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.
Spreading Covid
It is sad that we are spending another Eid under the shadow of spreading COVID. With the national Covid-19 positivity rate elevated, critical cases showing a steady rise and widespread worries that we may soon be enveloped by another wave, health officials are becoming more vocal about the possibility of a major corona-virus outbreak during the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations. The wedding season is starts after Eid as well, with the possibility of new opportunities for the virus to spread.
Health authorities have been urging people to observe social distancing and take other precautions during social interactions, but warnings seem to be falling on deaf ears. In Karachi, where the positivity rate remains considerably elevated, public response to appeals to practise greater safety seems overwhelmingly dismissive. Enforcement of preventive SOPs remains weak with citizens frequenting public spaces including train stations, bus terminals and shopping centres without wearing masks or caring for social distancing protocols.
The newer variants of the corona-virus do not seem as deadly as older ones, and there are fewer hospitalizations and deaths, but we should not tempt fate. Covid-19 remains a highly transmissible disease and those people who suffer from comorbidities are at significant risk of experiencing a fatal infection. The risk of a new mutation is also ever-present, which means there is no room for complacency.
Likewise, people need to be educated about this fatal virus so that they can take precautions to protect themselves and their families. Experts recommend wearing gloves while interacting with and sacrificing animals and also while handling fresh meat to avoid being bitten. As urged previously, robust plans also need to be in place to clean up and properly dispose of all animal remains on Eid days to prevent any other health risks from arising. The confluence of so many disease risks should be taken seriously. The government must shrug off its lackadaisical attitude and work harder at preventing a national health crisis.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Monsoon
One of the most commonly recognized seasonal winds are the monsoon winds. Although monsoons are often erroneously identified as rainstorms, they are actually a seasonal wind. A monsoon is a wind in low-latitude climates that seasonally changes direction between winter and summer. The establishment of low pressure over the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent in May and June attracts winds from the Indian Ocean, which ‘burst blowing’ over the land about the middle of June as the south-west monsoons.
The monsoons gain in strength until July, remain constant to the end of August and then begin to slacken.
Monsoon has destroyed India and Bangladesh and now it is in Pakistan. Although it has also wrecked havoc in parts of Pakistan, especially Balochistan, yet it has brought happiness to the people in Pakistan.
I am from Balochistan, Turbat where we get a little rain for a long period of time, hence it is an enjoyable event for us as we enjoy running in the rain and playing which creates happiness in our families.
QAMBER AZEEM
Kech, Balochistan
Water shortage
Through the column of your esteemed paper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards an extremely vital problem of our country. People in many cities of Pakistan are suffering from water shortage.
Well here I’m going to highlight my city Kahuta. For several months, the people of this are, in spite of paying all types of taxes and utility bills, are encountering the problem of water shortage.
Mainly, the people in this town use well/bore water, but due to lack of rainfall, water level has gone down; resultantly, the people have to endure inconvenience due to shortage of water. We are facing the atrocious summer without proper water supply. The authorities have not paid any attention or given a positive response to the repeated requests of the residents.
The situation has now reached an alarming stage, which may result in the form of protests and caustic damages of the government buildings. The concerned authorities are therefore requested to look into this matter without further delay and take suitable steps to solve the problem.
OMAIMA SHAKOOR
Kahuata
Commit suicide
Do you think why people commit suicide, do you know the biggest reason behind committing suicide? The answers to the questions are always the same poverty, and joblessness, which is the biggest reason behind poverty, are the mean causes of committing suicide.
Due to difficulties and failures, people commit suicide but they should come to know that killing oneself is not the solution to the problems. Whereas, it can be a greater hardship for your family and related people.
I think the only solution to this fierce problem is the removal of poverty and providing adequate jobs. I hope the government will not neglect the implications of the citizens’ life and it will ensure peace and prosperity of every single person in the country.
PARVEZ BAKHSH
Malir, Karachi
No more compromise
It’s an established fact that electricity plays a crucial role in today’s life. But it is surprising to see the condition of our city, Turbat, Balochistan where there is no proper electricity and people are facing thousands of problems.
It’s really hard to live in 48c° without electricity and yet the government is not taking any action against this issue. So, this is my humble request to the government and higher authorities (QESCO) to take an immediate action against this issue.
SHAFIQ SHAD
Turbat