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.
Eidul Azha moon sighting
To err is human, but to persist with a mistake, even after it has been established as an error by concrete evidence is unpardonable, especially when it concerns observance of religious festivities like Eidul Azha.
There was no confusion that the moon visible on Ruet-e-Hilal declared First Zilhaj was that of Second Zilhaj, yet the Ruet Chairman chose to mislead 200 million Muslims, while Federal Government and Ministry of Religious chose to standby and let citizens be misled. Who is responsible for the repentance, when millions of Muslims were fasting on Ruet declared 9 Zilhaj, which was actually 10 Zilhaj?
Should individuals with petty ego and arrogance be allowed to be part of Ruet-e-Hillal? It is time for complete change and overhaul of this Committee so that its members understand that science and religion coexist and can be utilized to view the moon, in case clouds or smog, inhibit its visibility. Science is just discovery by humans of what Almighty Allah SWT has created and exists for billions of years in this ever-expanding universe and infinite galaxies it has.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Karachi after Eid ul Adha
As we all know that Asia’s biggest Cow Mandi is held in Karachi Metropolitan city of Pakistan. According to some sources 85% of animals were sold out before Eid day. Karachites have so much passion when it comes to go to Mandi and buy their animals according to their range. Prices vary from very high to low depending on the health and attraction of an animal.
Some people buy animals and spend lakhs on them as they’re unique in whole market and their breed is so unique as compared to others. But when the time of Eid comes and they slaughter the animals which cost them in lakhs of rupees without any hesitation but on the other hand when it comes to cleanliness those people have ruined the city in all aspects. They throw all dirt of animal on roads. Lanes and roads are covered with blood and the whole air becomes hygienic and infected.
It makes no sense that why people don’t clean roads and lanes in which they sacrifice their animals. Why always put blame on Government and other departments? This isn’t our responsibility? When paying in lakhs for their animals why not to pay 100 or 200 for cleanliness? Is this what our religion taught us? This isn’t the way to put ourselves in our comfort zone and make people life hard with our actions and deeds. We should think about it and try to be better citizens and minimise load from the shoulder of our Government.
SYEDDA FATIMA RIZWAN
Karachi
Bad condition of roads
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the bad condition of roads in our locality i.e. Malir, especially the area of Muhabbat Nagar. The condition of roads is deplorable with countless potholes making the purpose of the road, a failure. The situation has become serious and causes many accidents; and sometimes, extensive damage to our vehicles.
Citizens pay their taxes on a regular basis and deserve better roads, or at least roads that are good enough and safe to drive on. There is no check and balance and roads are becoming worse day by day. The whole transport system is so badly affected due to the poor condition making the life of the residents miserable and dangerous.
On behalf of the residents of Malir, I humbly request you to pass on this information to the concerned authorities and use the influence of your esteemed newspaper in taking the necessary action in this regard. I hope that you consider the request of the residents of this area and take proper action.
AILIYA BATOOL
Karachi
New East India Company
It is economy which sustains national security and state sovereignty. Pakistan suffers because of massive brain drain which is triggered by denying equal opportunities for recruitment on merit to highly qualified and skilled youth of this country, and instead given to individuals, often lesser qualified, on political recommendations or via lateral entries to those already in employment and beneficiaries of handsome post-retirement benefits and pension in civil and uniformed services. Recovery from brain drain is difficult to recuperate compared to flight of capital.
The irony is that beneficiaries of vast opportunities offered since 1947, after accumulating wealth and assets through generous allotment of prime real estate and agricultural land, have chosen to abandon Pakistan, having transferred assets and families to foreign countries. Despite this, they benefit by getting appointments on key public office posts, although while taking oath of citizenship of another country, they revoked any loyalty they may have held in the past. Acquiring a US Green Card is the first step to becoming national. These individuals are obligated to serve that country for non-combat or combat duties when called upon to do so. Similar is case for those who seek any foreign permanent residential status, except those on work visas or its equivalent.
Pakistan has suffered enough because of such individuals with split loyalties and glaring examples are Hussain Haqqani, Altaf Hussain etc and embarrassing circumstances such as UBL found in Abbottabad etc. Scores of corrupt politicians and retired civil or uniformed public office holders own assets there. The double jeopardy is that even after abandoning this country, they manage to get employed again on key assignments and transfer their earnings out of this country. Recruitment by State must be strictly for those holding singular Pakistan nationality.
ALI MALIK TARIQ
Lahore
