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Underage driving epidemic
Why do we need a completely unwarranted loss of human life to recognize the havoc caused by numerous underage drivers turning Lahore’s roads into tragic death traps? Would punishing one individual dare to change the status quo where iron-clad impunity enables these children to disregard the country’s law or even basic driving etiquette? The heart-wrenching hit-and-run has brought this issue to light. There is an urgent need for stricter measures and holding parents responsible for such actions.
The proliferation of underage drivers on Lahore’s roads is a ticking time bomb. Easy access to vehicles and lax traffic law enforcement embolden minors to drive recklessly, especially on signal-free streets, endangering countless lives. Even if the law fully punishes offenders, it cannot undo the unbearable grief of parents who lose a child or have another in critical condition. The consequences are devastating and far-reaching.
The authorities would have to repeat the determination shown last year when they launched a crackdown against underage drivers with swift and decisive measures to deter others from following this dangerous practice. Education and awareness campaigns should also be launched to emphasize the importance of road safety and responsible driving yet at the end of the day, only increased surveillance holds the key to identifying these drivers and stopping them from taking any more lives.
However, no lasting change can occur until our parents realise the need to instil a sense of responsibility and respect for the law in children. Sitting behind the wheel and stepping on the gas can be exhilarating, but young drivers must understand that even the smallest mistake can lead to unforgettable and tragic consequences when so many lives are at risk. Besides traffic police, the Dolphin Force should also be empowered to restrain this s nuisance for the sake of people’s lives.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Horrific crime committed
In Sanghar district, a horrific crime was committed when a local landlord and five henchmen chopped off the leg of a camel after he wandered into the landlord’s fields and damaged his crops. A prosthetic limb will be implanted to this poor animal in Karachi. The culprits have been arrested and the Sanghar police have become doubly vigilant after the camel’s owner was reported to have been murdered. That was not the only tale of man’s cruelty towards fellow creatures.
In Rawat, in Rawalpindi district, a donkey’s ears were cut off after it disappeared. Though they are relatives, the donkey’s owner was accused of having murdered the father of the alleged ear-cutter. The law contains remedies for all grievances and there seems to have been no need to go to animals, except under some misguided sense of causing the owner pain.
The camel’s depredations are defined as the crime of mischief, for which the punishment is a three-month sentence, apart from the civil remedy of suing for damages. Damaging the camel, on the other hand, carries a five-year sentence, as does damaging or maiming any other animal worth more than Rs 50. That such brutal crimes have been committed on animals to coincide with Eid-ul-Azha is a mockery of the sacred day. We are forcibly reminded that Islam has not taken the easy way out of veganism or vegetarianism, but has made it obligatory to carry out the sacrifice with as little suffering for the sacrificial animal as possible.
The need to vent one’s spleen on poor dumb animals, dragging them into human quarrels, is a sheer crime against a tongueless innocent creature. This is the impulse behind cock-fighting and dog-fighting, the latter of which is supposedly illegal, but are popular rural sports, as is bear-baiting. The crime must become hateful through education and civilization. This cruel instinct in a man can only be eliminated only through persuasion and guidance.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Gaza humanitarian crisis
Gaza, governed by Hamas, is currently embroiled in a severe humanitarian crisis. The region faces critical shortages of fuel, water, and electricity, exacerbating an already fragile healthcare system that is on the brink of collapse.
Recent military actions have further compounded the situation, with Israeli forces targeting what they claim are Hamas installations. These operations have resulted in civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure damage, intensifying the suffering of Gaza’s population.
The conflict is deeply rooted in historical and political tensions dating back to the establishment of Israel in 1948. Since then, disputes over territory and sovereignty have persisted, fueling decades of unrest and periodic escalations of violence. The international community remains deeply divided on how to address these issues, with divergent views on the rights and claims of both Palestinians and Israelis.
Amidst these challenges, efforts for humanitarian assistance and diplomatic solutions are paramount. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations are actively engaged in delivering life-saving aid to Gaza, while also calling for immediate ceasefires and negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting peace. However, achieving consensus and sustainable solutions continues to be elusive, as geopolitical interests and longstanding grievances complicate efforts for a peaceful resolution.
The plight of Gaza has garnered global attention and sparked widespread protests and calls for solidarity from various quarters. Advocates for Palestinian rights emphasize the need for international solidarity and support, urging governments and individuals alike to take action to alleviate the suffering and promote justice for the people of Gaza. As the situation unfolds, the international community faces the urgent task of finding equitable and enduring solutions that uphold the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
NAVERA AARA
Hyderabad
Box letter
Mental health masking
In a society full of judgmental people, we often feel the need to mask our true selves to avoid judgment. Today, a majority of young people face mental health issues and feel compelled to hide them because of societal pressures. People have labelled Gen Z as the “depressed generation,” but that’s not accurate; many of these issues stem from the trauma passed down by millennials. There is no one to listen to young people and their problems. Additionally, many people these days cannot express their emotions properly, a behaviour known as masking. Masking is dangerous and carries many risks. It can lead to mental instability and trauma, causing individuals to become mentally unstable. In some cases, people might take revenge by repeating the harmful behaviours they have experienced. Masking has serious side effects. Over time, it can break your willpower, negatively impact your health, and lead to various diseases. While masking might temporarily improve self-esteem, the long-term consequences are harmful. There are only two solutions to this problem: either stop masking our feelings or seek help without fearing judgment. Self-care and maintaining good health are essential for living a good life and helping others.
SANA SARFARAZ
Karachi
