Thrilling show
Madam,
The ICC Cricket World Cup final seemed like it was based on a script about every fan’s worst nightmare. As an avid follower of cricket, I foolishly thought that with Pakistan gone, the tournament will no longer be as dramatic or thrilling. We tend to associate all of this with our unpredictable players that can lose a match they were winning or win a match they were hopelessly losing.
However, the World Cup final proved us wrong. New Zealand and England played admirably in the final. England won the trophy. The Kiwis were playing their second consecutive World Cup final and were seen as the underdogs who would quietly bag the trophy with their humble yet outstanding performance.
The English could be seen ready to fight tooth and nail as they wanted to win on their home ground. Given the close scores, one feels sorry for the Kiwis as they merely lost over a matter of boundaries. They played very well and Williamson could be seen leading the team with an iron hand and a compassionate face. Many fans feel disgruntled and believe England’s win based on technicalities is actually unfair given New Zealand’s performance throughout the tournament. Perhaps the ICC could look into this and ensure the next World Cup does not have to rely on these tiny aspects to determine the winner. At the end, the English had luck on their side, as technicalities won them the cup.
Asad Khan,
Peshawar.
Transgender citizens
Madam,
It breaks my heart to see the treatment meted to transgender citizens in our country. Transgender and intersex people are treated like animals here. They are physically, verbally and sexually abused. It sometimes seems as if they are not even considered humans. We see them being tortured every day and yet no one does anything. The situation has worsened to the extent that they are now facing the threat of acid attacks.
The rise in violence against transgender citizens makes me question whether we are truly free to live our lives as we please. Until very recently, transgender citizens did not have the right to education or to vote. Recently, acid was thrown on a transgender person in Rahim Yar Khan. She received severe injuries on her face and body as a result. I urge the government to protect this minority. As we work to build the long-awaited Naya Pakistan, we must ensure the safety of the third gender in it.
Sana Akhtar,
Multan.
Violence against women
Madam,
Pakistan is consistently ranked as the third most dangerous place in the world for women. Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country has its roots in a patriarchal social structure under which women are seen as inferior to men and treated as personal property. Illiteracy, ignorance and blind faith in the clergy provide fertile ground for the maintenance of the status quo, and perpetuate patriarchal norms.
This issue is further compounded by discriminatory legislation and a dysfunctional criminal justice system. According to official figures released by the Ministry of Human Rights, 8,648 human rights violations were reported in the country between January 2012 and September 15, 2015. These included 90 incidents of acid burning, 72 of burning, 535 cases of violence against women, 860 honour killings and 344 rape/gang rapes, 268 sexual assault/harassment, and 481 of domestic violence.
Women who try to report abuse face grave challenges, with the police and judges hesitating to take action.
There is a pressing need of specific federal law prohibiting prevailing violence and discrimination against women.
Myra Khan,
Lahore.
Health emergency
Madam,
After Larkana and Faisalabad, it appears HIV has struck the jails of Balochistan. Twenty-nine cases have been detected across 11 jails recently. This trend in HIV cases is extremely worrying. The Ministry of Health has still not produced any report regarding how the virus spread in such large numbers. Whether it is due to unsafe drug use, medical and sexual practices or due to the widespread cases of abuse, people need to know so that they can be safe. Countrywide campaigns regarding the spread, symptoms and treatment of HIV need to be conducted to contain the numbers. We must ensure due treatment to those tested positive. The government should not take this epidemic lightly and should announce a medical emergency.
Amama Farrukh,
Islamabad.
Traffic woes
Madam,
I would like to draw the attention of relevant authorities towards the traffic chaos in the streets of Karachi. Number of vehicles on the roads is increasing and the traffic system is unable to bear this load.
Road accidents and the rude attitude of drivers cause a lot of trouble for residents of Karachi. Cars and motorcycles parked in front of shopping malls and road sides leave no room for pedestrians.
I urge traffic authorities to monitor the flow in an efficient manner and make drivers aware of driving rules. Underage drivers must never be allowed on the roads and people driving without helmets and seat belts should be fined.
Arsalan Majed,
Karachi.
Domestic violence
Madam,
Domestic violence is an endemic in our society and unfortunately it is seldom considered a crime by law enforcement agencies. About 70 percent of women at some stage in their life become the victim of this horrific act. The recently passed bill by CII will also play a vital role in encouraging the men of this male dominant society to take their frustration out on helpless women and to make them victim of sexual and physical harassment.
It is my request to authorities to frame a law to protect the innocent women of this society from sexual and violent attacks and to make them enable to make their own decisions in their life.
Riaz Shah,
Faisalabad.