Is there a difference?

This refers to the article, ‘Is there a different Islam in Dubai? (September 6) by Ayaz Amir. The writer has very aptly compared Dubai with Karachi, and painted the picture of days when Karachi truly was the city of lights. But is progress and enlightenment all about glamorous nights? And is it the only way of revenue generation? What about closed down libraries, hardly any literary circles and a culture which bars questioning and debate? Shouldn’t revival be focused more on these avenues?

I request the writer to recommend a book or share an excerpt, at least once weekly, which might help today’s youth discover parts of our history, culture and identity that are unmentioned in textbooks and at schools.

Zainab Hayyat

Rawalpindi

*****

The writer appears optimistic about the future of this country. One likes the writer’s wishes but it is difficult to digest because of our political leadership which is intellectually and morally bankrupt.

The writer thinks that we have overcome the worst challenges. But the worst is still to come with uncertainty about the growing intrigues within and without and the worsening economic situation which poses an even greater danger. Obama’s prediction that Pakistan will remain a centre of instability and violence should not be taken lightly. The signs are already there for those who can see it.

Kulsoom Arif

Karachi