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Tributes to journalism
Today, 28 September, is World News Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about journalism and amplifying the voices of the people to concerned authorities. This day should not merely be a remembrance of journalism but a commitment to ensuring its safety. Thousands of tributes are owed to journalists who were martyred for speaking the truth. Murderers can kill journalists, but they cannot kill the story or silence the oppressed.
On this day, I pay tribute to the brave journalist Nasrullah Gadani, who raised the voices of the oppressed. His family members are still in pursuit of justice for him. It is astonishing that, despite evidence exposing the murderers, the District Ghotki Police have yet to arrest them.
Nasrullah Gadani, from Ghotki, Sindh, was martyred on 24 May under the orders of MNA Mir Khalid Ahmed Khan Lund. He belongs to a political family in Ghotki and is among those corrupt individuals whose presence threatens the local masses. The journalist reported on Mir Khalid Lund’s corruption, misappropriating funds meant for the poor and local citizens. By reflecting this issue in various reports, Gadani held a mirror to this feudal lord. Ultimately, Mir Khalid Lund conspired to murder him, leading to his tragic death at the hands of two armed men affiliated with Lund’s party.
Despite an FIR filed against Mir Khalid Lund and his sons, the police have yet to arrest these perpetrators. This reflects the harsh reality of justice in Pakistan, where wealthy individuals often evade accountability while the underprivileged suffer. On this World News Day, I urge higher-ranking officers and the SSP of District Ghotki to arrest the murderers of Nasrullah Gadani and ensure justice for him and his family. This will serve justice for all journalists who have faced violence.
SADAM HUSSAIN
Ghotki, Sindh
Cricket over citizens’ rights?
The recent T20I cricket series in Multan has once again laid bare the government’s skewed priorities, where the interests of cricket enthusiasts are accorded precedence over the welfare of citizens. The decision to accommodate teams at Ramada Hotel Multan, situated in the heart of the city, has resulted in groundless disruptions to public life. The closure of roads and consequent traffic jams has made it exceedingly difficult for critical cardiac patients from peripheral areas to access medical facility. Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department, responsible for managing the province’s vital groundwater resources, remains shuttered, imperilling the livelihood of farmers and the daily life of citizens.
This flagrant instance of misplaced priorities raises fundamental questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the fundamental rights of citizens, enshrined in the Constitution (Articles 9, 14, 25, and 37) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is nothing short of astonishing that the state appears to prioritize the interests of cricket over the wellbeing of its citizens. To mitigate this crisis, the government must reconsider its decision-making process and ensure that the accommodation of cricket teams does not come at the expense of citizens’ rights.
Alternative arrangements must be made to minimize disruptions; cricket teams are better accommodated in proximity to the stadium, the rights of cardiac patients are preserved, access to medical facilities is ensured and the irrigation department must be reopened forthwith for the populace. Only by prioritizing citizens’ welfare can the government restore its credibility and uphold the principles of good governance.
DR MEHBOOB HASSAN
Multan
Where our
nation is going?
I recently read an insightful column in a contemporary publication on September 12, 2024, written by Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, a renowned politician who recently survived a horrific road accident in Karachi. After reading it, I felt not just terrible for Dr. Vankwani, but also for us as a nation. What are we doing? We constantly criticize others, especially our politicians, claiming they aren’t doing enough for the country. But what are we doing ourselves? When we witness something wrong right in front of us, instead of stepping in to help, we often just pull out our mobile phones to start recording videos. This happened in Dr. Vankwani’s case – fortunately, he was able to share his insights with us. However, there are countless others in similar situations, and we do nothing.
As humans, we should be responsible enough to help those in need. Precious lives could be saved if we took action instead of blaming others for inaction. We should be the first to step forward and help because, in the end, we will have to answer to the Almighty, Who created the universe. What will we say when asked what we were doing while someone was dying in front of us? Will we say we were recording and posting it on social media? Will we be able to forgive ourselves if we had the chance to help but didn’t? No, we won’t, because deep down we know it’s wrong.
I also believe we must follow traffic rules that are in place for our safety. Additionally, the government needs to do more, not just in enforcing these rules but in raising awareness. This could be done through various channels, particularly social media, as it’s widely used. This approach would be both effective and helpful.
AYESHA AFZAL
Rawalpindi
Silent suffering
The rising concern about psychological problems is alarming. People still hesitate to visit psychiatrists or psychologists due to societal stigma, associating these professionals with madness. This stigma has harmed many individuals both mentally and physically. Nowadays, people are suffering more from mental health issues that often go undiagnosed. It is imperative for individuals to receive proper treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, and panic attacks, as these are urgent issues that are increasing rapidly.
According to an article by Cambridge University Press analyzing global burden of disease data from 1990 to 2019, evidence from Pakistan indicates that risk factors for developing mental disorders include gender (with women at higher risk), poverty, domestic violence, adverse childhood experiences, lack of social support, and low educational status. Restrictions due to lockdowns and social distancing in response to COVID-19 led to an economic recession, which subsequently increased the rates of mental health disorders, including self-harm and suicide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 45.5 million people suffer from mental disorders in Pakistan, with depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia being the most prevalent. However, in Pakistan, mental health issues often go unnoticed and untreated, hidden behind a veil of stigma and ignorance. This neglect exacerbates the suffering of affected individuals, who struggle in silence due to limited access to quality care.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
