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PTI’s protest call
PTI’s call for a protest at D-Chowk, Islamabad, is completely unjustified. It clearly reveals PTI leadership’s intent to create disorder in federal capital. With important SCO Conference set to commence in Islamabad on October 15, this is not the time for protest marches or sit-ins. It is truly regrettable that PTI leadership fails to understand how such actions undermine Pakistan’s dignity and international standing.
The two-day, high-profile 2024 SCO Summit, scheduled to begin in Islamabad on October 15, will bring together leaders from nine member states — India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Russia — to address critical issues like regional security, economic cooperation and counter-terrorism.
According to a prominent English daily, around 900 delegates are expected to attend this 23rd SCO Summit. Any attempt by PTI to disrupt such a significant international event would severely damage Pakistan’s image on the global stage. Frankly, the country has had enough of these protest marches and sit-ins. They have brought no tangible benefits, only considerable harm. The state must assert its authority and ensure that SCO summit proceeds without disruption.
M. Fazal Elahi
Islamabad
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The PTI’s planned protest at D-chowk during the SCO summit is a clear example of political imprudence and irresponsibility. It is doubtless that PTI has become more of a cult than a legitimate political party. No positive result is expected but a negative impression on the visiting delegates of SCO. The actions and decisions of its leadership reflect a refusal to engage in any meaningful political discourse.
By consistently avoiding political platforms and instead resorting to disruptive tactics, the party undermines its claim of representing the interests of people. Instead of dragging issues in courts and streets a political party should play its active role in Parliament yet behaviour of PTI’ leadership has been nothing short of reckless. Reaching out to the IMF to request cancellation of loan for Pakistan, a vital financial resource for country’s economy is both baffling and detrimental. Refusing to attend parliamentary sessions, such as those meant to show solidarity with Palestine, further demonstrates party’s neglect of national responsibilities.
And now, calling for protests on the occasion of SCO summit is simply irresponsible but an act of political sabotage. The world will be watching Pakistan, a country already facing immense challenges, and instead of showing unity and competence, the PTI seeks to create chaos.
This behaviour undoubtedly reflects misconduct of a party concerned about nation’s welfare, as disruption and political terrorism are no substitute for meaningful dialogue and policy development. The PTI needs serious introspection especially when so much is at stake on global stage. This continuous chaotic politics is also a threat to peace and stability for the only nuclear state in Muslim world.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI,
Lahore
Gatekeepers of greed
At the border, corrupt officials are exploiting vulnerable students and their families by demanding bribes in exchange for favourable results on their papers. These officials, tasked with verifying authenticity of documents such as passports, visas and academic transcripts are instead taking advantage of their position to extort money from desperate parents. They scrutinise papers, not to ensure their legitimacy, but to identify opportunities to extract payments, often ranging from $500 to $2,000 or more. With each passing day, the situation worsens, as more families fall prey to their greed. The officials’ actions not only undermine integrity of the system but also cause significant financial hardship for those who can least afford it. Students are being held hostage by these corrupt individuals, who are more interested in lining their own pockets than in upholding their duties. The situation demands urgent attention and action to prevent further exploitation and ensure that the border paper verification process is fair, transparent, and corruption-free.
MUNAEZA NASIR
Kech, Balochistan
Allocate special grant
Sahibzada Educational Complex (SEC) is a private educational institute established in Sara-i- Naurang city of Lakki Marwat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by a local Sahibzada family in collaboration with a retired professor of Cadet College Razmak some fifteen years ago. Its main objectives are to impart quality education to youngsters hailing from different parts of the district. The teaching staff comprising both male and female recruited on gender basis for this esteemed institute are either retired employees from government run educational institutions or highly qualified and experienced in their respective fields. ARYAN KHAN WAZIR
Lakki Marwat, KP
