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Parachinar’s Tragic Turmoil
The sectarian strife in Parachinar, initially rooted in land disputes, has escalated into deadly confrontations. Over the years, several major incidents have underscored the gravity of the conflict. For instance, in 1994 and 1996, Sipah-e-Sahaba targeted Shia-majority villages, causing significant casualties and heightening communal divisions.
The crisis in Parachinar is driven by a complex interplay of domestic and international factors. Regionally, the influx of Afghan refugees during the US invasion and the har-bouring of Taliban and Al-Qaida militants by Sunni communities near Kurram created a deep divide. The Shia Turis’ refusal to align with these groups made them targets of hostility. Most recently, on November 23, 2024, gunmen opened fire on buses carry-ing Shia pilgrims, killing scores of people, including women and children, and injur-ing many others. Such incidents, characterized by extreme violence and disregard for human life, have transformed Parachinar from a land of peaceful coexistence to one marked by distrust, animosity and frequent bloodshed. The government must take a proactive stance against extremist elements that perpetu-ate violence. Initiatives to promote interfaith harmony and tolerance must be imple-mented, particularly targeting young people vulnerable to radicalization.
The escalating violence in Parachinar highlights the deep-seated sectarian and geopo-litical challenges facing Pakistan. If unresolved, this conflict threatens Kurram Dis-trict’s stability and Pakistan’s national security.
Sajjad Ali Memon
Darbello, Sindh
Civil unrest
What happens when we hear about political protests? Students usually get happy, thinking they will get holidays. The people of Pakistan are often glad that their leader will get justice. However, for a moment, let’s stop thinking of ourselves and consider the other side of the story: the challenges civil unrest causes for the population.
Protests in Pakistan mainly lead to road blockages. The most tragic situations arise for those who lose their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Three main incidents have been recently reported. One man, suffering from abdominal pain, died in an ambu-lance because he could not reach the hospital due to a road blockage. A woman, who had been expecting after 17 years of marriage and was at the peak of her happiness, lost her life, along with her unborn child, due to the excessive rush. The ambulance was unable to navigate through the congestion. A son couldn’t even see his father’s face one last time after he passed away, because of the protest.
This unrest is reminding us of ancient times in Pakistan. Roads are blocked, transport is halted and the internet is shut down. Islamabad, once known for its European-style roads, now resembles the streets of villages due to these protests. While we may think that protests will bring justice to a leader and, eventually, the people will get their rights, we must also consider that, alongside supporting the protest, we need to be mindful of people’s emergency situations.
Warda Younas
Islamabad
Sindh education
in Peril
Children in Sindh risk their lives to reach schools, which has become a matter of grave concern. A viral video showed children carrying their bags on their heads as they forded the canal. They were seen crossing the Naseer Canal dangerously to reach their school, sitting on the shoulders of their relatives. Multiple social media accounts claimed these children attend Government Boys High School Abdul Haq Bhargari.
This issue is not an isolated one; several others persist, yet no one is addressing them. The authorities must take immediate action, as children in Sindh have already faced serious setbacks due to extreme weather conditions. From heatwaves to floods, chil-dren are constantly prevented from attending school because of the impact of climate change.
ADAN YOUNAS
via email
Running
on empty
Islamabad is facing inflation and now the shortage of water has become another major issue. We are stuck in the grinder of rising prices. In areas such as Jinnah Garden, AECHS and E-17, bore wells were once the most reliable sources of water but are now running dry and no longer providing enough supply. Many residents now rely on water tankers to meet their daily needs. However, the cost of hiring these tankers has risen, making it unaffordable for middle and lower-middle-class families.The issue of water shortage is one of the most pressing concerns. It has caught the at-tention of the authorities, but their response has been too slow.
Warda Younas
Islamabad
Begging Culture
Recent reports highlight the rapidly growing begging culture in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It is estimated that Pakistan is home to 38 million beggars, who collec-tively receive 32 billion in charity every day. Saudi Arabia has claimed that 90% of beggars in the country are from Pakistan, and many have been arrested in Saudi Ara-bia, Iran and Iraq. Pakistani workers and labourers, often claiming to go for Umrah and securing visas for Saudi Arabia, often have a different motive: begging and illegal work. These individuals typically reside illegally in Saudi Arabia under the guise of charity work, often collaborating with fellow Pakistanis.
This growing issue has raised concerns about the increasing number of Pakistani beg-gars abroad. Saudi authorities recently addressed the issue in a committee session, emphasizing the need for action. The question arises: who is responsible for this harmful practice — the government or the individuals living illegally in Saudi Arabia, tarnishing Pakistan’s international image? It is a matter of concern for the government, as they must find ways to control the begging culture, both at home and abroad.
A committee should be established to address the begging issue, introducing a monthly donation collection system instead of daily charity. This approach would re-duce beggars’ dependency on public charity, helping them become self-reliant. By providing services like healthcare, education and empowerment, the government can assist individuals in transitioning out of begging. Such initiatives would help reduce the number of beggars both in Pakistan and abroad, urging the government to take a firm stand on this long-standing problem.
SADAM HUSSAIN
Ghotki, Sindh
