Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
CMC without drinking water
First Medical university of Larkana, named after late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, is facing serious issues including non-availability of basic facilities. In 21st century, it is almost impossible to imagine a university where drinking water is not available.
It has been more than a month since drinking water machines went out of order at the university campus including all departments, academic block and central library. Despite persistent complaints, principal, registrar and other authorities are not giving any affirmative response. No drinking water in this scorching heat is unimaginable. Through this letter, authorities in general and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto in particular are requested to resolve this issues at the earliest.
SAHAB KHAN
Larkana, Sindh
Heat waves warning
For years, scientists had kept warning people about the deleterious effects of their consumption habits on the environment. The relentless tree cutting, excessive use of vehicles and preference for car-centric cities, and a shift to high-rise buildings with no proper space for plantation were bound to lead to where we are today: a sweltering summer. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has announced that Pakistan may experience three heat waves in different parts during the next 25 days.
The authority says that temperatures in the first spell of heat waves will likely touch 40 degrees Celsius mark in different cities of Sindh and south Punjab that is likely to be worst affected by it. In the second phase, temperatures are likely to go up to 45 degrees C. The third heat wave is expected during the first 10 days of June, and is likely to affect a few cities in Sindh. But are ordinary Pakistanis ready to bear the heat? In fact, here a question arises, can Pakistanis afford the cooling devices required to beat the heat?
It seems like a page out of dark comedy that the NDMA’s warning coincides with the government’s announcement of increasing electricity prices, forcing people to reduce their reliance on electric appliances necessary for coping with the heat. This leaves low and middle-income households without much use of appliances like ACs or refrigerators that can bring some respite to them. People in all parts of the country are protesting against unaffordable electricity bills. Given the risks that changing weather patterns hold, many experts are of the opinion that access to electricity should be considered people’s right, and arrangements should be made to ensure that no household is left behind without power. Besides this, all private and public hospitals and healthcare units should be equipped with medicines required to treat people showing symptoms of heat stroke. People should also care more for their life, adopting precautions to beat heat waves.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Undermining democracy
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa recently highlighted the issue of relying on presidential ordinances for making laws. He questioned whether it is democratic to impose the will of one person on entire nation through an ordinance and stressed that President should provide detailed reasons for such actions. These remarks emphasise the importance of Parliament in a democratic system, where elected assembly is relevant institution for making laws. Given our history, which lacks strong democratic traditions, governments often bypass opposition and rush through legislation, ignoring constitutional rules and parliamentary practices.
The Constitution, particularly Articles 70 to 77, outlines the process for turning a bill into law. However, it has been observed that even democratic governments prefer to use presidential ordinances rather than go through Parliament. This approach is problematic because it often involves presenting bills when there is not enough attendance in the assembly to properly debate and consider them. To ensure effective and representative laws, it would be better if all bills were introduced through mutual consultation between government and opposition.
Bills should be included in the assembly’s agenda, discussed in parliamentary committees, and shaped by input both from opposition and relevant stakeholders.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that there is no substitute for Parliament in resolving political issues. In a democratic system, the institution of elected representatives is essential for making and amending laws. While presidential ordinances can temporarily address urgent legislative needs when Parliament is not in session, they must be presented in Parliament for approval or rejection or amendment. Relying too much on presidential ordinances undermines democratic principles and creates chaos and instability.
Our political leaders must understand that by weakening Parliament, they endanger not only the nation and its people but also their own political future.
GULAB UMID
Turbat, Balochistan
Feudalism
Ever since inception of the country, feudalism continues to persist with its victims surfacing time and again. Among all legacies, feudalism is the most vicious and holds an upper hand in katch area of Sindh. These feudal landlords deprive population of their rights, threat dissenters and if rarely someone still resists, the subject gets kidnapped or silenced for good.
Additionally, they are using people to engage in tribal clashes. Resultantly, these people eventually turn into bandits and kill locals ruthlessly.
To mention some references, the recent attack on a social activist, Nasurallah Gadani who belonged to District Ghotki, fell prey to feudalistic culture because he was becoming a headache for vested interests and constantly raising voice for basic rights.
Moreover, feudalism thrives at the expense of public fear and ignorance. Those endeavouring for enlightenment like Dr Ajmal Sawand and Allah Rakhyo Nindwani, were, at first, threatened and ultimately killed since they both belonged to a prestigious professional, and their role was spreading knowledge and education in society. Government should lend an ear to these issues and must ensure rule of law in these areas.
MUHAMMAD KHAN
Kandhkot, Sindh
