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.
This is not cool
We all have, at least for once, must heard this infamous line “I do this because it’s Cool.” This cool attitude has succumbed many lives and has put many at the brink of being succumbed. Yes, I’m talking about the notorious nicotine products i.e. cigarettes, flavour sheesha, cigars, and the latest one in the market Velo. Now many of you would argue that sheesha, Cigars, or Velo is not that harmful as cigarettes or other drugs as they contain less amount of nicotine or (the most quoted one) these are just the flavours for pleasure.
Then I wonder why most of the consumers, consume these at a remote place not wanting their family members or children watching and imitating them later. But if one dares to do it in public then this just not harms the active consumer but is equally lethal for a passive consumer. I believe our thirst for being associated with a particular class and status have made most of us blind followers, not realizing that these products are equivocally harmful to anyone belonging to any class or status. So this, rather than being made a symbol of privileged and cool aura, shouldn’t be promoted and awareness about the noxious impacts of it must be created and disseminated at all levels and through all mediums because it’s not just about you and me but it’s about our generations!
SOBIA WASEEM
Karachi
Metropolitan issues
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I want to highlight rapidly growing metropolitan issues. Pakistan is among the most urbanized country of South Asia. As challenges mount, urban planning is gradually finding space in the policy discourse. I would like to discuss the pace of urbanization and the major problems associated with it.
Urbanization has inflated Pakistan’s biggest cities so rapidly that they struggle to deliver public services and to create more productive jobs. The problems associated with it are: over- population, density, inadequate infrastructure, lack of affordable housing, flooding, pollution, slum creation, crime, congestion and poverty. This problem of high population density is caused due to the heavy rate of migration from rural areas. The rapid population growth has led to an acute shortage of dwelling units which resulted to: overcrowding, traffic, congestion, pollution, housing shortage (slum and squatter housing), high rents, poor urban living conditions, low infrastructure services, poverty, unemployment and poor sanitation which have become pervasive and indeed high crime rate.
Flooding is a very serious problem faced in some metropolitan areas during the rainy season. The drainage is poorly constructed leading to difficulty in accessing the roads due to the flood leading to the flood disaster. The growth of slums in cities is one of the serious problems created by the rapid industrialization and urbanization is really needed to be considered. The crime rate is also increasing due to the increase in population. Congestion is another main metropolitan issue. It could be in traffic and overcrowding. In traffic there is an overcrowding of a route, leading to slow and inefficient flow which makes movement difficult. Local governments should protect, promote and implement the rights to the city.
RABIYA SHOUKAT
Karachi
Mental health awareness
It is unfortunate that Pakistan is among countries with the highest number of mental health cases. Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew.
If this problem persists, I am afraid that we might face a mental health crisis all over the country. I request social and traditional media platforms to make content regarding the problem. I also request my fellow citizens not to radicalise these people and comfort them to come out with their plight before they choose to end their life in silence.
SANIA SHAHZADI
Rawalpindi
Police ghardi
Recent police crackdown on the protesting ladies from all over Sindh in Ubaro is very shameful and heinous act. It further deteriorated the image and performance of Sindh police. These ladies and children were protesting for their beloved ones who went missing for many months even years. No one is willing to take responsibility where theses people have gone? State is answerable for the missing persons in Sindh.
Protesting against something is the fundamental right of everyone. Police must not indulge in activities such as beating ladies, children and even slapping them in front of camera. SSP Ghotki must take immediate action against SHO Ubaro and an inquiry must be ordered in the hateful act of police ghardi.
FAWAD IDREES
Hyderabad, Sindh
Roll on, Brexit!
The so-called Brexit deal between the UK and the EU has just reached the final stage at last with both the parties almost clinching the final deal. On the other part, there have been different stories and confusing signals from certain quarters about the long- awaited deal. As a result of the Brexit deal, business patterns, facets of export/import and farming and job scene are all up for some more breaking points. But it is all about the good rapport and business coexistence between the peers and neighbours at the end of the day.
In general, cutting a deal takes a lot of efforts and introspection. Similarly, it is these two big regions like the UK and Europe that have to take the final call on the matter. Maybe, they are just fresh off the boat as for Brexit. There will be initial hiccups. However, they have to bear the brunt of everything out there. More to the point, there have been many underlying problems among so many region.
P SENTHIL S DURAI
Mumbai
