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.
Kudos to frontline workers
Let’s develop a habit to commend those who don’t stop working in life threatening situations. Civilized nations have an inherent culture to do so. There are a number of front line workers who need a pat on the back.
While driving to my work place earlier this morning, I could see traffic and military police personnel performing duties right under the sun in the month of holy Ramzan.
And above all exposing themselves to Covid-19. Grateful as a son of the soil, to our defence forces giving their lives while securing motherland
Kudos to frontline workers of 1122, fire-fighters, WAPDA, Cantonment Board, PTCL, MES, City Development Corporations, Sui Gas and all other public service departments who are available to serve the public and risk their lives.
The escalation of COVID-19 cases from a relatively small number of cases in China to a global pandemic has transformed every industry and all aspects of our life with alarming velocity. The COVID-19 wave has smashed every industry.
The telecommunications industry has been largely disrupted, as it is the core of communications required for medical, government and private sector business functions to operate seamlessly.
For example, reliable, high-speed Internet access is a key to ensuring that hospitals and medical institutions have access to global information networks and resources necessary to fight the virus.
Broadband connectivity is also now absolutely crucial for educational institutions and businesses to continue to provide essential services.
The sudden disruption of normal business operations caused by the coronavirus has forced companies to drive their businesses remotely.
That shift has spiked the demand for better network connectivity and improved internet coverage, especially in remote or rural areas.
SHAHZAD LODHI
Rawalpindi
BISP: Bane or blessing?
Sindhi men and women are known for their creativity. Everyone one of them is an innate artisan.
These born artisans, seeing the wealth of natural materials available through the length and breadth of My Jeejal Sindh, have always used them to fashion a range of handicrafts, from tiny baskets to massive pieces of furniture.
Sindhi traditional arts like weaving, metal smith, pottery, woodcarving and gold smith are famous all over the world and are valued both by the locals and tourists, but from the day the much-touted the Benazir Income Support Programme ( BISP) – a federal unconditional cash transfer program – has been launched, I mean, since July 2008, most of women have ceased to work.
They just impatiently wait for the Kafaalat stipends – payments made to them available after every two months – Rs. 12,000. So far, billions of rupees have been distributed to millions of households.
It is noticed that most of the beneficiaries have become parasites or developed a despicable tendency of begging.
This Program has neither boosted their economy nor alleviated poverty, but has irreparably damaged Sindhi art and craft. People have become professional beggars.
Beggary has been institutionalized and corruption has been legitimized because those who make them payments, they deduct Rs. 500 from their cash.
I wish, if our past rulers and the present lot have applied their mind and guided the beneficiaries, estimated to be millions, how to use the cash/stipends OR the relevant federal and provincial agencies and departments would have purchased their hand-made art and craft and for this purpose, Art and Craft Sell and Purchase Centres would have been established at the Union Council level.
This honourable way would not only enhance their self-respect but also boosted their income and emancipated them from the trap of abject poverty.
HASHIM ABRO
Islamabad
Celebration or consolation
Despite many states restricting gatherings to contain a coronavirus resurgence across the country, Indians continued celebrating Holi and it led them to where they stand today with an alarming surge in both the number of cases and deaths.
Instead of taking India as an example, Pakistanis are doing what the Indians did. The celebration of Eid has become so immensely important that there does not exist a single marketplace or mall that cannot be seen crowded.
People are seen violating social distancing protocols and coronavirus prevention rules to prepare for the celebration of Eid.
It is important to realize if people do not adhere to social distancing rules, the celebration of Eid could reverse Pakistan’s last year gains against the pandemic
. It’s time for people to choose whether they want to celebrate with their relatives or want their relatives to console them for losing their loved ones.
AYESHA IMRAN
Karachi
