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.
Road or a death trap
The road leading from Ghazi interchange on Motorway to Tarbella Dam has remained in a shambles for a long time. This road leads to the largest dam, a major source of power generation in the country and to the prestigious Ghulam Ishaq Khan University of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) near Topi. The main problem is the numerous causeways that exist on this road to accommodate rainwater on the mountains to pass over the road.
Building small underpasses to allow seasonal rainwater to pass should have been no problem. Presently, the condition of the road especially from Jarian police check-post to Ghazi is in the most deplorable state and needs urgent attention of the authorities. Forty feet long vehicles carrying maintenance material for the dam pass by this road besides the vehicular traffic of the security organisations.
However, it is heartening to see people repairing portions of this road on a self-help basis, a job the road building department should have done. For a road that caters to high traffic intensity to remain in a perpetual state of disrepair is highly reprehensible.
DR SAJID IQBAL
Lahore
What we expect from our leaders?
We expect from our leaders some radical changes. We want them to start some new industries. Open some new factories that can provide employment to thousands of young boys and girls. Start a new irrigation project that will help thousands of farmers. Start some technical colleges where children can find employment when they pass out. Do something new to attract tourists. Do something meaningful to maintain law and order in the country. Maintain discipline.
These are the things that we expect from our leaders. But, unfortunately what our leaders do today is just the opposite. They lay foundation stones and spend hours making political speeches. Open various things by cutting ribbons. We can see hundreds of opening ceremonies. Real leaders do not waste time for opening ceremonies.
We want at least in the remaining period of the government that the leaders to show some results. Improve the economy. Establish political stability. Establish financial stability. Improve the rate of growth. Help private sector to improve so they can provide more employment. We hope the leaders stop this ribbon cutting culture and do something meaningful. We cannot measure the progress by number of ribbons or merely making political statements of providing job to jobless and laying foundation stones for building factories and manufacturing units. We measure by rate of growth, position of economy and financial stability.
JERRY WARADARAJAH
Muscat, Oman
Two main pillars of state
Army is a pillar of any state thus its importance cannot be underestimated particularly in the presence of arch-rivals like India. But to carry on two things at once could be proved onerous. However, Pakistan’s army has always been criticized for its involvement in the state’s internal affairs and for ousting civilian governments for four times in the past. But irony is that the army is always on the frontline whenever the people are in need.
Either it is flood or earthquake, military men are there to help their people in the time of need. On one hand, they are criticized for their political involvement, on other hand they are invited to meddle directly by the same ‘democracy loving people’ through backchannels for their personal motives. It is surprise to see the people introduced and patronized by army, blaming the same army for involvement when the army refuses to favour them.
Our founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, clearly mentioned the boundary of army when he said that the right to make the national policy is of the civilian government and not of the army who should only help in carrying out the tasks assigned by the civilian government. In short, instead of blaming the army for their own failure in properly governing the state, the politicians should now adopt the mature tactics, and try to work for the betterment of the country.
KAINAT
Karachi
Even police not safe!
This refers to the recent incident of an ASI, Ashgar Ali Mugheri, who caught two men with bear in their possession in Larkana. But afterwards, he was beaten by a politically-influential person. According to victim Ashgar, even SHO of respective Police Station was laughing at him while he (ASI) was being abused.
The man in question tore ASI‘s uniform and threatened him with dire consequences. Unfortunately, no one from his police fraternity came forward to help him and saved him from brutality of the politician. Ashgar has raised his voice through social media. We are sorry to say that here in Sindh, even police is not safe. How this insecure department of police would save others from such barbarity?
ASI Asghar has appealed to his senior officers to take strict action against the accused and the SHO who laughed at him while he was being beaten, rather than taking action against the accused.
This tragic incident sheds light how unsafe is the common man in Sindh. Therefore, we request PM Imran Khan to do justice and take action against all those who damn care for the safety and protection of ordinary people. Certainly, PM’s action would serve as a deterrent.
IMTIAZ ESSA HALEPOTO
Jamshoro
