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.
Tolerance for dissent
There will be serious consequences if the government and powers that be, continue to give credence to the perception that there is growing intolerance for dissent in a country whose Father of Nation wanted it to be a modern democratic welfare state. Such intolerance for dissent in a country with over 95% Muslim population is violative of Islamic faith and jurisprudence where common citizens could question Caliph Hazrat Umar (RA) about his dress which was made of larger length of cloth than that required for dress in use by common citizens.
Our religion stresses upon equal opportunities for all citizens based strictly on merit. It also emphasises that all citizens, irrespective of their social status, caste or creed are equal before law. Unfortunately Pakistan today is not the country that Jinnah visualised. For decades we have suffered by not adhering to Jinnah’s vision. There is only one doctrine that this country must pursue and follow and that is the Jinnah Doctrine.
Pursuing any policy such as gagging the print or electronic media in this age of internet, where social media is widespread, would only result in loss of credibility of both print and electronic media and boost people’s reliance on social media for information. Rumour mongering will gain a foothold and will be used by our enemies. Banning social media sites is not the solution. Any attempt of banning social media sites will simultaneously deprive citizens to have access to avenues where knowledge in science and technology is available to those who are interested. As it is the State has outsourced education and even health to the private sector to be run as a business, thereby shying away from its constitutional obligations.
MALIK T ALI
Lahore
Why crimes are increasing?
There are two main reasons behind crimes that are increasing in our country rapidly. One is unemployment and second is not giving punishment to offenders. When there are no job opportunities available in the country for people then they try to earn money through shortcuts, which lead them to crimes e.g. robbery, buy and sell illegal things, drug dealing, killing, etc.
A person who is unemployed will be more likely to engage in crimes than an individual who is employed. Another major reason is corruption and bribery. Nowadays rape cases are on rise and rapists have learnt from past that such issues will run on social and electronic media for short time and then everyone will forget this issue. The administration should provide job opportunities to youth so that they do not go for money through illegal activities. To reduce rape cases and other crimes govt should revamp police and justice system immediately. And parents also have a role here, unfortunately, we always teach a child that in any situation you have to respect elders and follow elders orders if you like or not, but most of the cases are reportedly committed by victims’ relatives. Parents need to educate their child how they recognise bad touch and good touch.
FAIZ MUHAMMAD
Mardan, KP
Women education
A woman plays a vital role in the society. An educated woman can be conversant with her duties and contribute much in the growth of her nation. Moreover, educated woman can perform a matchless role as a mother, sister, daughter and wife. More importantly as a citizen, an educated woman has the potential to boost up economy of a nation by positive contributions.
But dishearteningly, the women population in our country is mostly deprived from education in the name of culture and religion. According to people Islam does not allow women to step out of the house for anything. Likely, the women in our country remain uneducated. However, Allah the almighty mentions clearly in Quran,” This is the duty of every Muslim man and woman to acquire knowledge and education.”
Thus, the mentioned reference from holy Quran proves that prevailing concept in the name of religion, about women education, is totally wrong. So, being a Muslim country Pakistan must motivate its female citizens to get education. There is immense need of spreading awareness about women education in the country.
DURDANA NOOR
Turbat, Balochistan
Safety for journalists
Freedom of speech is the basic right of every individual. The Constitution guarantees journalists safety. Unfortunately Pakistan has dramatically witnessed the vulnerable situations significantly on account of journalists’ safety. According to fresh reports, from September 1, 2018 till January 30, 2020 62 Federal Cabinet meetings were held but none have taken journalists issue as a concerning subject matter.
Furthermore in the same period, seven journalists were killed, six abducted, fifteen faced FIR and together 135 violations have been recorded. I request all concerns to take concrete action on this matter as we have become quite notorious in international media on matter of journalists safety.
ASIF MURAD UMRANI
Karachi
Manufactured beauty
Had there been a universally accepted standard of beauty, life would have been far easier for the majority as they would be protected from makers of “manufactured beauty”. Since culture, religion and customs of only conquerors thrive throughout the history, hence these forces also manufacture their own beauty standards that favour them in terms of financial gains and psychological superiority.
Lauren Greenfield in her documentary, Thin, aptly portrays how stereotypes regarding beauty are manufactured where zero size is considered as a criteria of being beautiful and attractive. Societal acceptance to various body sizes and heights has put a lot of women under psychological duress. That not only results into inferiority complex but also leads to suicidal thoughts and women on this front are especially more vulnerable.
Moreover, career opportunities in entertainment industry are very less for chubby women with dark complexion. Hence, women are forced, in one way or the other, to use whitening products that again benefit capitalists, which are largely the White. Media is also used as a propaganda tool as it reinforces the idea of “ manufactured beauty”.
The South Asia is no exception. Conquerors’ standards of beauty be they Aryans, Muslims or British are still prevalent. Pointed nose, wide eyes and fair complexion with a tall height are considered as characteristics of beauty. The fact is that it is the geographical location that decides the features and complexions of people. Nonetheless, various social activists are debunking the myth of beauty; and hopefully society with real education and access to information will change the perception that everyone who is different is beautiful.
KASHIF HAKRO
Karachi
