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.
Christian’s Ghar Wapsi!
Christianity in India was first introduced in the 16th Century by American; Portuguese; Irish; Italians; British; German and then Scottish missionaries. A number of downtrodden Dalits also, preferred to join Christianity. So, now, this community is around 24-million in India. The Christians, like Muslims, have always been declared by RSS as foreigners. Though minorities in India have been suffering since 1947, yet, at present, terrorist Modi touched the heights. He intends to make India ‘pure Hindu State’ akin to Nazi’s “pure Aryan Germany”. Recently, RSS leader Rajeshwar Singh said Christianity & Islam will be kicked out of India by 2021?
The burning alive of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines along with his two sons and gang rape of a 74yr old nun are just a few examples to quote here. However, majority of incidents happened in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and even in Capital. In Orissa, in 2008, 500 Christians including some nuns were burnt alive and pregnant women were left without any medical care!! The acts of violence against Christians include arson of Churches, forced conversions, sexual assaults, murder of priests, destruction of schools and cemeteries. Dozens of Churches have been destroyed in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In April 2015, St Mary’s Church in Agra was vandalized and statute of Mother Mary & Infant Jesus were damaged and copies of Bible were also burnt openly!!
The All India Christian Council has alleged that an attack on Christians takes place every 40 hours! The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) ranked India’s persecution severity at “Tier 2” along with Iraq and Afghanistan. Even then, Uncle Sam and Co have no worry about Christians’ Ghar Wapsi – instead selling lethal arms to Hindutva. Is there any logic??
M AZAM MINHAS
Tatrinote, AK
Women rights
Violence against women and girls including rape, so-called honour killings, acid throwing attacks, domestic violence and forced marriages remains a serious problem. Some experienced physical and sexual violence from intimate partners in their life time. Approximately 15m adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19) have experienced forced sex at some point in their life.
Every year 12 million girls are married before they turned 18. Women currently make up 2/3 of the world’s illiterate adult. Govt has to work more on women rights projects systematic reforms in institutions that perpetuate discrimination against women, violence against women and education.
MAHNOOR TANVIR
Islamabad
Unemployment
We were optimistic with the recent statement of Prime Minister that we (people) would get jobs and so on after completing our education and we would get non-stop calls from many companies asking for our help! I use to yonder in this imagination that, what would be the time when this will happen, we would fast forward from third world to future where there’s no wrong, when truthfulness would really be appreciated and educated people would really be respected.
Now I am just tired living in this nostalgic multiversity that I would do something better for my county, for our people, for the greater tomorrow. Except me Mr. Prime Minister, do you even know that our county is filled with talented people who are just living under the dirt and only earning just so they would live another day.
I know young and far more talented people than me who are heartfelt studying and working part time. Earning money and saving just so they would leave from here to another country where being talented and educated is appreciated, where your CV is not declined just because you are freshly out from a college or university and you do not have experience. When we are not getting hired at the first place, how will we get experience?
Mr. Prime Minister, I hope you will look forward to this, because hell hasn’t fallen yet, things can get better, things can change only if you want them to, instead if you just keep doing the regular politics just as other politicians have done before you. As you say that you would not give NRO to Ex-Major players in Pakistani politics, do you think we even care about that? You talk in a future tense that you would not give NRO, okay we can understand that, but it only sounds good in holidays, Mr. Prime Minister, empty mind is a devil’s workshop.
SYED NAJAF RAZA
Karachi
Complete strike
A complete strike was observed in Hyderabad and its nearby towns the other day at the call of various traders organizations against the harsh tax policies imposed by FBR. All markets, business centres and markets remained shut and no commercial and business activities were carried out by traders.
On the other hand, a meeting of small traders organization was held at Shahi Bazar, Hyderabad which was chaired by Kanaya Lal, President whole sale footwear group, who lashed out at the existing tax policies of the present government and termed them against the interest of business community. He emphasised that government should revisit its tax policies to boost up economic activities.
TARIQ MAJEED
Via email
Lahore’s gateway
The LDA plans to construct a 130ft wide and 60ft high gate near the NAB Office on the Multan Road. The initial work of digging is about to begin. What shocks everyone is that the pillar of the gate on southern end of the road is located in the middle of sewage drain that the NHA had recently completed. On inquiry, it was revealed that the LDA had neither sought approval of the NHA nor submitted the layout plan of the gate, which shows a state of disconnect between two government departs.
The gate will cost the taxpayers a cool Rs 22.23 million. What for? What is the wisdom behind it? One may even question the idea behind erecting the gate at a location that is already congested since motorway exit, police check post, NAB office, and NLC dry port exist close by. Those who planned this project surely lack aesthetics; otherwise, this gate could have been located at least three to four kilometres further down towards Multan where plenty of open space is available. LDA and such civic bodies had better think of easing the traffic flow rather than hindering it by unnecessary beautification. It’s time to reconsider the location of the gate, if at all it’s needed.
IFTEKHAR A KHAN
Lahore
Narcissism disorder
Narcissism is also considered a social or cultural problem. It is one of the three dark triadic personality traits. A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they’re not given the special favours or admiration they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships unfulfilling, and others may not enjoy being around them.
People with narcissistic personality disorder may not want to think that anything could be wrong, so they may be unlikely to seek treatment. If they do seek treatment, it’s more likely to be for symptoms of depression, drug or alcohol use, or another mental health problem. But perceived insults to self-esteem may make it difficult to accept and follow through with treatment. If you recognize aspects of your personality that are common to narcissistic personality disorder or you’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness, consider reaching out to a trusted doctor or mental health provider. Getting the right treatment can help make your life more rewarding and enjoyable. Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder centres around talk therapy (psychotherapy). Participate in family therapy to learn healthy ways to communicate or to cope with conflicts or emotional distress. Attend parenting classes and seek guidance from therapists or social workers if needed.
MAIRA NADEEM
Rawalpindi
Repair GT road
The disgraceful condition of the left path, implied for moderate moving traffic can be credited to two components. To begin with, for the most part these roads can’t deal with trucks that are continually conveying more than passable points of confinement of burden. Thus, over some stretch of time they become uneven, broken and rough. Second, the National Highway Authority doesn’t endeavour to fix affected bits on schedule.
Therefore, the government, especially the authorities concerned, are earnestly requested to take some tangible steps for fixing the issues.
AYESHA AHMED
Islamabad
Facilities for working women
The esteemed position accorded to women in our society and religion is one of the greatest hallmarks of Pakistani culture. Unfortunately due to lack of safe and decent living facilities in big cities, women have been barred from getting higher education or pursuing the career of their choice. There is no denying the fact that access to a secure, affordable and reliable accommodation is necessary for women’s economic empowerment. Keeping this in mind, the Punjab government is working to make that happen.
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is committed to empowering women, which is evident from the fact that the government has established the Women Hostel Authority (WHA). The establishment of Women Hostel Authority is a ground-breaking initiative that will enhance women’s access to public services and help them foster their potential in an enabling and safe environment. With the establishment of the WHA, no woman will be deprived of her vital role in Pakistan’s national re-construction and uplift. They have shown their worth as leaders and administrators.
ROHMA ALI
Islamabad
