No beauty in war

The recent tensions between India and Pakistan allowed me to observe a strange trend in both countries. I came across numerous news clips, memes and videos that aggravated the cries of war on the both sides of the border and I was baffled to see the absolute lack of empathy shown. India and Pakistan are both nuclear-armed countries with weapons and military might that can reduce cities to rubble in a matter of minute. Maybe the younger generation is so detached from the realities that it does not fully understand the gravity of the situation. This is where I believe our education system has failed us.

Had we been taught what were consequences of past wars, we would have known how the ego and hate of a dozen people cost millions of lives. Ask how it feels to be a refugee, to lose a loved one or to live in a constant fear of death from a Syrian, Yemeni, Afghani, or countless other people experiencing the atrocities of a full blown war. Imagine the life of a person in one of these countries whose cities have been obliterated by the countries which are not even using half of their military might and then compare to what Pakistan and India can do to reach other. We must always raise our voice for peace because there is no beauty in war.

Naveed Abbas Maitlo

Islamabad

*****

The Pulwama attack brought the two neighbouring countries on the verge of war. Luckily, the situation was brought under control after PM Imran Khan released the captured Indian pilot as a peace gesture and offered India to have negotiations over the Kashmir issue. There is no doubt that dialogue is the best solution to help ease tensions between the two countries.

India too must realise that war is not a solution to any problem. Instead, it will further lead both countries to destruction.

Ammar Aslam Mohammadi

Sukkur