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.
PM Imran quarantine restrictions
PM of Pakistan is required to serve as a role model for all citizens, viz-a-viz following SOP for COVID19 positive tested individuals, after it was announced that he and first lady have both tested positive.
As Muslims we need to follow Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH hadiths on this that those living within a pandemic infected area must isolate themselves, while those living outside such an area must never venture to go into an infected zone.
When the PM tested positive, the whole country offered prayers for his recovery. It was also announced that he and the first lady had quarantined themselves within Bani Gala residence.
Photograph released to media and all TV channels shows the PM wearing a mask meeting his aides, including his media team. Whoever advised the PM has done no service to him or citizens of this country.
In case the PM wants to perform important office work of significance to national interests, he should do it On-Line with members of his cabinet.
This sends a wrong message especially when a lethal Third Wave of this pandemic has infected lots of citizens.
Almighty Allah SWT has been very kind and gracious that COVID19 has not inflicted fatalities to the extent that it has in other countries in the region, like India, Iran etc.
We have already made many mistakes like offering direct flights to UK based airlines, at a time when British variant of COVID19 forced many countries within Europe, Far East, and American continent to place restrictions on flights to England.
One hopes that preventive measures are adopted to restrict all flight operations carrying passengers to and from South America and Brazil etc.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
All fools’ day
The first day of the month of April is called ‘All Fools’ Day’ or ‘April Fool’s Day’. On this day, people take delight in playing practical jokes on each other.
The custom started in Rome when king Leopold of Belgium, who was married in Rome, was made a fool of by his sister-in-law when he went to his father-in-law’s palace on the first of April by mistake as he had been invited there on first of May. Today, several centuries later, April fool is played on people on a large scale.
It is played by students in schools and colleges and also by employees with their colleagues in offices. It is also played at home with neighbours and family members.
So don’t get April fooled this year. Be alert. However, instead of playing jokes on people on April Fools’ Day, I suggest, you plant at least one sapling in your surroundings to make it an April Cool Day.
This small campaign of yours may help in making the earth cool and a better place to live in.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
PTI’s half tenure
The PTI has completed its more than half tenure of ruling in Centre and Punjab besides almost 8 years in KP.
Unfortunately, the government’s performance has not been satisfactory. Ever since it came into power (2018), it has been attacking the opposition.
It is true that the performance of the opposition parties in their respective tenures wasn’t great and that they should be reminded of their shortcomings. However, the ruling party should do something for the welfare of people.
In the 2018 general election, the people of Pakistan voted for the PTI with the hope that this party would bring real change in the country.
But, so far, it has not been able to deliver on a single promise that Imran Khan made during his election campaigns.
No significant efforts have been taken to improve the education sector of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) – two provinces where ruling party has formed provincial government.
No steps have been taken to bring out-of-school children back to schools. The healthcare sector of these provinces also tells a tale of constant neglect.
It seems that the PTI will spend its remaining tenure in targeting the opposition, beating the trumpet of “ Corruption-Corruption” then it can easily be predicted that in the 2023 general elections, PTI has to face the repulsive attitude, not favour of the people who had voted for PTI in the 2018 elections.
JAMSHED ALAM SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Covid-19 and Shafqat uncle
As the third wave of covid-19 continues to play havocs, the government is left with no other option but to impose smart lockdowns in those areas where the contagion is surging dramatically.
On 24th March, the federal education minister Shafqat Mehmood announced that the educational institutes would remain close in Covid hotspots till 11 April.
The students of those areas where the educational institutes are shut downed are extremely delightful on the decision of Shafqat Mehmood.
The memes on Shafqat Mehmood on the social media erupted like storm depicting him as a hero.
The comments were Shafqat uncle, Shafqat don, future PM, no need to study Shafqat would pass and many others.
They were paying tributes to him while becoming blithely ignorant of damage to their education.
Such actions are probably reflection of society at large unveiling moral degradation.
The students would have to pay high cost for their educational loss as the Covid-19 has put a formidable obstacle to the learning process of the education.
M AZHAR RAJOKA
Chiniot
