Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Potomac River
Every day, I cross the Potomac River on my way to class, watching its steady flow beneath the bridges that connect the heart of Washington, D.C. This river, rich in history and beauty, has become an integral part of my daily routine. But recently, the Potomac became the site of an incident that sent chills down my spine—a plane crash that took lives and left the city shaken.
When I first heard about the crash, I felt a wave of goosebumps run through me. Just earlier that day, I had seen people heading toward the airport, their faces full of excitement and anticipation. I couldn’t help but wonder—what if those very people I saw were on that flight? The thought was unsettling. The contrast between their joy and the tragedy that unfolded later made me pause and reflect on how unpredictable life can be.
The impact of the crash was felt throughout the city. Metro services were temporarily shut down, adding an eerie silence to the normally bustling transportation network. When the metro service resumed later, I documented the moment, capturing the city’s resilience in my videos. But despite everything, one heartbreaking fact remained—there were no survivors.
Standing by the Potomac, looking at the river that has become a familiar sight in my daily life, I felt a deep sense of sorrow. This body of water, which has witnessed centuries of history, now carried yet another tragic story. Yet, in its continuous flow, it also seemed to symbolize the endurance of life and the strength of those who move forward even in the face of loss. As I continue my daily journey across the Potomac, I will forever carry the memory of that day—a reminder to cherish every moment, to appreciate the faces we see, and to acknowledge the fleeting yet profound nature of life.
ROYYAM SAQIB
Virginia, US
Stalemate in talks
It is a negative signal that talks between the government and the opposition have finally broken down. Both sides are once again at an impasse. The government is willing to form a parliamentary committee to continue negotiations with the PTI, it is the PTI that refuses to budge from its demands, treating the process of dialogue as “Mazakrat” rather than a conciliatory movement. The government, rightly suggested to form a parliamentary committee instead of a judicial commission, as the matter is under trial in court. This has now become the primary sticking point, with both sides resorting to social media and other platforms to assert their positions.
Negotiations are the only way to come out from this unpleasant political situation. Common man is rightly curious for this unnecessary impasse created by PTI’s leadership. this Dialogue must continue so that the country can move forward instead of suffering further harm from violent, chaotic protests. A parliamentary committee, even if not the PTI’s preferred option, would provide the same level of scrutiny and inquiry into the incidents in question while offering some relief to the embattled opposition. After all this stalemate underscores the need for both sides to show flexibility rather than remain rigid to the bitter end.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Man’s mistake
Smog is a man-made crisis, not divine punishment, and it cries out for joint and instant action from the government, civil society, and citizens to protect public health and secure a sustainable future. The smog suffocating our air is caused by emissions, crop burning and environmental neglect. Pakistan air quality ranks among the most hazardous globally, leading to rising cases of asthma, bronchitis and heart disease.
Livelihoods are disrupted, health declines, and economic losses escalate. Solutions include cleaner transport, strict regulation of factories, support for farmers to end crop burning, and investment in renewable energy.
SHAHJAHAN MEMON
Islamabad
Kids’ privacy online
As social media becomes an integral part of daily life, many parents feel compelled to share their children’s milestones online in a practice known as “sharenting.” However, this can pose serious risks, creating digital footprints children may not want or need. From identity theft to digital kidnapping, sharing even innocent-looking photos can expose children to unforeseen dangers and harm their future privacy.
When we post online, content can spread far beyond our control. Strangers might misuse these images and our children, who cannot yet consent, are left vulnerable. For their privacy and safety, it’s essential that parents think twice before sharing.
Parents can take simple precautions to protect their children. Setting up alerts using services like Google Alerts or Talkwalker can notify parents if their child’s name appears online, allowing them to monitor and manage their digital footprint. For those who continue to share photos, it’s crucial to carefully review privacy settings on social media platforms.
ZUNAIRA FATIMA
Karachi
