Letters To The Editor


“Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light. Because when you do, you’ll find that it’s your own hand.”
– Norman B. Rice, American politician



Health hazard; food in newspaper wrappings

It is not uncommon to find and receive food items like roti, spices and other eatables from vendors and markets. It is a lesser known fact that this poses a severe health hazard to those who consume such eatables. Punjab Food Authority (PFA) recently issued a notice signalling food items wrapped in newspapers to be fatal to health. Newspaper ink included chemicals like graphite, phthalate and lead which get absorbed into the food causing digestive problems, breast cancer, obesity and toxicity. This issue has been less talked about with no serious ban placed on storeowners and vendors who use newspaper for packaging food. The health ministry, media and organisations should collectively spread awareness about this issue so it can be laid to rest.

Mehrab Saqlain,
Karachi

Addressing depression and mental ailments

Regardless of the constant denial, ignorance and condemnation, the masses should be educated about the severe mental illnesses. It has an impact on people of the current generation. While there is a global resurgence on taking mental illnesses seriously, there are many people who don’t pay heed to the grave conditions of the sufferers. In a country like Pakistan, there is little to no acceptance of mental disorders as a life-threatening condition that can compel one to take their life. Hence, we remain on the list of countries with the highest suicide rates. In such grave times, availability of medical help alone cannot combat the issue; earnest efforts should be made to spread more awareness about mental disorders, so that the victims can be treated.

Mujahid Alam,
Karachi

Breaking the bank for fitness?

There has been a rise of gym and fitness training centres around town which make you think that people are becoming more aware and conscious about maintaining their health. However, it is disappointing knowing that you have to pay a hefty fee to get fit and healthy! At least that’s what the local gyms believe. Having visiting scores of gyms and fitness training centres recently to enrol myself, I was shocked at the amount of money they are charging for just basic training. In the name of fitness, they are charging outrageously high prices for sessions that aren’t that extensive or difficult. Basic fitness training should not be priced so high; you shouldn’t have to be rich to afford basic fitness facilities.

Kaneez Ahsan,
Islamabad

Pedestrian bridges

People put their lives at risk and cross roads in the middle of on-going traffic, instead of using pedestrian bridges. It is certainly a disappointing state, as not many citizens know the basic rules of traffic, which should be a matter of concern for them, as it is them at a loss when an unfortunate accident takes place. Pedestrians crossing in the middle of a busy road also tend to put motorists at risk, who are possibly more vulnerable when driving. Citizens need to understand that overhead bridges have been constructed for them to cross the road safely without having to worry about their life and should, therefore, be used properly. According to a report, an estimated Rs. 260 million has been spent on constructing overhead bridges, and since they aren’t used by citizens, it is a waste of public fund. On the other hand, traffic personnel should also keep an eye on pedestrians and ensure that they use overhead bridges whenever possible.

Jawad Alam,
Karachi


RELATED POST

COMMENTS