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.
Protect forest in Siran Valley
Recently, I scaled Musa ka Musallah mountain (13327 feet) along with two friends, situated in Siran valley. Even though it is just a few hours away from Mansehra, this valley resembles a remote destination by development standards. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in Pakistan. Thick forest, abundant wildlife and natural springs make this valley worth visiting. However, what appalled me was the senseless destruction of the pine forest for timber and firewood. I came across a few tricks used by timber mafia in Siran valley. They identify a large healthy tree and light a fire to the dry grass at its foot.
When the base of the tree burns and blackens, they cut it down. If someone asks, they respond that the tree was already dying and now we can use it for firewood. While in reality, the tree is usually in good shape except the burnt base. Local administration should be aware of this trick of timber mafia and protect the jungle before they turn this picturesque valley into a barren land. Regarding firewood, I asked a few locals that why do they use wood as a fuel when LPG cylinders are available in the valley? They replied that firewood is cheap and costs only half of what LPG costs. I would suggest to the KP government that they should give LPG to local people on subsidy so that the forest in the Siran valley can be conserved as it is home to common leopard and many indigenous wildlife species.
I was surprised too when I heard the name of this valley. The leading road is unknown, and its capital, Maunda Gaucha, is unheard of. We reached there before the evening fog had started to creep in the valley. There were only five tourists, including us. This, Maunda Gaucha town was peculiar in every sense. The clouds were dark and the sky was soulless. People walked in small groups and rarely looked around.
DR ANS FAROOQ
Lahore
Freedom is every human’s birthright
It’s been a year now since Kashmir is under a strict lockdown, making it unbearable for the Kashmiri people to live peacefully and a lot of them wish that they could just die instead of living in this cruel world where even their basic right of freedom is not given to them. Every day we hear news of unfortunate Kashmiris being killed because of raising their voice for freedom and peaceful life.
Corona attacked the world and left everyone helpless even the most powerful countries of the world couldn’t save themselves from this virus. Every single individual was locked in his home, unable to leave his house or roam freely and after some time everyone started getting depressed and frustrated on how long this will go and how long they’ve to suffer. This is exactly what Kashmiris have been going through decades especially since August last year, feeling helpless, caged in a small room and not being able to go outside fearing that a single step outside their home will be the step towards their death.
We got our independence years ago but Kashmiris are still struggling for it, it’s high time that the whole world should stand with Kashmiris and especially Muslim countries should give their full backing in making Kashmir a peaceful place for its people because they are human beings too and I believe freedom is the birthright of every single human being in this world.
KHIZRAN ZEHRA BALOCH
Karachi
Wearing mask helps beat Coronavirus
In order to beat the Coronavirus pandemic and get case numbers down, there are a few things we have to do: The virus spreads fastest in enclosed places where people are together for a long time. Those places have to be closed down.
Anyone who has the virus, or has been recently exposed to it, can spread the virus even if they’re not showing any symptoms. Those people have to stay in one place and not go anywhere. The only clearly effective way to prevent the spread of the virus between individuals, apart from physical separation, is to wear a mask.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Economy booster ML-1
Recently, the developing scenarios in Iran regarding Chabahar Rail Project should serve as an eye-opener for Pakistan. Despite crippling US-sanctions, an under-developed country Iran decided to build the 628km Zahedan to Chabahar Rail Project on their own resources. While Pakistan, which is more stable in the economy than Iran, doesn’t have the ability, willingness and competence to overhaul a single state enterprise. These so-called champions of democracy have only one agenda “how to complete five years”.
After delay of a couple of months, $7.2Bn Railway Mainline (ML-1) finally got approved from the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC). The project is strategically important for Pakistan. Dualization & upgradation of 1872km track will not only facilitate passengers, it will also boost economy of the country, with creation of 100,000 jobs especially in this COVID19 pandemic. With the $7 billion mega project, there will be no hindrance in Pakistan’s becoming an economic tiger. The project also comprises advanced signal system, upgrade of Walton Railway Workshop & Havelain Dryport.
In previous meetings, a suggestion was also floated that Pakistan Railway Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Department should be handed over to a Chinese Firm. It surprised me. Being an Engineer, that Pakistani Engineers who run GENCO, DISCOs, PAEC & other Departments are ineligible to run the O&M Department of Railways. This decision has been taken by a bureaucrat who is MBBS and previously serving in FBR and now he will decide eligibility and Competency of Pakistani engineers.
ENGR M USMAN JAVED SIAL
Bahawalpur
