Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Release of Maula Jatt in India
The release of ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ in India, which was ready to launch on October 2 in Indian cinemas, was unfortunately delayed for one more time due to a far-right Hindu party-filled petition in court against its release. The film contains no vulgar or disrespectful content towards any culture, as it’s created for entertainment purpose. The film explores rivalry between a local hero Maula Jatt and his nemesis Noori Natt. The Legend of Maula Jatt, released in Pakistan in October 2022, is a remake of the 1979 Pakistani classic.
This act shows cowardice and insecurities of India over Pakistani talent, where Pakistan and its artistes always welcomed the new talent in town and always appreciated cross-borders. Whereas India’s politics shouldn’t come in between creativity, as Pakistan’s politics is far away from the creative industry, India should do the same. This dirty politics should not be allowed to make talent dirty, as talent and creativity are a source of harmony and love for both countries. Their extremist and vulgar politics has created much more extremism and hatred in the people of India.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana, Sindh
Genocide and weaponisation of religion
What is happening in Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon is the weaponisation of religion by extremist Zionists, with the backing of US, UK etc. in committing the worst genocide since WWII.
There are few vocal fanatical rabbis like Eliahu Mali from Yafa, with a warped mindset, who misinterpret Torah and legitimize murder in violation of Ten Commandments revealed by Almighty Allah to Moses. The Rabbi forgets that it was the brutal order of Pharoah who ordered Jacob’s family, known as Israelites, that “all newborn Israelite baby boys should be killed” as part of his plans for ethnic cleansing Egypt. Prophet Moses emerged from this plague to defeat Pharoah.
Rabbi Eliahu states “Do not spare any soul,- because he who comes to kill you in the afternoon; kill him in the morning and the one who comes to kill you here in broad sense is not the person who was 18, 16, 20, 30 years old- the one who points his weapon at you but also the Next Generation and those who give birth to the Next Generation, because in reality there is no difference, and the elderly people, and there is no such thing called an innocent creature, by the way the elderly is capable of carrying a rifle and shooting; the Torah concept is therefore very clear in the ruling. In Gaza according to estimates from IDF between 95% to98% want to annihilate us, this is silent majority, the children too should be killed, the same thing, the same majority, the children too should be killed, the same thing, the same thing when the Torah says do not spare any Soul, then you must not spare any soul today, be he is a child today, he is a youth tomorrow, a fighter”.
This Zionist mindset is similar to ISIL whose followers indulge in murder of innocent men, women, children and the elderly.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Visa for India
My name is Rizwana Rafique Suriya and I am a born Indian married to a Pakistani citizen in 1992. I have my siblings living in Pune (Maharashtra) and several other blood relatives living in Mumbai, Kolhapur and Kutch. I have not been able to visit India as my visa applications have been rejected thrice during last 9 years without assigning any reason. I used to visit my country of birth after every 2-3 years since 1992 but in the last decade, despite my best efforts and providing all necessary documents to Indian High Commission in Islamabad, my visa applications have been rejected.
I have no idea how long it will take for India and Pakistan to normalise their relations but what I know for sure is that me and many Indian citizens married to Pakistani nationals are suffering due to constrained relations between both the nations. I could not attend my parent’s funeral in the past as my visa applications were turned down due to tension on borders.
I am planning to visit India in April 2025 to meet my siblings and seek Indian embassy assistance in obtaining visit visa for myself and my family.
RIZWANA RAFIQUE
Karachi
Healthcare reforms
I am compelled to bring to attention the catastrophic state of Pakistan’s healthcare system, which teeters on the brink of collapse. The severe shortage of essential healthcare facilities and services is a stark reality, condemning countless lives to preventable suffering and death.
60% of healthcare expenditures borne by individuals, pushing families into crippling debt, alarming shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, inadequate resources, deterring medical professionals from practicing in underserved regions and unacceptable wait times for patients in need of critical care.
The government must assume responsibility for this crisis and take swift, decisive action. Pakistan’s citizens deserve a reliable, accessible and affordable healthcare system. Every day without reform condemns more lives to unnecessary suffering. Treat this crisis with the gravity it deserves and initiate transformative change.
ZAINAB ISLAM
Turbat, Balochistan
Save mother earth
The recent devastating landslides and floods in Wayanad, Kerala, India, have captured global attention. The fact of the matter is that Mother Earth has been prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. First off, our universal globe has been the most beautiful haven, nurturing numerous species and abundant resources such as towering mountains and vast oceans. All Asian countries, especially those in the Himalayan region, must take proactive steps like the strategic application of advanced technologies and large-scale afforestation to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. Such natural disasters have clearly underscored the importance of coexisting with Mother Earth. Human activities like overexploitation of natural resources have pushed our planet to its limits, significantly impacting its balance.
To reverse this trend, mega building structures must be banned across the board. Comprehensive and proactive measures such as imposing strict regulations on high-rise construction in earthquake-prone regions will go a long way in this connection. More importantly, we should shift our focus from concrete jungles to verdant landscapes.
P SENTHIL S DURAI
Maharashtra, India
