottlenecks.
MARIA ZULFIQAR
Islamabad
