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Bleeding Palestine
For the past nine months, Zionist forces have unleashed a relentless assault on Gaza, resulting in the death of approximately 40,000 Palestinians, including around 13,000 children and numerous women. Most of the victims are unarmed civilians with no connections to militant groups. The ongoing violence, backed by the US and Western powers, has created a reign of terror in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Despite ICJ rulings and UNSC resolutions calling for a ceasefire, the horrific bloodshed and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians persist. Since October 7, the violence has only intensified, with ruthless assaults leaving civilians in constant fear. The entire Gaza Strip has been reduced to rubble, resembling a vast concentration camp. The area is plagued by destroyed infrastructure, raw sewage, extreme food shortages and a lack of essential medical supplies.
The dire conditions in Gaza today surpass even the horrors experienced in Nazi concentration camps. Civilians live under constant threat of bombings and ground assaults, with no safe refuge. The world watches in shock as Gaza endures unprecedented levels of devastation and famine.
QAMER SOOMRO
Shikarpur
Hidden barriers
There is a famous proverb in Africa “Educating a man means educating an individual, while educating a female means educating the whole family” Education is a major factor in development, and Pakistan provides both boys and girls with excellent education in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
However, due to societal misconceptions, sociocultural traditions, and financial constraints, it might be challenging to give girls a primitive education in some parts of south Punjab.Furthermore, the feudal lords in these regions profit from the impoverishment of the people by hiring their girls to perform housework and babysitting duties.
The constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 under article 37B lays down that.[The state shall be responsible for the eradication of illiteracy and provision of free and compulsory education up to the secondary level within the minimum possible time] further the constitution also says under its article 25A [the state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of 5 to 16 years in such manner as may be determined by law] .Since the administration ignores these matters, the constitution and laws are blatantly broken.
Early marriage poses a serious barrier to women’s education, as 21% of girls marry before reaching 18, which increases the dropout rate. Women in Pakistan are unable to pursue higher education because of the cultural fabric that typically prioritizes traditional gender standards. They also live in a strict environment where girls playing outside is frowned upon. Within the four walls of their homes, they spend the remainder of their lives.Not only is women’s education a matter of social justice in such underdeveloped places, but it also has the potential to be a transformative force that positively impacts numerous facets of human development.
MUHAMMAD ABDULRAB
Islamabad
Swamy’s death?
Jesuit priest, Fr. Stan Swamy was not a part of the Bhima-Koregaon violence and had been arrested by the NIA (National Intelligence Agency) in a dubious case of the Elgar Parishad violence.
Just because we Christians are peace-loving people and do not retaliate, it does not mean that the government and the police can take an upper hand on us.
Churches are being burnt and desecrated and the police do nothing to arrest culprits.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Police brutality
Police brutality has been an ongoing issue, yet it is not being taken seriously. Many people are fed up with the police due to their misconduct or misbehaving. Some police officers lack proper communication skills and it’s perplexing how they were appointed to their positions. Many officers are not proficient in basic skills such as reading and understanding their duties.
Often, police officers can be seen sitting in front of hotels and shops, neglecting their responsibilities. Throughout the day, they may not even dedicate an hour to their duties. These irresponsible officers order people around, insult them, yell at them and sometimes even kick them without reason.
In some cases, they arrest or lodge an FIR against innocent people who have done nothing wrong. They frequently overlook serious crimes for small bribes, contributing to the country’s lagging progress, widespread corruption and numerous problems for the public.
Recently, in Quetta, police officers assaulted Baloch women, an act contrary to the cultural norms where Baloch people never harm women. Despite this, the government has yet to take action.
We must all complain about the police misconduct, as it is causing significant problems. The government needs to take immediate action to address this issue so that our country can improve and people can lead better lives.
ALI HASSAN
Hub Chowki
Box letter
Thar’s peacocks?
The peacock is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world and no one can take their eyes off them for even a single second when they spread their rainbow-coloured feathers in the air. Sindh province, specifically the Thar area, is home to many of them, but unfortunately, their numbers have been decreasing day-by-day. There is an alarming situation out there as peacocks have been facing Rani Khait disease and dying helplessly. Furthermore, the absence of a rescue plan has raised serious questions about the competency of the Wildlife Department. Many articles and reports have been published, but the Wildlife Department has not paid any heed to them. The delay of even a single day is unaffordable at this stage. Higher authorities should and must take up this issue and solve it on an urgent basis to rescue the peacocks and formulate future plans for their survival.
AZEEM HASSAN MAITLO
Khairpur Mirs
