This refers the article, 'Creeds and corona' (March 30) by Zoya Nazir. The writer deserves applause for her timely efforts and for highlighting how religious influences play out in people’s lives during crisis times. It truly depicts the mindset of some people in our society. I would also add few more examples as our country's history is replete with some interesting examples of how religious influences play a critical role in people’s lives to interpret and respond to disasters.
First is polio eradication: Pakistan is already one of the two countries in the world endemic for polio, the other being Afghanistan. Currently, the eradication of polio is not within the sight. Although, we are utilizing huge resources especially many health workers and law enforcement agencies personnel have lost their lives for eradicating polio from the country. This is because there are still some segments in society who dub these efforts as a Western agenda. Another example is the growing population in the country. We are still deeply divided on the family planning issue. Working for gender equality is also a bleak situation. Many among us still have the opinion that bringing gender equality in terms of provision of education, health, rights in property, freedom of expression and consent in marriage is an onslaught on our culture. What we need to respond to the emerging situations is the guiding core principle of Islamic teachings. Ijtihad allows us to respond to new situations and respond to the complex issues arising from time to time.
Ghazi Khan
Peshawar