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.
Justice in
New Zealand
The white supremacist Brenton, involved in hate inspired terrorist attacks killing 51 Muslims in two mosques on March 15, 2019 in Christchurch, New Zealand has been sentenced within one year and 5 months to life term imprisonment without parole. He will spend the rest of his life behind bars and never see the light of day as a free man.
When a State delivers justice to its citizens, the bonds of love and mutual respect, so vital to nurture a sense of attachment to their government, strengthens. PM Jacinda Arden has won the hearts and minds of all her citizens especially the Muslims. Compare this prompt delivery of justice to rather depressing state of affairs in Pakistan and rest of Muslim majority countries and even USA etc, where justice is given selectively.
Our ruling elite, both civil and uniformed, other than pep talk and promises of reforms, talk about the Madina Welfare State concept, but ground realities are zilch. In September 2012 over 289 poor labourers were burned alive in Karachi Baldia garment factory allegedly by Altaf-led MQM for non-payment of Bhutha (extortion). Even after eight years there is no closure or justice for next of kin, because of short-term political exigencies.
In May 2007 almost 60 innocent citizens were killed by Musharraf-aligned MQM and later over 200 uniformed policemen were killed by target killers, but the State hostage to its political alliances failed even when its writ was challenged. Recently a family of four were killed near Sahiwal and even captured on video, but nobody gets punished. Before that 14 were killed in Model Town. The irony is that when State had the will, it caught and executed five convicted for December 2003 assassination attempt on Musharraf.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Recklessness and intensified corruption
It is embarrassing and upsetting that Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was inaugurated as President two years ago, celebrated recently on twitter that he has achieved a lot in two years as elected President. During these two years, he has failed to improve the situation in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is facing many problems such as abject poverty, dilapidated infrastructure, misuse of fertile lands. Zimbabwe was the bread basket of Africa and it now the beggar of Africa.
There is no cash in banks, no foreign currency to import essential goods, high inflation, high unemployment and use of multi-currency in Zimbabwe. There is also massive corruption in government institutions, massive divestment and companies are closing down. Mnangagwa is a poor leader who mismanages the economy, abuse human rights and is clueless, corrupt and careless. Health system has almost collapsed and many are seeking treatment in South Africa and other countries. President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his reckless and irresponsible ZANU PF government should be removed from power by all means necessary to save Zimbabwe.
KUDZAI CHIKOWORE
London
Karachi is glowing!
The biggest city of Pakistan, the erstwhile capital city of Pakistan and the 6th most populated city of the world has been targeted for the last many days. Some ill-oriented people are getting benefit of heavy monsoon spell. Surely, we can’t stop heavy rain, but only can rescue and can bring comfort to the affected regions. Karachi is drowning and sinking is an illegal accusation. Government can’t block the natural disaster, rather it can only bring a policy to handle the dangerous situations.
Even the world’s strongest and advanced countries are facing the rain flooding. There are just a few regions of Karachi which are badly affected of this heavy rainfall, otherwise it’s shining and glowing, the city of lights is beautifully adorned as it was.
It’s fascinating and adorable to visit Karachi, while it’s raining. To add more, nobody can resist natural acts, but only can handle it in an organised way. For government to control the situation in a conjugated Karachi is definitely a hard nut to be cracked, it’s nevertheless, an easy task.
NAZIR AHMED KUBAR
Thari Mirwah
Biased media
Undoubtedly, media is eyes and ears of any state. It is considered to be the vocal support of the oppressed people. But, unfortunately media has become very much biased in showing the true picture of society. The media only show the content which may endanger their TRP’s. A dozen of media channels have different political affiliation. Every channel tends to protect those people who may benefit them by securing their vested interests. One is grilling the other to curry favour.
It is an implicit fact that media has become a puppet in the hands of ruling elite. Those nations cannot make progress whose media is caged. Thus the unilateral show of truth breeds different social evils in the society. Moreover, yellow journalism is also a part and parcel of the media.
Sadly, the pen of a journalist toils when he is complied by his earthly masters. They are under the thumb of their benefactors. History substantiates that when the pens are confined to write the profits, the nation is propelled towards the hell by the negative powers. Media indeed plays a pivotal role in building the nation. So, it must work as neutral body and present a true picture of our society.
AWAIS GOPANG
Sukkur
Address harassment issues
Harassment in any form is abhorrent and has far-reaching impact on victims with severe social and mental consequences. It goes without saying that women particularly girls and children are vulnerable segment of society. A recent reported case of Nadia Ashraf, a Phd candidate is a case in point. As per reports, the victim took her life because she was going through hard times by her supervisor and subsequently took her life. Hence, it shows insecurity has no boundaries and remains the major hindrance and challenge in achieving desired goals.
One cannot count the unreported harassment cases because of many factors. Provision of safety is the foremost duty of the State. Laws against harassment exist. However, implementation once again remains the problem. There will be many students who fall prey and become victim on a daily basis to none other than teachers, if State does not take timely action. Urgency to act will build confidence of victims to report. Reluctance to report owing to social insecurity coupled with honour is a crime.
Parents should provide enabling environment to their children so that no child hides issues they encounter. Exposing such elements in order to save people from being further victimized is need of the hour. Tougher prison sentence to perpetrators and offenders may serve as a deterrent in this regard. All measure should be taken to save students and particularly next generations to come for the betterment of the society.
M SHAHJAHAN MEMON
Qamber, Sindh
Changing trend in children
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the general public towards the changing trend in the recreational activities of children of modem tunes. It is shocking to know that present day children don’t want to spend their leisure hours on book-reading, sports and games or any other outdoor activity as was done in the years from 1960-1980.
Rather than that today’s children are more interested in indoor activities. Only 10% of them are interested in book reading whereas 60% can be seen busy with gadgets. This is not a positive trend. It is leading our children towards poor health and stamina.
In my opinion, children should be made to understand the importance of reading books and this can be done at school level as well as by parental interference. The advantages of outdoor games must be stressed upon. They must realise that outdoor games impart them value of discipline as well as team spirit. Parents should not provide them electronic gadgets at an early stage. Hope this letter of mine will spread awareness among children as well as parents and recreational activities of children will again get channelized in a positive way
UNZELA HAI
Karachi
