Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Mindful eating
There is a significant line between just eating and mindful eating. You eat without giving it much thought, right? Well, there is nothing wrong about that, but, if you are careful about having healthy nutrition, and cherishing food, you must learn to practice eating with mindfulness. It will help you develop a sense of what you eat along with the reason and the right way to eat. You got to distinguish what is unhealthy and healthy for you. If you will take food in the right way, you will explore it with a deeper interest and appreciation.
To achieve the goal of mindful eating, you need to set specific time for your meals along the day. If you do that and follow up as well, it will make you more conscious of every meal. So, try doing that instead of rushing over to food every few hours. Moreover when you eat alone, it does not matter what, how and how much you eat. But, if you eat with a partner or group, that makes you more conscious about your food. You try to eat with manners, proceed slowly, use proper cutlery and not fill your plate excessively. Eating with others urges you to ingest healthy nutrition also.
While you eat, try to keep your focus on how the food makes you feel. Instead of doing other chores, if you stay conscious of your meals, you will enjoy them more. There fore, do not let go of the satisfaction and pleasure your food has to provide you.
So, if you want love your menu, and not only eat it, try all above suggested things to go for mindful eating.
Rohit Kumar
Sukkur, Sindh
Roots of
Terrorism
in Pakistan
The year 2024 came as one of the critical times that Pakistan faced. In this year, the alarm-ing levels of political polarization, upsurge in inflation, deep-rooted economic crisis and rise of terrorism made headlines. Among all these sensitive issues, the lethal wave of terrorism surpassed the rest. According to the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), the year 2024 saw an abrupt rise in militant activities which also crossed the intensity and number of at-tacks recorded in 2023. These figures not only highlight the numbers but also paint a dis-turbing picture of failed policymaking at the state level.
As a developing country, Pakistan requires key elements like internal stability, economic sustainability, and a peaceful environment to attract international investors and foster a progressive business climate. However, widespread insecurity has severely undermined in-vestor confidence, threatening the country’s reputation. To address this, it is essential to understand the root causes of the ongoing insurgency. Recent reports from published by PIPS reveal that KP and Balochistan have borne 95% of the attacks, driven by both separatist and religiously motivated groups.
Grievances in provinces like KP and Balochistan often push locals toward terrorism, viewing the state as biased and neglectful of their concerns. Groups like the BLA exploit issues like enforced disappearances to stir anti-state sentiments among the populace. Similarly, in KP, militants manipulate religious narratives, labelling the state as un-Islamic, which easily influ-ences uneducated masses to take up arms. The state’s inaction on addressing legitimate concerns further empowers these groups, allowing them to mislead vulnerable individuals. This combination of neglect and exploitation creates a fertile ground for insurgency, high-lighting the urgent need for addressing root causes and restoring public trust.
NIZAM-ud-DIN
Islamabad
Road accidents
Frequent road accidents have become an alarming issue in Balochistan that must be addressed speedily. A recent press report revealed that in 2024 Balochistan experienced 180 serious road accidents in the first quarter alone. These accidents resulted in 121 fatalities and over 417 injuries, affecting 538 families.
Beside this, a particularly tragic event occurred on May 29, 2024, when a bus travelling from Turbat to Quetta fell into a ravine in Washuk district. This accident claimed lives of at least 28 people and injured 20 others. Government should play its role in controlling road accidents by improving, repairing roads add more traffic police and put up clear signs. Concerned authorities should also teach safe driving and enforce stronger penalties for breaking rules. Citizens must be told to follow traffic rules, wear seatbelts and never drive under the influence of sleep or use drugs.
ZARGUL GOHRAM
Via email
Ship breaking industry
Gaddani’s ship breaking yard is third largest in Asia and ships come from different countries around the world. It is a significant source of revenue for Pakistan’s economy. Gaddani beach is also a great place for picnics. People come from different places to relax and enjoy themselves.
The people of Gaddani face several issues, including health, education, water and road problems. Due to heavy rains in last two years, road conditions have become very bad. Broken roads and bridges cause dangerous accidents. Health and education sectors in Gaddani are in a shambles due to lack of facilities. Majority of the people are unemployed because of less work in ship breaking yards. For last few years, ships have not been coming due to government’s lopsided policies. Provincial and federal governments must take measures to address these issues.
MUHAMMAD ASHRAF
Hub, Balochistan
Aerial firing
New year celebration takes place all around the world. Every country celebrates it in own way and project their way of mental approach but unfortunately, in Pakistan generally all but specifically youth celebrate New Year with aerial firing. As clock strikes 12 am entire country sounds with weapons firing, many unwanted incident also take place, damaged to property and even loss of precious lives is reported. This not only raises questions on efficiency of law enforcement agencies that have completely failed year after year to control it.
In majority cases weapons used for aerial firing are unauthorised and unlicensed. That is an offence under the provision of Sindh Arms Act section 23 (1). In addition to that celebration of New Year with firecrackers on governmental level by elected members and administrators is another mockery.
AZEEM HASSAN
Khairpur Mirs, Sindh
