People are talking about —

— the flak that the prime minister received from a particular quarter because he used the word ‘liberal’ when he spoke of his vision for Pakistan. People say those who do not understand the meaning of the word immediately connect it to adopting western practices when in fact the word means ‘noninterventionist’ or ‘tolerant’ which is also something that our religion teaches us but from which path we have strayed to become an intolerant society.

 — the horrible condition of graveyards in the capital city and how the land mafia has infringed on them by building shops; workshops and houses and the difficulty citizens are having when they need a plot to bury their loved ones. People say this malaise of not taking note of unlawful construction exists all over the country and when civic bodies are eventually jolted into action it becomes a problem to remove encroachments because occupants resist with violence and threats.

— the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the APS and how disturbing it was for families of martyred students when re-enactments of it were screened or acted out while marking the day which brought such grief to the nation. People say the insensitivity of those who thought this was the right way to express their sympathy is mind boggling and they should realise that reopening wounds which are still in the process of healing is not something to be proud of. 

— the negative reaction by a crowd in Swat after a programme based on Malala Yusufzai was held and how it reveals that for some odd reason, the young girl is not admired by many of her compatriots. The eyewitness account of the event and its aftermath is depressing and the feelings some of the audience expressed show that they are unhappy with the way she has been, according to them, ‘manipulated’ by the West to ‘malign’ the country. 

— the scandal of nationals of a neighbouring country winning slots as councilors in the recently held union council elections and how it has been revealed that a local MNA was involved having signed the CNIC papers after the applicants form had been blocked by the issuing agency. People say thanks to a vigilant press such incidents are being brought to light but it shows the careless attitude of our elected representatives towards the job they have been entrusted with.  

— the false sense of popularity that social media instills in public figures and how they are shocked and surprised when reality knocks on the door and makes them realise otherwise. People say popular leaders draw crowds -- whether out of curiosity or support -- to meetings that are conducted for a show of strength but when it comes to the nitty gritty of giving their vote, these crowds usually stick to their traditional political party and ignore the plea for change.

— the crackdown by CDA over commercial businesses in residential areas of the capital and how the rest of the country’s civic authorities need to follow the example and do the same. People say although it comes down to the question of ‘who will bell the cat’ because no one in authority is motivated or brave enough to face the backlash that will obviously follow, there is another axiom which can serve as an inspiration ‘where there is a will there’s a way.’ —  I.H.