Letters TO The Editor


“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson


Female infanticide in Pakistan

The right to life is an inherent right for each individual, but unfortunately, many girls in Pakistan are deprived of this basic right to life at the time of their birth. Female infanticide in Pakistan is a common practice. Similar to other countries in South Asia, Pakistan has a strong social preference for sons. Such preference prevails in rural areas, due to male inheritance of agricultural land, and males being seen as better suited to work the land. Boys are often given better access to resources, healthcare, and education. Prenatal sex-selection is more common among the upper classes who have access to medical care and technology, while abuse after birth (infanticide and abandonment) is more common among the lower classes. The number of female infanticides is on the increase, according to the Edhi Foundation. They know of more than 1,200 newborns killed and this counts only the large cities. How can we solve the global practice of female infanticide? We need something more permanent, a solution that can bridge the gender ratio gap and overcome the barriers of poverty. Government representatives must work towards implementing enforceable laws against this heinous practice.

Sohail Abbas,
Lahore

Pakistan stands for peace

On 3 January, Iran's top military commander, Gen Qasem Soleimani was killed by a US drone strike in Iraq. Iran vowed "severe revenge" for his death and pulled back from the 2015 nuclear accord. Nations are afraid that this might escalate to a war. But as the world is transforming, the idea of war has also changed. In the olden days, war was promoted but now the countries don’t want the international peace and security to be under any kind of threat. Pakistan is opting for the same approach. The Pakistani army, last week, announced that Pakistan would not be part of any campaign that disturbs regional peace, referring to the ongoing dispute between the U.S. and Iran. Our country has paid a huge price for the restoration of peace in the country and hence, to remain diplomatic in such a situation is an apt decision.

Faiza Ali,
Islamabad

Choosing biodegradable products

Packaging waste forms a significant part of municipal solid waste and has caused increasing environmental concerns. Nature is unable to break down or reabsorb many of synthetically produced ingredients and compounds, leaving us with waste that will have and already has devastating effects on our ecosystem. Many different materials are used for packaging including metals, glass, wood, paper or pulp, plastics or combinations of more than one material as composites. Most of these enter municipal waste streams at the end of their service life. Choosing products that are made with biodegradable ingredients and packaging ensures that our consumption of these products is in line with the planet’s natural ability to produce, decompose and regenerate, hence tending to the delicate equilibrium that sustains life.

Mrs Haider,
Karachi

Streets of darkness

Karachi, “The city of lights” has been facing an acute shortage of functional street lights. While travelling on my daily route from DHA to I.I. Chundrigar Road, I’ve come across so many streets and areas with faulty street lights. There is apprehension of some major accidents taking place because of the non-availability of proper electrification. In addition to accidents, cases of thefts and robbery are also a major possibility. Darkness may lead to any kind of mishap. It may also be noted that many residents reach their homes even after late hours in the night. After it gets dark, moving on the streets is dangerous and risky. Cases of mobile phones and purse snatching are on the rise too. I hope and pray that the concerned authorities would look into this matter and make the street lights functional again.

Naveed Siddiqui,
Karachi


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