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A case of corruption
The political landscape of Pakistan has shifted to a seismic political situation following the recent conviction of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case. This judgment is not merely a legal decision; it encapsulates a profound change in public perception regarding political integrity. The ramifications of this verdict extend far beyond one man’s fall from grace, signifying an unravelling of the once-stalwart narrative of honesty that Khan championed throughout his political career.
Imran Khan, who projected a party on the foundations of “Insaf and Naya Pakistan”, now finds himself in the company of other political figures who have faced similar legal entanglements, Notably Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari. With Khan’s conviction, the credibility of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, predicated on a promise of transparency and anti-corruption, now hangs in a precarious balance. The once-mighty claims of the PTI, that their opponents were marred by corruption while they stood as paragons of virtue, have been effectively dismantled. The judgment not only tarnished Imran Khan’s personal reputation, but the hefty slogan of anti-corruption and dishonesty.
People like sagacity, righteousness and state forwardness in politics not compromise on principles. If the convictions of Sharif and Zardari are deemed legitimate under similarly contentious circumstances, the same standard should unequivocally apply to Khan. This decision is compelling both supporters and adversaries alike to reassess their perceptions of leadership, accountability and the rule of law. The guiding principle remains clear: no unlawful actions or corruption can be overlooked. After all, this verdict clearly illustrates a case of corruption.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Tackling joblessness
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to address a critical issue. Balochistan, despite being the largest province in Pakistan, has the highest unemployment rate in the country at 9.13%. This alarming situation is attributed to a lack of industries, limited job opportunities, and a high illiteracy rate. In 2021, approximately 25,000 students graduated from various universities in Balochistan, yet only about 2,000 were able to secure jobs in the public and private sectors. This glaring disparity highlights the severe lack of employment opportunities in the province.
Unemployment has given rise to numerous issues, including poverty, mental stress, and despair among individuals. It has also fueled crime rates as people struggle to make ends meet, further slowing down economic growth. Families face conflicts, political instability intensifies, and children are often forced to drop out of school due to financial constraints. Moreover, unemployment affects public health, with many lacking access to proper healthcare and nutrition. These challenges have a profound impact on both individuals and society at large.
It is a humble request to the government to take effective steps to address this issue. By fostering an environment conducive to job creation and investing in industries and education, the government can significantly reduce unemployment in Balochistan and improve the lives of its people.
GOHAR ARIF
Turbat
Disaster relief programmes
In Pakistan, disaster relief programs neglect to consider the specific needs of women and girls, leaving them disparately vulnerable during floods, earthquakes and other crises. Designing relief strategies through a gendered lens is indispensable to protect their health and safety alongside those of men. What is evident is that men and women face specific challenges during disasters.
In contrast, men usually take on physical labour and search-and-rescue operations; women manage household care and children’s safety under extreme conditions. Women frequently lose access to necessary hygiene products, healthcare and privacy, exposing them to infections, mental health crises and gender-based violence. In past flood relief efforts, for instance, insufficient sanitation facilities and partial access to menstrual hygiene kits resulted in substantial health risks for women.
This inattention harms women and harms the overall effectiveness of disaster recovery efforts. Policymakers and relief organizations must reimagine disaster response strategies through integrating gender-sensitive practices. This includes providing separate sanitation facilities, menstrual hygiene kits and customized healthcare services while actively involving women in planning and implementation. These measures uphold human rights, dignity and equity—ensuring a sustainable recovery for all. Let us take practical steps to ensure gender-sensitive disaster relief measures are in place.
SHAHJAHAN MEMON
Islamabad
