People are talking about—

-- the constant ranting against the policies of the ruling party by the opposition and how it sounds like ‘a needle stuck in a record,’ an old time phrase that well described repetitive utterances -- very similar to the ruling party’s ‘no NRO’ narrative -- but based on opposition for the sake of opposition, rather than facts. People say now that the PDM strategy has failed to dislodge the government, the opposition should think of the next election and work on improving its vote bank.

-- the good news about the app developed by the authorities that allows you to report cases of maltreatment and harassment against women and children, or any other marginalized person. People say while this is a great initiative, the only drawback is that many onlookers/witnesses to inhumane behaviour are afraid of reporting abuse because they do not want to get involved, or are afraid that those who are apprehended may act against them and their loved ones for revenge.

-- the saying, ‘Drastic times call for drastic measures,’ and how well it applies to the vaccination situation, as the Sindh government has solved the problem of getting many of its citizens vaccinated by ordering ‘no vaccination, no salary.’ People say this should motivate those who are reluctant to get vaccinated as the similar restriction by Middle East countries of not allowing job and travel aspirants into their countries motivated many to get their shots.

-- how one of the vocal members of the opposition remained tongue tied and uncomfortable when he was questioned why he was criticizing the present government when he himself had doubled his income by using the facilities given to businessmen to better the economic situation of the country. People say unfortunately politics is such a dirty business that credit is never given to the ruling party for any successful policy and criticism remains the name of the game.

-- the acquittal of a couple accused of blasphemy after spending seven years in prison and how the accused need to be very careful because of the publicity given to this news, while the judges who had the courage to overturn the judgment given by a sessions judge need appreciation as the male accused is very ill. People say the blasphemy law is misused by many for personal vendettas and in this case the accuser based his accusation on a purported text message which could not be proved.

-- the manner in which everyone is crying over the high prices of food items while blaming the government for its anti-people policies and how the report that global food prices have risen sharply is an eye-opener to read. People say food prices have risen all over the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic because of various reasons – farmers unable to work; produce not sent to markets because of restrictions and so on, so governments cannot be held responsible.

-- the bear cub forcibly taken away by the Punjab Wildlife Police Department from an animal lover with a shelter home for animals, who rescued it by buying it online. She was caring for it until a sanctuary for it to be relocated was found. A video of the distressed cub crying in a small cage had gone viral and now the good news is that the court has ordered that it should be released in the bear sanctuary in Chakwal. – I.H.