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.
Gratitude
We live in a world where we are constantly told to upgrade ourselves. We are always comparing ourselves to an unattainable image, which is being forcibly pushed by businesses, for their own benefit. No matter where you are in the world, it’s hard to avoid the glaring images of photo-shopped perfection.
By comparing ourselves, we fail to recognise the innumerable blessings which Allah Almighty has showered upon us. Surah Ibrahim: Verse 34 ‘And if you were to count the favours of Allah, never will you be able to count them’
The fact that we are alive and breathing, able to see, hear and feel, is one of the greatest blessings. There are people who would literally die just to be able to see the nature that Allah Almighty created. Yet, we walk past the pretty flowers and birds, too busy with our phones to take notice.
Every atom of our being was created by Allah Almighty. He gave everything its unique design, according to His Great Wisdom. The shape of your nose, the colour of your eyes and the size of your lips, fit your face perfectly. Instead of looking through the lens of dissatisfaction, learn to love your features and be grateful for them. Due to the rise of social media, we see the unfortunate rise of depression and anxiety amongst the youth.
I challenge anyone to a social media detox for a month. Take a walk out in the fresh air, care for an animal, connect with your loved ones. These simple things would help you to improve your mood immensely. Allah Almighty Says in The Holy Quran -Surah Ibrahim: Verse 4 ‘if you are grateful, I will certainly give you more’. Take a minute after your prayer to thank the Almighty, you will see nothing but blessings.
NOOR BUTT
Via email
SPKM
Temple Tejri
A group of Hindu pilgrims from India and the UAE started arriving in Pakistan to visit a century-old temple (SPKM Temple Tejri) in the country’s north that was recently renovated after last year’s mob attack. It is incredibly heartening to see that this visit was able to materialise for the pilgrims and that they were able to perform religious rituals on first day of new year following the temple’s rehabilitation. Cultural exchange and religious tourism are important for peace and harmony in the region. More such initiatives are needed, especially when considering what is taking place across the border. It has been reported that former army chiefs and over a hundred other people including veterans, bureaucrats and prominent citizens have written to Indian President and Prime Minister regarding “open call of the genocide of Indian Muslims” at various events.
These are extremely concerning trends as other minorities like Christians, Dalits and Sikhs also find themselves being the victim of communal hatred.
New Delhi is well aware of the consequences of fanning the flames of religious nationalism and communalism. This trend must be arrested at the earliest if we are to achieve a more tolerant South Asia. The Modi Government has to follow the policies of Indian National Congress leaders Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to maintain the status of India as a secular State.
QAZI JAMSHED A SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Cultural and ethnic disparity
There is a favoured concept in our society to create images of certain people on the basis of their ethnicity and background. In this modern world, people are still the slaves of centuries old norms. Cultural unacceptance has ensnared minds of such a vast number of people in Pakistan from accepting different realities of vast groups. It is still practised in our society to mock other cultures and pass insulting remarks on different values and traditions.
This cultural disparity has divided the people of Pakistan on social and even moral grounds. It is extremely disappointing to see Pakistan being gripped in the claws of differences. I would like to draw the attention of masses towards this serious issue through your newspaper. There should be proper awareness on cultural equality. There is no such thing as low culture or high culture. Everyone is learned in their own way.
LAIBA GUL
Bannu
Our educational backwardness
Even though our country is going through multiple crises, educational backwardness is the one which should be resolved as soon as possible. UNICEF has estimated that 22.8 million children aged 5-16 are not attending school in the country. The current literacy rate of Pakistan is just 62.3%, which means that an estimated population of 60 million is illiterate. Some countries are less developed compared to Pakistan, but possess more literacy rate. The literacy rate of Iran is 85.5%, Sri Lanka is 92 and Bangladesh is 73%
The Article 25-A of the Pakistan Constitution states, “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such a manner as may be determined by law.” Quaid-i-Azam’s words, in this perspective, are pertinent to mention here, who said in his speech, “Without education it is complete darkness and with education it is light. Education is a matter of life.”
Our Constitution ensures that free and compulsory education is the right to every child. The Quaid also emphasised education in his diverse speeches. The facts mentioned above demand that effective measures must be taken to eliminate illiteracy. Relevant authorities ought to pay more and more attention to this grave problem. Education backwardness is not a good signal. If we educate our new generation, it will pave the way for prosperity, progress and economic growth of the country. I think the best gift from a leader to the masses is education.
NAEEM UR REHMAN
Karachi
