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Reckless driving
Humayun, the only son of a struggling mother, a devoted father to his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, and a cherished husband, tragically lost his life in a fatal accident at Karachi’s Native Jetty Bridge on 18 December.
How many more mothers must endure the loss of their sons, wives the heartbreak of losing their husbands, and children absence of their fathers, all due to recklessness of unchecked dump trucks that continue to wreak havoc on streets of Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub?
The late Humayun was a deeply hardworking young man and the primary breadwinner for his family. Having lost his father at a young age, he witnessed his mother’s relentless efforts to raise her children, working tirelessly as a cook in households. To support his family further, Humayun juggled two jobs—working as a delivery boy and as a tailor in a shop.
Now, Humayun is no longer with us. He has departed this world for his eternal home, leaving behind his devoted mother, loving wife, and cherished daughter in tears and profound despair. Overwhelmed by grief and shock, his family is struggling to comprehend how they will navigate life without him.
Syed Zafar Abbas Jafri, Founder and General Secretary of the JDC Foundation Karachi, Pakistan, expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic passing of Humayun. In a magnanimous gesture, he announced a donation of 5 lakh rupees each for Humayun’s grieving mother and wife. Furthermore, he generously pledged to take full responsibility for Humayun’s daughter’s education and all related expenses.
Will the Sindh government take immediate action in response to this tragic incident? I urge the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, to ensure sustainable support for the bereaved family of the late Humayun. I also strongly appeal to him to direct the law enforcement agencies to promptly arrest the driver of the dump truck responsible for this tragedy due to his reckless behavior and ensure he is brought to justice.
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
Balochistan’s dilemma
I am writing to express my deep concern about the alarming rise in drug cultivation in Balochistan. The province has been plagued by this menace, which has far-reaching consequences for the youth, economy, and overall well-being of the region. The cultivation of drugs, particularly opium poppy, has become a lucrative business in Balochistan, leading to widespread corruption, violence, and instability.
The easy availability of drugs has resulted in a significant increase in drug addiction among the youth, devastating families and communities. This is a ticking time bomb that requires immediate attention and action. The future of our youth is at stake, and it is our collective responsibility to protect them from the scourge of drug addiction. To address this issue, I urge the government to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate drug cultivation in Balochistan. This can be achieved through a multi-pronged approach, including conducting operations to destroy poppy crops and other drugs, providing alternative livelihoods to farmers who cultivate drugs, strengthening law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking, and establishing rehabilitation centers for drug addicts.
I request that the government take this issue seriously and allocate the necessary resources to address it. It is essential to protect the youth of Balochistan from the scourge of drug addiction and ensure a brighter future for the region. I hope that you will take immediate action to address this critical issue.
SUMAIRA BALOCH
Absor
Zakir Hussain’s legacy
The passing away of 73 year old Ustad Zakir Hussain, the globally revered tabla virtuoso on December 16 at a hospital in San Francisco, is an irreparable loss to the field of world music. Known for his amazing finger-work and rhythmic brilliance, he brought the tabla to a global stage, collaborating with some of the world’s finest musicians.
His gargantuan contribution to music was recognized with Padma Shri awards and the Sangeet Natak Akademi award. On the global stage, he was a four-time Grammy award winner. His unparalleled skills earned him the reputation of a “fearsome technician” and a “whimsical inventor”.
Beyond his musical prowess, his life was a testament to the power of dedication, passion and cultural exchange. His influence extended beyond the concert stage, as he mentored countless young musicians and left an indelible mark on the world of music education.
His collaborations spanned various genres, from traditional Indian classical music to jazz, rock, and film scores, making him a true ambassador of global musical harmony. As fans, fellow musicians and admirers around the world mourn his loss, his legacy remains a lasting symbol of the power of music to transcend borders and unite people across cultures.
In his career spanning over six decades, he worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with the English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical with elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown. He started playing the tabla at the age of 3 and started touring at the age of 11. His mentor was his father tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
