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.
Where clouds meet
“Where Clouds Meet” is the best novel that describes the story of a soldier named Ali, a bird Tutu, and a female character Serena.
It tells their story, and thoughts, the hardships they face, and struggles they make. It explains the life of a soldier, how he thinks of nation first, over his own life.
He is resolute to defend the country even in the face of death. The author, Tahir Mehmood, describes Tutu’s migration in a fascinating way; how the bird leaves comforts of ‘home’, conquers fears and overcomes hardships in quest of knowing the unknown.
Serena depicts a person who wants peace all over the world. She raises questions regarding social behaviour, love, courage and sacrifice, which further engages the reader.
Major part of the novel is dedicated to soldiery and bravery. There is another interesting character of NKK who is like a directionless driftwood that remains at mercy of waves, but he is full of knowledge and wisdom.
He puts questions and also provides answers.
However, my favourite character remains to be Tutu, the bird that personifies struggles.
Travelling from one mountain, over the rivers and oceans, villages and into the cities, it motivates the students of my age to develop in us the similar patience while facing difficult situations.
I am sure the novel will help me a lot throughout lifelong efforts and struggles ahead. The author has portrayed his characters so beautifully that it makes us feel as real.
One feels pain, happiness, rage while going through the novel. It is really a great work; I must suggest the students not to miss reading it.
SANABIL MUSTAFA
Rawalpindi
PDM rallies
The opposition’s politics of agitation is gaining momentum as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) announced that it will be staging a series of rallies against the PTI-led government for its anti-people policies and backbreaking ever rising prices of essential commodities.
Amidst increasing inflationary trends, the pressure on the government appears to be increasing as the PPP also staged countrywide protests.
The prices of essential commodities skyrocketing and the purchasing power of citizens declining, the economic situation is expected to be dire in the months to come, particularly for the working class of the country.
Forecasts suggest that inflation could enter into double digits soon as the petroleum levy will be increased to Rs15 from the existing one close to Rs 10 per liter of petrol.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is predicting that inflation will remain high in Pakistan for the next six months and the rupee is likely to continue on a depreciatory path despite a support package from Saudi Arabia.
Comparing prices with countries across the world or posting testimonials of Overseas Pakistanis talking about how things are difficult outside the country may not be the best strategy. The government must exhibit more empathy with its citizens who are struggling for livelihood.
JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Kangana comment is unacceptable
Bollywood film actress Kangana Ranaut who is a die-hard fan and supporter of Narendra Modi, has stirred the hornet’s nest once again.
Speaking at an event organised by a news channel recently, she said that India’s Independence in 1947 was not freedom but ‘bheek’ (alms), and that India got her real freedom only in 2014 after the BJP came to power with Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister.
The statement made by Kangana Ranaut is unacceptable and an insult to India’s freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi and numerous other freedom fighters.
The Padma Shri award conferred on her should be taken back by the President of India immediately. She earned the award for consistently defending BJP’s divisive and hatred politics.
She should understand that Indians got freedom from the British colonial rule in 1947 after great sacrifices were made by various freedom fighters and not in 2014 after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister.
Kangana has been given the Y category security cover, although she openly spits venom against our own citizens. I strongly feel that the actress needs to be booked for insulting our great freedom fighters.
Today, if Kangana is heard shamelessly claiming that India got real freedom only in 2014 after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India, then that’s because saffron sympathisers like her. Her statement is unacceptable and she should be booked for sedition.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
World Tolerance Day
It is disheartening that Zimbabwe is not remembered on World Tolerance Day on the 16 November. Brutal corrupt leaders of Zimbabwe have caused the nation to go on its shambles.
Human rights are abused everyday for inciting public violence and the ZANU PF government is unable to tolerate the rights of their people.
Some are killed for opposing the regime.
This shows that the ZANU PF Party had failed Zimbabwe over 4 decades and when President Mnanganga came to power he promised that Zimbabwe will be great again.
The world should not tolerate President Mnangagwa and his government to rule over Zimbabwe and force him to resign immediately because Zimbabwe citizens had seen hell on earth because of these careless, corrupt and evil ZANU PF government.
TAPIWA MUSKWE
London
