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.
Is protesting for education a crime?
This letter is with reference to the recent protest in the Quetta press club for the provision of the internet in several districts of Balochistan. From class 1st till now, we are taught that getting education is our fundamental right. But we were not taught that this right is for learning and memorizing only, we cannot imply it on ourselves. It was obvious from the act of the Quetta police during that protest. The act of “Lathi charge” and imprisoning male students and misbehaving with female students. It was an extremely shameful act performed by Quetta Police.
But we cannot only condemn Police for this shameful act, for they are also just govt servants, they do what they are told to do, but I condemn the Govt of Balochistan as well for all this. The Govt should fulfill the demands of the students for the right of getting education, but if it cannot fulfill the demands, then, at least, it should let the authorities to act brutally with the young generation.
Almost 30% of students of Balochistan have access to the internet, and rest is left without internet access or with extremely weak internet access. It would not be fair for all those students if HEC decisions only can benefit some students who belong to metropolitan cities and those who have proper access to the internet. I request the HEC, Govt of Balochistan and Education Minister to kindly take decisions considering the situation of every student, so that it should be fair with everyone.
ATIQ ALI
Quetta
Terrorists’ inclusion in UNSC!
Surprisingly! UN member-countries elected terrorist India for non-permanent seat of UNSC for two years. So; started afresh terrorists era and defeat of purposes; sublime principles; equality and right to self-determination delineated in Article 1 of UN Charter!
India is elected at a time when there is a strict curfew all across Kashmir; internet & phones are disconnected; elected representatives are either in police detention/under house arrest; public assemblies are banned and region is (off-limits) for media. Footage recently aired by some international-media-outlets revealed: massive protests; firing; teargas-shelling; clash with China and what not (?) Above all; Secretary General United Nations has also raised his voice against barbaric acts of law enforcing agencies in India-occupied Kashmir.
Who does not know that India is not sponsoring terrorism round the world? Apart from Kulbhushan who confessed that he was involved in terrorism in Pakistan especially – Balochistan. Indian Major Gowaru Arya (R) also confessed “even” on an Indian TV Channel in May that Handwara was avenged in Balochistan and in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Baleda area of Ketch. What more proof is required to UNSC’s members for declaring India – a terrorist State (?). So, everyone is compelled to say that: because India is big-importer-of-weapons from West so, it was/is a business deal (?). Historians will prove this true in future. Note it!
The inaction of EU, UN, OIC and especially the US has never censured India for (her) utter disregard to international conventions and UNSC’s resolutions. It created another example for other governments for crushing minorities. Due to inclusion of a “Terrorist-State” in UN and similar bodies like EU… it creates more-hatred in hearts of oppressed: Kashmiris; Palestinians; Sikhs and even low-cost Hindus (***)!!
M AZAM MINHAS
Tatrinote, AK.
Balochistan tourism
Constitution provides basic rights to every citizen: freedom of movement but in Balochistan this right is compromised. While moving through Balochistan, one has to feel if he is not country’s national after viewing the security agencies response and their denial for movement almost across every important place.
For instance, moving from Quetta to Hanna Lake and Hanna Urak is the priority of almost every tourist, but the road leading to Hanna is under construction for more than 30 km. Moreover, Cantonment provides shortest alternative route to it, but civilians are denied access to it as if we are still living in colonial period. Although, security could be the main force behind this, but what if someone has his original CNIC? Furthermore, Prime Minister of Pakistan unequivocally declared in his speech about lifting ban on the tourism. Since, Ziarat is the most preferred for everyone visiting Balochistan. In spite of this Deputy Commissioner Ziarat has restricted the movement of people into Ziarat and the behaviour of Levies personnel at Kech check-post is humiliating towards visitors even to those who are elderly. What was more regretful was corruption and favouritism; only way to pass through it was either to pay bribe or to have reference call from DC Office. Similarly, there were number of places which were worth visiting from tourist point of view, but almost all of them are held by security agencies and they have denied access to public as if we are from another country. Therefore, this is sheer violation of Constitution of Pakistan Article 15.
ABDUL JABBAR JUNEJO
Shikarpur
India-China border tension
China-India border tension risk is increasing rapidly into a vigorous dispute. Almost 10,000 Chinese troops are reportedly stationed in Ladakh, close to where India, China and Pakistan meet, having crossed the “Line of Actual Control” between the two nations in early May. It is intelligible that the threatening clouds are all around the dividing line, especially where two strong and friendly neighbouring countries stand together. China and Pakistan are companionable countries and enjoys healthy, strong and supportive relationship. They can stand together as one against India’s tricks.
In the last few weeks, there have been certain encounters. China has taken measures in response to India’s construction of roads and airstrips adjacent to the LAC, which will improve connectivity and enable easier mobility of Indian troops within the area. In the last three weeks, Beijing has been issuing a number of warnings to New Delhi, the most consequential of which has been its result that India has not learned from history and should recall its humiliating defeat in 1962. Donald Trump had offered to mediate between India and China. However, China rejected his offer saying the two countries do not need the intervention of a “third party” to settle their differences. After the rejection of Trump’s offer of mediation, authorities in Pakistan are urged to play their active part as China has always helped Pakistan in difficult times.
MOBEEN KHAN
Islamabad
Yemen’s obliteration
Just a reminder to the world that Yemen is suffering from the worst crisis. They are fighting an epidemic (Cholera), a pandemic (Covid-19), a famine (scarcity of food) and a war at the same time. The UN will close three-quarters of its support programs in the country. Yemen is on the verge of extinction. Before the pandemic, Yemen was facing worst humanitarian crisis that the UN had ever dealt with due to civil war and extreme lack of food. With Covid-19 and already chaos, the situation has become more terrifying.
It is said that deaths in the capital caused by Coronavirus are very likely to exceed those caused by war. It is deadly for both the citizens of Yemen and the struggling country itself. For Yemen, the odds of it permanently destroying their country are too high. The level of destruction and chaos caused and endured by Yemenis would be impossible to fit in an article like this. Oh, the entire world! Let’s see Yemen and its people let down as silent spectator.
ANDLEEB BASHARAT
Wah Cant
Marrying young
The culture of Marrying Young is deep-rooted in Pakistan especially in rural areas and our society as well as media didn’t debate on it. But recently we started a debate on the culture of early marriages and spreading awareness continuously. Child marriage according to global standard is marriage below the age of 18 years. All child marriages are illegal because of the violation of the minimum age of marriage.
The law requires the Nikah Registrar to confirm the age of marriage but lack of documents because half of the women will not have school certificate to ascertain their age and also social norms prevent the nikah registrar, from checking the bride’s document and even make a visual guess.
Unfortunately, despite national laws and international commitments, child marriage remains a real threat for many in Pakistan. We have to aware the people that early marriage badly affects physical and mental growth of girls. A young couple cannot become a responsible parent than an older couple. Because older females are better prepared to take on the responsibilities of wifehood and motherhood.
ANDLEEB ABBASI
Rawalpindi
