Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Typhoid triggered
Efforts must, of course, be made to ensure clean drinking water and living conditions for millions and millions of households across the country, but the problem that triggered this variant, and which must be fixed first, is the deregulated medical sector that is responsible for such malpractice on such a large scale.
A country with the highest poverty and illiteracy rates in the world is bound to suffer more than its fair share of medical problems, and such problems are compounded when so-called doctors prescribe remedies that ultimately strengthen viruses, making them drug-resistant. Typhoid is also a contagious disease; hence the news about a few boys falling sick in some parts of the country. Such situations require very serious attention from the state.
The cocktail of problems that are typical of poor, third-world countries with extremely high population, poverty and illiteracy levels. The poorest suffer the most, of course, and since have the least resources, such problems come with a powerful multiplier effect. The ever rising prices of medicines have broken the purchase power of the people. It is prime responsibility of the government to provide prescribed medicines and test facilities in hospitals and BHUs on priority basis.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Silent suffering
I was deeply moved and equally disturbed after reading Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani’s account of his recent road accident in Karachi. The harrowing details of the incident reveal the severe shortcomings in road safety measures and the alarming degree of social apathy that plagues our society.
Dr. Vankwani’s experience highlights a pressing issue in Pakistan: the unwillingness of bystanders to assist accident victims. It is disheartening to read how multiple people prioritized recording the incident over offering help. This behavior highlights a broader societal issue, where individuals shy away from taking responsibility or acting in emergencies, often due to fear of involvement or mere indifference. This lack of compassion was mirrored in Dr. Vankwani’s recounting of how even police assistance was delayed, a disturbing reflection on the negligence of those tasked with public safety.
The increase in road accidents in Pakistan, due to factors such as reckless driving, lack of adherence to traffic rules, and insufficient enforcement, demands urgent attention. Additionally, timely medical assistance is crucial in such situations, and it’s unfortunate that our emergency response systems are either too slow or non-existent in many cases.
I strongly believe that raising public awareness about road safety and fostering a sense of responsibility within society is essential. Media, schools, and civic organizations must actively promote empathy and the importance of immediate assistance to accident victims. Additionally, our government should enforce strict traffic laws and ensure the availability of efficient rescue services on major roads. Dr. Vankwani’s ordeal is a wake-up call. It’s time we acknowledge and address this public apathy before more lives are lost unnecessarily.
MARRYAM ABID
Lahore
Corporal punishment
Corporal punishment has no place in our education system. It is a counterproductive and harmful practice that can have severe, long-lasting consequences on students’ physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. Research has consistently shown that corporal punishment can lead to depression, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, impaired cognitive function and increased aggression.
Teachers are trained professionals who should utilize effective, non-violent methods to manage classrooms and promote discipline. Alternative strategies such as positive reinforcement, restorative justice, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution have proven successful. Rather than resorting to corporal punishment, teachers should strive to understand and address the underlying issues driving student behaviour.
The government must take immediate action to protect students from this harmful practice. We urge policymakers to ban corporal punishment in all educational institutions and provide teachers with training on alternative discipline methods. By promoting a safe, supportive learning environment, we can foster the wellbeing and success of all students.
ULFAT NAZEER
Singanisar
Accident apathy
I am writing to express my sincere concerns over Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani’s recent column regarding his unfortunate road accident. It was extremely unsettling to learn about his harrowing experience of being overlooked by passersby even in such a compelling situation. This alone speaks volumes about the erosion of selflessness and empathy in our society.
While Dr. Vankwani highlights pertinent concerns regarding the lack of road safety measures and growing apathy, I believe a deeper and more complex issue drives people to become reluctant to lend a hand, which is nothing but the fear of becoming a target of fraudulent activities and violent crimes. In today’s world, numerous cases are reported every day, explaining how people end up getting lured into seemingly innocent situations and getting their goodwill exploited.
In the first seven months of 2024 in Karachi, a total of 44,000 crime cases were reported, involving car theft, extortion, mobile snatching, and kidnapping for ransom. Hence, It is no surprise that our community has grown desensitized to the crisis of others.
SARAH KHAN
Islamabad
