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Investigative journalism
It is almost a week now and our government is yet to decide whether a first year student of a private college in Lahore was raped or not. First, it was said that the incident never happened and it was a fake propaganda to discredit the government. Then it was said that the girl had suffered injury at home, after speaking to elders of the girl’s family members.
I wonder where all the so-called investigative journalists of Pakistan have disappeared to. If we look back, there were journalists who made their name and fame in investigative journalism in print and electronic media in Pakistan but today they are nowhere to be seen or heard. Is it because of pressure from certain quarters or they are done with their investigative journalism for good?
M RAFIQUE ZAKARIA
Karachi
Infection control measures
Infection control measures are critical for safeguarding public health, but their implementation in Pakistan faces multiple challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population. Many hospitals and clinics, particularly in rural areas, are under-resourced, leading to inadequate sanitation practices which, in turn, increase the risk of infection transmission.
Pakistan’s healthcare system also suffers from insufficient funding and misallocation of resources. Many public hospitals lack essential infection control supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants and proper waste disposal systems. The lack of trained healthcare workers exacerbates the situation, as many frontline staff is ill-equipped to follow standard infection prevention protocols. Additionally, the country’s densely populated cities contribute to the rapid spread of infections. Limited public health infrastructure and overcrowded healthcare facilities make it challenging to isolate and manage infectious cases effectively.
Another significant barrier is cultural resistance to infection control practices. Public reluctance to adopt practices such as hand hygiene, mask-wearing and vaccination is common due to misinformation and distrust in health authorities. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, involving increased government investment, public awareness campaigns and enhanced training for healthcare workers to improve Pakistan’s infection control capacity.
ASMA MAZHAR
Islamabad
Security measures
Amnesty International has criticized the government’s measures to hinder the PTI rally. However, it is crucial for Amnesty International to consider the broader objectives of Pakistan’s government. Why were Section 144 and the Peaceful Assembly Act enforced? It is the duty of every government to protect the country and ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors, especially when hosting a major summit. Tightened security measures for foreign officials are necessary, and these restrictions apply to all political parties, not just one.
As responsible citizens and representatives, it is essential to respect these measures until they are lifted. Political rallies are generally allowed, but under the current conditions, they are prohibited to prevent unrest or terrorist activities. While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it is equally important to prioritize the nation’s security and avoid any clashes or political instability.
PTI was repeatedly invited for dialogue and urged not to hold rallies during the SCO summit to maintain law and order. On October 6 (Sunday), IGP Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, announced the death of a policeman who was injured during alleged rioting by PTI protesters. He also revealed that the miscreants had damaged 441 cameras of the Safe City Authority, 10 vehicles, and 31 motorcycles belonging to police officials and private guards. Additionally, 31 policemen were injured in the capital during two days of PTI protest, with PTI protesters causing damage to official property worth more than Rs154 million.
Protesters fired tear gas shells and opened fire at various entry points, resulting in ten cases being filed against them in eight different police stations under various legal sections. So far, 878 protesters, including 120 Afghans and eight police officials from KP, have been taken into custody. Many miscreants managed to escape. The IGP also disclosed that most of the Afghan detainees were staying in Pakistan illegally, with some having entered the country from outside. He added that for first time in history, an 8,800-strong force was deployed to maintain law and order.
AREEBA ALTAF
Sindh
