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Khalistan Zindabad (!)
Hindus of India still regard the Sikhs as children of a lesser god and are often seen less patriotic, stereotyped, untrustworthy, traitors and what not. Modi and Co.’s mantra (Ghar Wapsi) is not only for Muslims and scheduled castes but also for Sikhs. So, Sikh community has invariable right for creating their homeland. This was/is motto of present referendum in UK and will (also) soon take place in other countries – US, Canada, Australia, and region of Punjab (!).
Though, India had propagated for long that only a few dozen Sikhs are behind Khalistan Movement, yet the participation by thousands in UK’s referendum shown that Khalistan Movement had supported million of Sikh’s across the world. History is a witness that Movement for establishment of a Sikh State goes back to 1947 (when) Nehru promised for a separate State for them. Instead of that, this community is facing systematically genocide till-to-date (!!)
Certainly, at present, non-Hindus are nowhere in power corridors of India. They are being sidelined. All these discriminatory tendencies of Hindus are also going to be more difficult for other communities in future. Owing to this biased approach, Sikhs have intensified their legitimate struggle for a homeland. All Sikhs are being united under the ambit of Sikh For Justice (SFJ) Movement to hold referendum in different countries to accomplish their dream.
As expected, now, international media took up the issue and highlighted oppression against Sikh community, and Amnesty International had already declared India as ‘International Terrorist State’. Even, New Jersey State passed a bill in favour of Sikh community and British (also) welcomed for referendum recently.
Manipur State announced her full cabinet in exile. The states of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir are (also) seeking end-of-Indian imposed-rule since long. And, all are drum petting for – Khalistan Zindabad (!!).
M AZAM MINAS
Tatrinote, AK
Traffic management
Under the new smart traffic management system formally known as the Islamabad Master Plan Commission, the city will be transformed into a walk-friendly zone. This step away from automobiles is important considering how congestion has contributed negatively to the social climate and environment of Big Cities. Our approach to urban development needs to change and it is good to see the district administration take the initiative to evolve our ways.
The project to promote non-motorised transportation is praiseworthy initiative. The aim is to manage traffic through empowering the pedestrians by creating cycling lanes, walking lanes, creating crossings wherever possible, cordoning off the entry of vehicles in certain commercial areas and even encouraging the use of carpool services just as much as public transport. Many cities across the globe follow this same blueprint, a major example being London.
The proximity of citizens to car-free spaces is rather impressive as a culture of walking has been nurtured throughout the course of time. This is what we must strive to achieve. There is also a custom of having multiple cars in one household that actively contribute to road congestion for which the government has planned to impose fines to deter people from congregating in one place. For those who absolutely have to use their cars, the authorities plan on constructing at least six different parking plazas so that people may park their cars and then walk to their destination without being disruptive. We must ensure that this initiative is followed through and that more is done in the long-term. Similar projects must be launched in other cities like Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi as well. Public transport must be improved and made more accessible through lower charges and multiple routes public transportation. Besides launching this project, improve the social climate of cities so that people are able to walk securely, especially women and children.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
At a click
We are living in 21st century with almost everything at a click, surrounded by unnecessary luxuries and spending our life in fancy bubbles. But the moment we step out of this imaginary successful and peaceful wonderland the reality hits us right in face. However, many of us have mastered the act of pretending that everything is perfect just as it is supposed to be. Well it’s not! These little humans working at workshops, dhabbas, standing at signals and running behind cars putting their precious life at stake is not how the world is supposed to be. Child labour is extremely unjust and cruel; not a single soul on the face of this planet could say anything to justify this brutality and heartlessness.
Child labour deprives the children from their right to education, their mental emotional and physical growth, their innocence and in short their complete childhood. Child labour takes a lot of forms and the worst of them are trafficking of children using them in production in pornography and all sorts of illicit activities. According to 2020 Global Estimates of Child Labour 160 million children are in child labour and about 3.3 million of Pakistani children are trapped in child labour. We, as humans, have failed these innocent souls, each and everyone of us is equally liable for any and everything these children are going through on a daily basis.
KAINAAT TARIQ
Lahore
