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.
ECP not clear about EVM use in next elections
Of course, most of those who are opposing the use of EVMs are not rejecting the use of technology as such, but are concerned over the government’s haste to use it as early as 2023 general election because such a hurried and premature introduction in the country could create a disastrous.
It is pertinent to note that while briefing the meeting of members of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Law and Justice, chaired by PTI MNA Riaz Fatyana, the Secretary ECP said “It took India (far more technology savvy than Pakistan) 20 years and Brazil 22 years to get themselves on the machines.”
Looking at it another way, according to our present system, during sessions, the Speaker of the Assembly determines members votes cast by saying “Those in favour of the motion say ‘Aye’ and those who oppose it say ‘NO’ or by asking members to stand up and be counted, with the result often disputed.
The sad fact is that in over three years, PTI has been unable to get an EVM system working even for around a maximum 1,200 persons comprising National Assembly, Provincial Assemblies and the Senate, sitting in one location.
And with that sort of performance – which is just as dismal in other spheres as well – PTI government hardly sounds convincing claiming that between now and the next elections due in 2023 – with over hundred million voters scattered all over the country – it will be able to overcome all hurdles like selection of machine, its supply in required quantities, training of personnel using it, hack-proof storage and timely despatch of machines to required locations, conducting pilot projects to test overall performance, ensuring accurate comppilation and transmission of results, identifying bottlenecks, and removing them satisfactorily. Also, use of internet for casting votes by overseas Pakistanis, if allowed, could increase the risk of hacking.
S.R.H. Hashmi
Karachi
Never give up on your dreams
When you show courage in the face of adversity, you change your life and life of others as well. The most provocative people in the world are the ones who won’t settle for average and have triumphed through adversity.
We are most inspired by people who have experienced difficulty and never ever give up. Luck is great but most of life is hardwork. Face struggle to overcome challenges in life, boldly go in the direction of your dreams.
Stand tall and show the world what you are made of. When the world beats you down, find a reason to get back up again. Never give up on success. Try, try and try again. Feed your mind ideas of success not failure.
Remember the only way you can fail is if you give up. Every time you fail, you come one step closer to success. You are not scared; you are courageous. You are not weak; you are powerful. You are not ordinary; you are remarkable. Don’t back down , don’t give up.
When you look back in your life, don’t have regrets. Believe in yourself, believe in your future, you will find your way.
There is a fire burning inside you that is very powerful, it is waiting to burn bright. You are meant to do great things. Courage is facing fear. Fear of failure holds most people back. You are not most people.
Give it your best and your dreams will come to life . Success is yours.
Go for your dreams; it’s your turn.
Tawassul Fatima Samo
Karachi
Rising religious extremism
People of South Asia are highly emotional who are very extremist in their dealings, and religion is something on the basis of which thousands of lives have been lost in this region.
This region has faced religious discrimination and segregation over a large period of time but for a few years the condition has worsened to an inevitable extent.
I have been observing in my surroundings that nowadays people are more concerned about the religious beliefs of others and they make connections based on these religious beliefs.
In the past, interfaith harmony used to be an essence of our society but now people are ready to kill each other due to disagreement on any religious conflict.
I think this interfaith disharmony has been uplifted due to the hate speeches by our religious clerics who instilled hate amongst us.
f the government and responsible authorities don’t act against this issue, it’ll be too late to act and we’ll lose the basic essence of our society.
We’ll have to raise our voice so that we can provide the posterity with a peaceful society where people with different beliefs can live with harmony.
MUHAMMAD MUSA RAZA
Gujranwala, Pakistan
