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Blast from the past?
The PTI protesters’ attempt to hold a rally in D-Chowk, Islamabad, on Friday may have been an effort to revive memories of the past. Back in 2014, it was the sit-in at D-Chowk that marked a significant moment in Pakistan’s political history. The chaotic agitation witnessed on that day was swiftly suppressed by law enforcement agencies, especially in the light of previous PTI protests. Notably, the PTI’s earlier sit-in had even persuaded the Chinese President to cancel a scheduled visit.
With the upcoming SCO Summit starting on September 16, the prospect of a PTI sit-in at D-Chowk was bound to make the government uncomfortable. This discomfort intensified following comments from the KP Information Adviser, who stated that the PTI would invite the Indian Foreign Minister to address the rally during his visit. Regardless of the likelihood of a foreign dignitary addressing any event, the optics of involving India in Pakistan’s political matters is highly objectionable and deplorable.
The PTI must recognize that its cause—the release of its chief, Imran Khan—is purely a domestic political issue. Involving foreign dignitaries only complicates matters and creates poor optics. Indian commentators had expressed jubilation over the attacks on installations on May 9, claiming that the PTI had achieved something India had not: driving a wedge between the Pakistani people and the Army.
The PTI’s power struggle against Mian Nawaz Sharif was once bolstered by powerful friends in high places. However, those allies no longer support them. The party must now rely on peaceful and lawful means of protest instead of inciting chaos and arranging violent agitation which only hinders the country’s economic development.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
A beautiful capital in distress
Islamabad is ranked as the second most beautiful capital city after London, but the current situation has left many of us feeling disheartened. Commuters face traffic disruptions at least once or twice a month, turning it into a frustrating routine.
Recently, the police have taken extreme measures to prevent PTI protesters from reaching D-Chowk, creating a challenging situation for the twin cities. If PTI wishes to hold a procession, it would be better for them to do so in a way that doesn’t leave the entire city in distress. I urge the government not to turn our beautiful capital into a “container capital.” We cherish our city and its people, and we hope for a peaceful resolution that allows everyone to express their views without disrupting daily life.
HIRA AYAZ
Islamabad
Inequality discrimination
In discrimination, there is a significant issue of inequality, particularly affecting women. Many people fail to understand the challenges women face compared to men. Women often have qualities that are equally valuable in relationships, jobs and other areas, yet they still experience discrimination. This inequality prevents women from achieving their full potential and accessing opportunities. It’s important to recognize and address these disparities to create a more equitable society for everyone.
SAFIA HASIL
Peshawar
Impeding petrol theft
People in Pakistan are currently facing the highest petrol prices ever, with little hope for a decrease in the near or distant future. They are compelled to pay these prices, as travelling is nearly impossible without a vehicle or motorcycle.
There is a widespread complaint that customers do not receive the full amount of petrol for which they pay, as petrol is often siphoned off by personnel at petrol pumps. Unfortunately, customers are unable to challenge the monopoly of these employees who dispense fuel into vehicles and motorcycles. While altercations sometimes occur when employees are caught stealing, these incidents are rare. People, especially in bustling cities like Karachi, tend to be in a hurry and continue to suffer in silence.
Enduring these losses is not a viable solution; instead, reform is necessary. The people of the country should have the freedom to fill petrol in their vehicles and motorcycles themselves, as is common in many other parts of the world. Petrol pump employees should monitor this process, ensuring that customers fill their vehicles with the precise amount of petrol for which they have paid before the dispensing begins. The sooner we adopt this policy, the better we can address petrol theft. The government should mandate that all petrol pumps comply with this regulation nationwide and strict action should be taken against those that do not.
FAISAL ANSAR
Karachi
