Lessons from Christchurch

There is no doubt that the Christchurch attack is a tragic event in the history of New Zealand. PM Jacinda Ardern’s response on this brutal attack was quite responsible and appreciable. The fact that she dressed up in a traditional dress of Muslims is also laudable. However, if the same compassion was shown by a Pakistani leader in our country, he or she might have faced severe criticism. Last year, the PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto and Murad Ali Shah s visited a Hindu temple on the eve of Holi. They faced criticism from both the public and their political rivals.

If a non-Muslim representative of a state can embrace Muslim culture to show solidarity with a minority community, why can’t we do the same?

Dilbar Ali

Lahore

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The way the people of New Zealand have supported the grief-stricken families of Christchurch victims is highly commendable. The way the parliamentary proceedings began shows how a government should protect the rights of religious minority communities and their places of worship.

Our government and the media, among others, should learn from the example set by the people of New Zealand.

Hashim Abro

Islamabad