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Kashmore crisis
The purpose of this letter is to bring into your notice the troubling state of Kashmore, Sindh in which district Kashmore appears to have turned into a hub for criminals especially dacoits. The people in this region are subjected to threats of being attacked and kidnapped and their properties being robbed, yet nothing is being done by the police to arrest this menace.
The existence of dacoits has made the district Kashmore a ‘no-go-area’ due to high level insecurity. People are abducted with the motive of demanding ransom very often and cases of road jams to rob have increased recently. Businesses and shops shut even before sundown because people are in constant danger hence robbing the place of a natural night. As a result of this oppression, life and income of people have been affected and the growth and development of the district affected as well.
Worsening the situation, Kashmore region is deeply rooted feudalistic structure continuation of which has remained a persisting problem area. Elected representatives and officials appear to be far more concerned with protecting their own wellbeing than with listening to and responding to the citizens’ complaints.
SOOMRO KHAN
Kashmore
Sero-prevalence of Leptospira
The livestock sector plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s economy, contributing 60.84% to agriculture and 14.63% to the national GDP. For much of the rural population, livelihoods depend heavily on income generated from animal rearing and the production of related goods. Among dairy animals, buffaloes are especially significant, accounting for nearly 60% of the total gross milk production. However, the sector’s productivity faces significant challenges due to numerous pathogens that not only cause fatal diseases but also severely reduce animals’ economic potential. Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira, is a major livestock disease, causing infertility, repeat breeding, abortions, mastitis, reduced milk yield and poor meat quality. To address this, a study titled \u201cSero-Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Leptospira in Buffaloes of Punjab Province\u201d was led by Dr. Masood Rabbani at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.
The study involved the random collection of serum and urine samples from 970 buffaloes in Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Rawalpindi districts. A locally developed indirect ELISA was used to detect IgG antibodies against recombinant LipL32 protein, and its sensitivity and specificity were compared with commercially available ELISA kits. Additionally, conventional PCR was optimized to target the LipL32 gene of Leptospira in urine samples. Results showed that 49.30% of serum samples and 29.50% of urine samples tested positive through ELISA and PCR, respectively. Regression analysis identified rats as a significant risk factor for disease transmission, with an odds ratio greater than 1.
This study highlights the need for targeted control measures to combat Leptospira infections in Punjab. Strengthened biosecurity practices, improved diagnostics and further research into disease prevention are crucial to safeguarding the health of livestock and the livelihoods of rural communities.
BUSHRA ZAMIR
Lahore
Backy button
Through your esteemed platform, I would like to highlight an innovative device launched in Pakistan to enhance women’s safety against harassment and abuse, known as the “Backy Button.” This device is designed to assist women in emergencies with its button that emits a loud alarm when pressed, alerting others nearby.
The idea behind this life-saving device was conceived by a mother, Jean Hwang, following the tragic killing of her daughter in Lebanon in 2017. This heartbreaking incident inspired her to develop a safety tool to protect women. Her vision has since evolved into a global campaign and Pakistan is proud to be a part of it.
Federal Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment, H.E. Fauzia Waqar, recently inaugurated this remarkable initiative, emphasizing the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment for women. Over 7,000 women in Pakistan have already received this button, with many more expected to benefit in the future.
This initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring women’s safety in Pakistan, where cases of harassment are alarmingly frequent. Let us hope this effort helps create a safer society where women feel protected and empowered.
ZAREEF AHMED
Turbat, Kech
