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Military courts
The sentencing of 25 individuals involved in the May 9 riots by military courts has unsurprisingly sparked criticism from familiar quarters. Every such argument that is hell-bent on branding these defendants as only and only “political workers,” ignores the fundamental reality these activists of PTI were involved in shameful violent attacks on military installation on May 9 2023.
The contention that military courts should be confined solely to internal military misconduct overlooks the historical and practical role these courts have played in Pakistan. Globally, military courts, including court-martials, have been utilized to address issues linked to the military and its sphere of influence. At the time, the civilian judiciary, burdened by inefficiency, susceptibility to intimidation, and corruption, struggled to handle the sheer volume and sensitivity of these cases.
Military courts are a necessity, ensuring justice for public safety and stability of the country. This intervention, despite resistance from some quarters, will contribute towards a safer Pakistan by removing dangerous elements from society. The May 9 riots were seen by the majority of the people as an attack on the very symbols of the military’s legacy and sacrifices. Monuments honouring martyrs, the residences of military leadership and revered symbols of national unity were targeted in what appeared to be a calculated effort to erode the bond between Pakistan’s civilians and its military.
The riots were not random acts of destruction but a deliberate assault designed to deepen divisions and advance a specific political narrative. In this context, the trial of the perpetrators by military courts is a symbolic reaffirmation of order and institutional strength. Critics questioning the impartiality of military courts often ignore the safeguards in place. Defendants are entitled to legal representation and military judges operate under strict codes of conduct to ensure impartiality. Moreover, any decisions rendered by military courts can ultimately be reviewed by the civilian Supreme Court.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Threonine supplementation
As global temperatures continue to rise, the poultry industry faces a growing heat stress challenge. Broiler chickens suffer significantly under thermal stress, affecting their health, growth and quality of meat. The issue is pressing for poultry producers seeking sustainable solutions to ensure animal welfare and productivity. A recent study at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, has shed light on a potential remedy.
The research, led by Ms. Abia Khalid, a PhD scholar in Physiology, under the supervision of Dr. Muhammad ShahbazYousaf, investigated the effects of threonine supplementation on heat-stressed broilers. Her work “Effects of Dietary Threonine Supplementation During Thermal Stress on Growth Performance, Health Biomarkers, Intestinal Micro-architecture, and Meat Quality in Broilers” offers new hope for the industry. The study explored how threonine, an essential amino acid, can help broiler chickens cope with the adverse effects of heat stress.
High dietary threonine improved several health biomarkers, including corticosterone, a stress hormone known to suppress growth and immunity, and oxidative stress markers like catalase and superoxide dismutase. These antioxidants are crucial for mitigating heat-induced cellular damage and enhancing meat quality.
“High lipid levels in broilers can lead to health concerns for humans, while stress hormones reduce the overall meat quality” explained Ms. Khalid. The research also highlighted threonine’s impact on intestinal health. The supplementation boosted mucosal immunity by enhancing mucin-producing goblet cells and reducing inflammation caused by intra-epithelial lymphocytes.
These changes create a barrier against harmful pathogens, ensuring safer meat for consumers. Threonine’s ability to enhance oxidative balance and intestinal function resulted in healthier meat, aligning with consumer demand for high-quality, safe poultry products.
Ms. Khalid emphasized the broader implications of the research: “The poultry industry is under pressure to adapt to climate change. Nutritional strategies like threonine supplementation not only ensure animal health and productivity but also contribute to the sustainability of poultry farming”.
ABIA KHALID
Lahore
LG polls
Role of local bodies is providing good governance at the local level. Local bodies enforce regulations such as building codes, sanitation rules and take action against illegal encroachments. Elected members Local government bodies are bound to play their role in providing social fairness and local economic development and evolve development strategies for their constituencies. Our governing politicians are unwilling for devolution of power to the grassroots.
Local governments (LGs) elections in the largest province of Punjab were last held in 2017 upon the apex court’s repeated directives, but the renewal process has remained stalemated since those LGs’ term ended in 2022. Meanwhile, all signs suggest the ruling alliance is unprepared to take the risk of going for the electoral exercise and considering its track record the ECP seems to be facilitator. Keeping in view the important role of Local Bodies, government should announce the election date without further delay. It is right of the people which is to be restored.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
