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Hate speech against love jihad
On January 10, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, witnessed a disturbing event as right-wing Hindu groups organized protests against ‘love jihad.’ Instead of promoting dialogue, the gathering was marred by inflammatory speeches and divisive rhetoric targeting Muslims, exposing the rising tide of communal polarization in the country. PanditMohitramPhatak, a key speaker, openly used anti-Muslim slurs, calling for economic boycotts and even violence. His statement, “We have to show these ‘Mullas’ their place! Don’t buy anything from them,” was a blatant attempt to deepen societal divides. He further perpetuated the baseless ‘love jihad’ conspiracy, urging Hindu women to emulate goddesses like Durga and Kali, “Become Durga or Kali but never a burkhewali,” fostering mistrust and hostility. Another speaker described ‘love jihad’ as a “cancer” threatening Hindu women, demanding stricter laws against interfaith relationships—a claim repeatedly debunked by investigations. Such rhetoric falsely portrays interfaith unions as deliberate threats, endangering communal harmony and encouraging suspicion and violence. The consequences of these hate-filled speeches are grave. Economic boycotts harm livelihoods, while vilifying an entire community fuels hostility and justifies hate crimes. This event underscores the urgent need for accountability and legal action against those propagating such divisive ideologies. Hate speech is not free expression; it endangers peace and public order. The Sehore protests serve as a stark reminder of the need for collective efforts to resist hate and build a more inclusive society. However, inaction by the BJP Government has led to an increase in hate speeches against minorities questioning India’s claimed secular outlook.
Asmabakhsh
Via email
A cry for justice
I am writing to draw attention to a critical issue in our country: injustice. This pervasive problem affects us all. Unfortunately, justice is often denied to those who deserve it, while it is handed to those who can afford to pay for it. This means that even if someone is guilty of a crime, they can escape punishment if they have enough money. Conversely, innocent people suffer because they lack the resources to seek justice.
This issue is not unique to our country but is a global concern. However, I firmly believe that if our judges and leaders act with honesty and integrity, our country can become one of the best in the world. Yet, if our judiciary prioritizes financial gain over fairness, what hope remains for the poor? The government must take responsibility for addressing this problem and implement measures to rectify it.
SHEZAD BALOCH
Hub, Balochistan
From literacy to leadership
It is encouraging to see the government prioritizing the education sector. Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged global and local organizations to collaborate in creating sustainable opportunities to ensure education for women. Women constitute half of the population, yet the literacy rate among them remains alarmingly low at only 49%.
Additionally, I learned that a significant conference of 150 Vice Chancellors from OIC member states is scheduled to take place on February 4th. This event aims to foster collaboration in higher education across the Islamic world, paving the way for innovation, inclusivity and shared growth in academia. Such initiatives reflect a positive step toward addressing educational disparities and strengthening global partnerships.
HIRA AYAZ
Islamabad
Railway tracks and delay
Pakistan railways tracks are really a source of annoyance, even no track is worth for railways. On the other hand, train drivers keep speed very low because of the broken infrastructure of tracks. The delays in arrivals of trains are the major reasons it is because of the tracks’ infrastructure. There is no proper discipline and community who recover the issues of railway tracks. On spot to spot stops at stations are perpetrated by railway management, however, in live application no break is seen at small regional stations, but while passing through the stations trains typically stop there.
SADAM BALOCH
Ghotki
