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.
Stop insulting poor and middle class
Ever since recent TV talk shows and programs held on various channels, following President Obama’s book, a few so-called analysts who dare not point the finger at those responsible have instead started insulting poor citizens of this country for sell out. When has the will of people of Pakistan prevailed, or they have been involved in the decision-making process. One such individual with initials IB crossed all limits of decency. This must stop. If they lack moral courage to speak the truth, they should keep quiet.
When has the powerful elite, who having enjoyed fruits of power, facilitated their kith and kin to abandon this country for greener pastures been held accountable? We lost half the country and none was penalized, despite Hamood-ur Rahman Commission’s Report naming them. Instead a few amongst those involved in criminal activities were promoted and they damaged an important institution of this state.
The common citizens of Pakistan are wedded to this country for good times and bad times, because the bonds of undivided loyalty between a citizen and his/her motherland are too strong to be swayed by the lure of immigration or green cards. The common citizens have never been found faltering in contributing their share. Pakistan is a country where the poor and middle class contribute maximum to charity.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Electoral reforms
This refers to your editorial ‘Towards electoral reforms’ (November 19). You have ably elaborated all the steps that the PTI government would have to take to make elections credible. You have also pointed out the need for the Prime Minister to at least develop some understanding with the opposition so as to muster two-thirds majority which would be required to pass the necessary legislation.
However, even if the PTI managed to enact the electoral reforms, this will make the process fair only as between the Parliamentarians, which number under 2000. But what about crores of ordinary persons whose living conditions keep getting from bad to worse, with no improvement in sight despite supposedly democratic governments and smooth transition of power from one government to the other?
What I mean is that no matter how fair the elections are, the masses would be able to elect only from the available pool of aspiring candidates, meaning the same political mafias headed by corrupt leaders or perhaps their similarly-disposed offspring now appearing on the horizon?
And that means the real need is for reforming the structure of political parties so that the holding of important positions is decided on merit, and not because of closeness to, or payment of hefty fees to the party head who runs it as his private property, with leadership passing on hereditary basis. Presently, Jamaat-e-Islami has proper party structure, but unfortunately because of its narrow base, it fails to win enough seats to form a government. However, their ‘owners’ benefit most by keeping the structure as it is, and the masses, being too divided on ethnic lines, are unable to take a strong, common stand against this exploitation, so their misery continues.
S R H HASHMI
Karachi
Talk more
& do more
The President-elect of the USA Joe Biden has been the major talking point across the world. First up, Biden himself has been a great talker, having been speaking about so many things up till date before and after the election.
From his various talks as wide as possible, it is very clear that he has some great plans and some greater ideas to bring a new positive outlook to the world order. Well-done and well-said! Secondly, all the media houses worldwide have now started talking and writing about Biden rather in a positive manner.
Talking is indeed a great way out of any crisis over there as it helps find the solution in an unexpected way. The people in my native areas like Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu have been thinking up and talking through their problems to find comfort in life. The more Joe Biden talks, the greater will be the results. This seems to be the case now. Translating his talk into action would be far more powerful.
Therefore, let him talk us through all the issues facing the world to find all the solutions possible out there in order to grow the human society and keep the international community at peace. Of course, it is not just into the Biden world but also involving beautiful and robust continents like Asia.
P SENTHIL S DURAI
Mumbai
Crime in Rawalpindi
The crime rate is skyrocketing with no hindrance in its trajectory. The whole country has fallen prey to crimes. While every city has seen grievous circumstances, Rawalpindi is subservient to none. Rawalpindi is keeping pace with the trend and is seeing a continuous hike in voracious offences embodying assault, burglary, robbery, mobile snatching, murders, automobile felony, capture and abduction and petty thefts.
A recent firing incident on a car amid burglary is a horrific example. No one is protected from the animus happenings as surge in knife and gun crime has led many shot to death plus many physically paralysed during snatching incidents. The turmoil has ignited a wave of fear and desperation everywhere around. Maximum instances go unchecked that serve as a source of candid malevolent incidents and a motivational force for the culprits.
The gravity of the matter is aggravating requiring a prompt solution. Illiteracy, lack of law enforcement, and poor economic conditions have blown a wave of incitement in the society. Moving in the city is not void of fear and danger, thus necessitates an immediate move that aggressively puts a check on these hefty crimes to restore peace in the city.
AYESHA ASAD
Via email
