Politics threaten ecology

Our politicians and rulers have caused ecological imbalance by cutting old trees along highways and important roads in the cities. The resultant air-pollution is a serious threat to human life. Moerover, through the widening of roads for smooth flow of traffic, a segment of society using vehicles has been benefited at the expense of a large section of society using public transport. Projects – in all aspects – should be thoroughly debated before they are launched.

Raja Shafaatullah

Islamabad

Bad drivers

I would like to draw the attention of the traffic police of Karachi towards the reckless driving one often sees on the city’s roads. It is high time that proper steps were taken to put a stop to the rash driving on our streets. This has been the cause of many fatal accidents. While regulations regarding speed limits do exist in the city, drivers seem to be paying no attention to them, nor are the authorities working towards stricter implementation of laws. The police also take little or no notice of offenders, and therefore, accidents are almost a daily occurrence. I would like to emphasise that the police must strictly enforce the regulations regarding speed limits and the public, which is the worst sufferer, must bring pressure on authorities to regulate people’s conduct and behaviour on the roads in order to prevent loss of life on our roads.

M Ahsan Buksh

Karachi

Let’s talk water

Water has become a big problem for the whole world. This issue is affecting every continent. More than 1.2 billion people lack access to clean driving water. Without water, nothing will stay alive. So it is my request to the government that it should focus on this serious issue and also educate people on how to save water.

Zarnaz Mayar

Karki

Without justice

The wheels of justice turn exceedingly slow in our country. Laws are complex, dated and not people-friendly – which is why access to justice remains low and slow in this land. The lack of access to and miserably slow delivery of justice, coupled with lawlessness and weak legal institutions, have had devastating socioeconomic consequences but people’s safety and security, and their right to justice and fairness do not figure as priorities for our rulers. What matters the most is money, money and money – for the rulers.

Hashim Abro

Islamabad

Violence against women

In yet another case of violence, a man has been accused of beating and shaving his wife’s head for refusing to dance in front of his friends. However, Asma’s case is not unique; violence against women is still quite common in Pakistan. According to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, more than 2,500 cases of violence against women in all of Pakistan were reported last year. According to the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) data, in 2018, 3,860 women called the helpline after suffering domestic violence. This is shameful. As Kofi Annan said, promoting gender equality is not only women’s responsibility; it is the responsibility of all of us. Violence against women affects us all. We all need to change our mindset and thus change our immediate environment.

Sonia Najam Shaikh

Sukkur