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.
Infrastructure financing
Recently, an article really grabbed my attention due to its interesting content. It is so good to learn that Pakistan’s first infrastructure financing guarantee project under the name of “InfraZamin” has been launched by Karandaaz & InfraCo Asia Investments Singapore in collaboration. InfraZamin aims to support and promote the participation of the private sector for the development of infrastructure by facilitating it with the long-term financing from financial institutions with a tenure of 10-15 years at lower rates.
Pakistan has a quite higher rate of infrastructure deficit as only 2.1% of the GDP is spent on infrastructure as against 8-10% requirements. So, I believe, this infrastructure finance guarantee facility, InfraZamin will be a great support to those who wish to invest in social infrastructure (roads, hostels, hospitals, alternate energy projects etc) with an average project size of Rs. 5 billion; and this will hopefully result in shortening the gaps. Through InfrZamin, investors will be facilitated with the finance guarantee ranging from Rs. 3.3bn to Rs. 6bn. I think it is a great initiative that will boost investment from the private sector, job creation and economic growth exponentially.
ADNAN ALI MUGHAL
Islamabad
Tobacco consumption
It is a matter of grave concern to see that despite different bans and the usual laws against smoking in a public place, consumption of tobacco in different forms is on a steady rise. Smoking not only leads to tobacco-related diseases like lung ailments, cancer, heart diseases but has even proved fatal in many cases. Besides, it is a menace for the passive smokers.
The government should, therefore, do something as drastic as ordering the closure of the tobacco industry itself. There is a need to create awareness among the people about the ultimate effects of smoking and highlight the need to stop it. Tangible steps to discourage smoking in public need to be taken. Awareness generating programmes should be organized to keep people abreast of the damaging side of smoking. Even the media, to a large extent, can help advocate the cause.
SANIA ABBASI
Rawalpindi
Victim’s right to privacy
Media plays a key role in a society by highlighting social injustices among people and thus demand for justice and accountability. Simultaneously, it is bound by law to protect rape victim’s identity. On the contrary, a few media outlets attempt to sensationalize masses by overstepping journalistic ethics just for ratings; without realizing impact on victims, particularly for potential victims. Resultantly, such acts discourage victims to report injustices they face on a daily basis.
Kashmore incident is a case in point where disconcerting video of rape victims was shared on social media without a second thought what impact it will leave on victims. Hence, there is dire need for sensitizing media so that it can play responsible role in future. Media is requested to report such cases sensibly and protect rape victim identity as we are part of a society where crimes like rape and domestic violence often goes unreported and unaddressed- only then victims will come forward to report without fear of being stigmatized.
M SHAHJAHAN MEMON
Kamber, Sindh
Violence against women in Pakistan
Violence against women has been on the rise in Pakistan, a country of over 200 million people. It ranks sixth on the list of the world’s most dangerous countries for women. According to statistics collected by White Ribbon Pakistan, an NGO working for women’s rights, 4,734 women faced sexual violence between 2004 and 2016. Over 15,000 cases of honour crimes were registered. There were more than 1,800 cases of domestic violence and over 5,500 kidnappings of women during this period.
According to media reports, more than 51,241 cases of violence against women were reported between January 2011 and June 2017. Conviction rate, meanwhile, remains low, with the accused in just 2.5% of all reported cases ending up being convicted by the courts. The Chief Justice of Pakistan has recently announced that 1,000 courts would be set up to deal with the cases of violence against women. I request the Government of Pakistan to take a serious action against this monster which is rising in Pakistan with each passing day.
HAMMAL NASEER
Turbat
Gender-based violence in Zimbabwe
It very disappointing that in Zimbabwe it is the main opposition party Movement for Democratic Change that is advocating for an end to gender-based violence in Zimbabwe that has caused many sufferings of women. The heartless and corrupt ZANU-PF government has failed to raise issues regarding gender-based violence. It is worth noting that some of the pains and suffering that happened to women in Zimbabwe were politically motivated. Forty-nine cases of abductions and torture were reported this year without investigations including the cases MP of MDC Alliance Joana Mamombe, Netsai Marova, Cecilia Chimbiri and comedian Samantha Kureya popularly known as Gonyeti.
Domestic violence and sexual violence particularly rape have increased under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his careless government. Women across all political divide continue to suffer domestic and sexual violence and the Women’s League for ZANU PF have not even lobby their party to put policies that will stop such bad practices. Under the curtains of culture and religious practices in Zimbabwe, women still experience gender-based violence but keep quiet. President Emmerson Mnangagwa should have a heart for women who are experiencing gender-based violence in Zimbabwe and put measures to stop it. If he cannot stop gender-based violence, he should step aside.
KUDZAI CHIKOWORE
London
