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.
SOPs for Eid
Government has issued Standard Operating Procedures for visiting cattle markets on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. It is hoped that these instructions will be followed in letter and spirit. Till now these SOPs have been flouted by the majority of the public. The instructions regarding wearing masks, using hand-sanitizers and keeping at least six feet distance are neither observed by officials nor by masses. Fortunately, the pandemic curve is now skewing downward but any carelessness can prove dangerous for the public at large.
As is generally said, prevention is better than cure, we must observe all measures suggested by World Health Organization for curbing covid-19. This can be achieved by not following those practices which caused havoc during Eid-ul-Fitr shopping spree. There is no use of locking the stable after the mare has been stolen. Extreme care should be exercised during performing sacrificial rituals and as cleanliness is next to Godliness, we must keep our streets neat & clean and dispose of offal in an appropriate manner.
IFTIKHAR MIRZA
Islamabad
Eid ul Azha
This year, Eid-ul-Fitr was completely different from what it used to be due to the COVID-19 outbreak and to avoid the repeat of Eidul Fitr, the Government has introduced some precautionary measures on Eid Ul Azha. It is good that the government has allowed people to set their cattle markets with proper SOPs. Asad Umar, Chairman of NCOC and Minister of Planning and Development has urged the general public to avoid large gatherings. The markets could become the hotspot for COVID- 19 due to non-observance of precautionary measures.
We’ve recently seen a decline in the Corona cases in our country and we should be thankful for that but at the same time, we should be more cautious to protect ourselves from this deadly virus. No doubt, on this Eid we will also be away from our loved ones but we have to be patient and maintain social distancing for some more time, as this shall pass too.
KHIZRAN ZEHRA BALOCH
Karachi
Jailing of X-HM demanded
It’s disheartening that Hopewell Chin’ono, a Zimbabwean journalist who was at the heart of exposing $60 million US dollars massive corruption in Zimbabwe’s health system is still in jail. He was denied bail living in cells for next month while Obadiah Moyo, former Health Minister was freed for looting $60 million US dollars. Common sense does not stand a chance in Zimbabwe in terms of justice, fairness and democracy.
Hopewell should have been awarded a medal for unearthing the corruption that has brought Zimbabwe to its economic knees. Democracy in Zimbabwe has been eroded by ruthless ZANU PF government which is clueless in terms of reviving the ailing economy.
Former Minister of health in Zimbabwe Obadiah Moyo is not in jail for spearheading massive corruption of Covid 19 kits yet an innocent journalist Hopewell is in jail for exposing corruption. President Mnangagwa and his government should resign with immediate effect as they have no shame and failed to deliver their promises when they ousted Mugabe.
The world should voice her concern and demand the immediate release of Hopewell. They should also demand the Zimbabwean government to prosecute Obadiah Moyo for breach of public trusts and for exposing Zimbabweans to Covid-19 in which the masterminded massive corruption regarding supply of Covid-19 kits.
If the world remains silent about the immediate release of Hopewell Chin’ono, we will again see exodus of Zimbabweans to other countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, UK, Australia and USA in search of better economic conditions and security. The ripple effect will create burden for other countries so it’s time to voice concern and avoid picking up Zimbabwean pieces.
TAPIWA MUSKWE
United Kingdom
Instead of decorating, journalist jailed
I am depressed that Hopewell Chinono, a Zimbabwean famous journalist, was arrested on the 20th of July 2020, for exposing government corruption and charged with, “incitement to participate in public violence’’ in which he only encouraged people on Facebook and Twitter to demonstrate on the 31st of July 2020 in Zimbabwe against massive government corruption and mismanagement of economy. It is heart-breaking and unspeakable that the ZANU-PF government is accusing him for promoting violence in the country.
Zimbabwe government should admit that they have failed Zimbabwe and stop persecuting its citizens. I have also been harassed, ill-treated and persecuted for exposing gross mismanagement in Zimbabwe. President Mnangagwa failed to stop the decaying of Zimbabwean agriculture sector, the ailing health system, gross corruption, human rights abuses and should resign.
KUDZAI CHIKOWORE
London
