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.
Riyasat-e-Madina
The concept of turning Pakistan into Riyasat-e-Madina, i-e the Islamic version of a welfare state is the very charming and fascinating concept in itself. In the state of Madina the second caliph of Islam Hazrat Umar (RA) would not let a dog go hungry fearing that he would have to give answer for it before Allah Almighty.
But where we are standing practically to achieve our goals? What to say about the other bigger goals to reach at the destination of a welfare state a 2018 nutrition map of the world shows that South Asia tops the list of the countries where the children are not growing well. The entire South Asia region is marked red because according to this UNICEF study 49.9% children in this region are either stunted or malnaurished. The plight of children in Pakistan is worse than neighbouring countries.
The right to food is a human right, it includes protecting the right for people to feed themselves in dignity, sufficient availability of food, people’s access to it and that it adequately meets the individual’s dietary needs. The right to food protects the right of all human beings to be free from hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. Similarly the right to food is enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. Article 38 says, the State shall provide basic necessities of life such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical relief. But this does not mean that all of this would be provided free of cost, as this is not rational or practical either.
But when we see around us, we see food crisis every now and then prevalent in Pakistan in different shapes despite being an economy which is based on agriculture mainly. These days the shortage of tomatoes is very alarming symptom in an agricultural state like Pakistan. It’s not that difficult to deal with such issues if we have the will to do so. All the basic needs of an individual could be met by a proper and rational planning of resources.
MIRZA WAQAR BAIG
Islamabad
Student Unions must not be restored
I say so because recently one student was killed and several others were injured during a clash between two groups over an event at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). One of the groups (Jamiat-i-Islami) planned an event but the other opposed it and attacked members of the other group (JI). During the clash, weapons were also used and shots were fired. Some of the students, who sustained injuries, were rushed to hospital where one of them died. It was noticed that the security and police reached after two hours of the incident.
Student Unions are meant to work for the betterment of students rather than being involved in criminal activities. There should be strong security check that no arms and ammunition are allowed into the university premises. Concluding, student unions should remain strictly banned in educational institutes. No one should be allowed to take part in political activities. Universities and other educational institutes should be used only for educational purposes. Everyone should work for the peace and prosperity of the country.
MAEMUNA SADAF
Islamabad
Child labour
in Pakistan
Not all children in Pakistan are lucky enough to enjoy their childhood. Pakistan is suffering from extremely tender socio-economic and political chaos. There are many reasons why share of child labour is increasing such as poverty, large family size, social attitude and low literacy rate, worst economic crisis, symmetry of natural disaster, and large increase of unemployment. The majority of child labour in Pakistan occurs in agriculture.
According to a survey conducted by the Federal Bureau of Statistics and the National Child Labour, approximately 19 million children below 14 years of age are working as child labourers in Pakistan. As a matter of fact, Pakistan’s biggest problem is population explosion. Parents who earn little have 10-12 children. People should be made aware of the benefits of planned family. It is becoming increasingly difficult to provide for ever-increasing population. So, I humbly request PM Imran to protect the children from labouring because future of our country depends on them.
AIMAN AMJAD
Rawalpindi
Dementia in Pakistan
Dementia has become a health priority worldwide. It is a terms used for the diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in a person’s memory, language, problem solving and other thinking skills. The individual suffering from it faces difficulties in performing everyday activities. Certain changes also occur in the brain which leads to the ultimate loss of nerve cells (neurons). Various developed countries like UK, USA, Canada, and France are taking benevolent steps in raising awareness about dementia. Unfortunately in the developing countries, including Pakistan, there is wide scope of improvement.
Various research studies indicate that more than 50% of people with dementia are in the developing countries and this is expected to rise by 71% by 2050. In the developing countries like Pakistan the speed of aging is faster and there is a lack of awareness of dementia and its symptoms. Most of the people attribute the condition to a range of factors, such as doing too much, stress, shock, social isolation and in more extreme cases, black magic.
These misconceptions led to misunderstandings about care and prognosis. Worst of all is the stigma associated with this disease like any other mental health problems and consider it as something occurring as a result of normal aging process, and traumatic events, stressors or physical weaknesses. Other people attribute the disease happening due to lack of care for one’s elders or even worse due to some fault of the patient concerned. Such misleading concepts impact adversely on these people’s struggle to cope with their condition.
Research is needed in Pakistan to identify people’s understanding of dementia so as to advocate for the most effective policies and to provide services to people with dementia and their caregivers. Most importantly, a national campaign should be implemented in the country to raise awareness about dementia, the experience of people suffering from it and their families in Pakistan. These plans and policies should be capable enough to address the problem in a way tailored to the unique culture and demographics of Pakistan.
ESA KHAN
Islamabad
Alternate of plastic bags
I would like to invite the attention of authorities concerned towards a creative step adopted by the supermarkets in Asia are now using Banana leaves instead of plastic packaging. It will not only terminate certain pollutions but also give a world a new and sagacious look. Pakistan’s provincial and federal governments both must come forward to appropriate their measures and direct them to this commencement adopted by Thailand, Vietnam and several other Asian countries.
As Pakistan banned the use of plastic in Islamabad, people on the behalf, are still suffering from various problems related to luggage because the government has not shown any brighter side for that. But now, the alternative of plastic has come to the shape and I don’t think we should still wait and delay further.
ASIF MURAD UMRANI
Karachi
