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Disheartening defeat
Sports competitions, though primarily meant for positive entertainment, hold a deep emotional connection for the people of Pakistan, especially when it comes to cricket. Cricket, in Pakistan, is not just a game; it’s a passion that resonates with the national spirit. This emotional bond is evident in every match, even in the five-day-long Test matches. However, it is with great regret that one must acknowledge the persistent disappointment the national team has been delivering to its devoted fans. The recent Rawalpindi Test match is a stark reminder of this continuing trend.
In what can only be described as a lacklustre performance, the Pakistani cricket team was bowled out for a mere 146 runs in their second innings. This feeble score left Bangladesh with a trivial target of just 30 runs to chase for victory. Earlier in the match, Pakistan had posted a respectable 448 runs in their first innings, but Bangladesh outshone them by scoring 565 runs, securing a commanding lead of 117 runs. Bangladesh effortlessly chased down the target without losing a single wicket, securing a historic ten-wicket victory over Pakistan. This defeat is particularly significant as it marks the first time the Pakistan cricket team has lost to Bangladesh in Test cricket.
This embarrassing defeat follows closely on the heels of Pakistan’s dismal performance in the recent T20 World Cup, where the players displayed a glaring lack of responsibility and professionalism on the field. In response to that failure, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had hinted at making drastic changes to the team, suggesting a “surgery” to address the issues. However, the poor performance in the Rawalpindi Test match has made it abundantly clear that the problems run deeper than just a few players or a bad match. This is not a matter that can be fixed with mere surgery; it requires a complete overhaul of the system.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Political developments
The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government was toppled following widespread student protests, has sparked significant debate across South Asia. This unexpected shift in power has not only altered the political landscape of Bangladesh but also carries implications for regional stability, particularly for Pakistan.
Sheikh Hasina’s administration has been marked by a strong anti-Pakistan stance, often using it as a tool to consolidate power domestically. The fall of her government could potentially lead to a recalibration of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. For Pakistan, this might open avenues for diplomatic engagement and a reduction in the hostility that has marred relations between the two countries in recent years.
However, the stability of the region remains uncertain. While the new interim government in Bangladesh has the opportunity to mend ties and foster a more cooperative South Asian environment, it is too early to predict their course of action. Pakistan must tread carefully, offering support for democratic processes while preparing for any geopolitical shifts that may arise.
In conclusion, while this change in Bangladesh presents a chance for improved relations, it is crucial for Pakistan to remain vigilant and proactive in its foreign policy to ensure stability in the region.
TANIA DEVI
Hyderabad
Passport delays
On 18 April 2024, I decided to renew my passport online due to the overwhelming crowds at the Saddar passport office in Karachi. The Director General Immigration and Passport (DGIP) website indicated a normal delivery time of 12 days. However, after waiting 15 days, I contacted the DGIP helpline in Islamabad and was informed that the delivery would now take 2 months. When I followed up 60 days later, I was shocked to learn the wait had extended to 2 to 3 more months.
Recent reports in the media reveal that as of May 2024, there is a backlog of 0.8 million passports. The delivery time for urgent passports has increased to 45 days, compared to the previous 4 days. This backlog is causing significant delays and frustration for many applicants. During a visit to the Saddar Passport Office to inquire about my application, I discovered that the last batch of normal passports was delivered from Islamabad on May 29, 2024. Since then, no normal passports have been printed or dispatched. The staff at the delivery counter told me bluntly that only “God knows” when I will receive my passport.
In contrast, those applying under the fast-track category are receiving their passports within 2 days, highlighting a clear disparity. It appears that the DGIP has created a divide between those who can afford to pay 7,000 to 12,000 rupees for expedited service and those who cannot. This situation is causing inequitable treatment of applicants.
The stated reasons for the delay include issues with passport booklet production and printing ink. This suggests a failure in the Interior Ministry which oversees passport issuance. The Ministry must take immediate action to address this backlog, as it is directly impacting individuals needing passports for travel, education, work, medical treatment and family visits.
M RAFIQUE ZAKARIA
Karachi
