People are talking about —

— the loss of a precious life by a brilliant student committing suicide just because an unsympathetic headmistress was adamant in not forwarding her papers for an important examination to punish her for taking part in a protest against the school administration. People say ‘democracy’ is the catchword these days but very few people in authority are willing to practice
what they preach, this case being a prime example since the right to protest peacefully is part of the democratic package.

— the arming of security guards in educational institutions with sophisticated weapons and how this will present a danger in itself since there are examples of guards turning rogue for ideological or financial reasons. People say a better option would be an effective alarm system that a rapid action force could respond to and training teachers and students how to act if a cowardly attack does take place, since panic also creates a situation that helps terrorists achieve their objective.

— the astounding success of the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) as thousands of men, women and children visited the event, with all sessions being well attended and healthy debates taking place. People say it goes to show that a majority of people have rejected the effort to change the moderate face of the country and the divisive policies of certain groups and want to live in peace and harmony with their compatriots.

— the ‘banning’ of cultural events that are perceived as ‘western’ or those practiced by other countries and how it makes us look like hypocrites since we have adopted other symbols as well as the language of ‘others.’ Men, including our leaders and politicians, wear suits to look modern and smart; many of us, including those in government speak English to look ‘educated’ and so on. People say the world is a global village and multiculturalism should be accepted gracefully.

— the number of fake number plates being used by owners of different vehicles and how this crime, which can be detected by an ordinary citizen goes unchecked by the authorities. People say where there is a will there is a way but it appears that petty crimes like this are not a priority with law enforces although they could have serious consequences since vehicles with fake number plates are used in all kinds of criminal activities and should be checked.

— the decision by the Supreme Court that a sectarian murder would be counted as terrorism and how this is being welcomed by all those who are in favour of a Pakistan as conceived by its founder, who categorically stated that the country was created for all citizens to live in peace and harmony. People say sectarianism has raised its ugly head to change his vision, bringing a bad name to the country so any step to counter this trend is appreciated.

— the slow but exciting changes being witnessed in KPK and how this gives hope that something is being done to make the ‘naya Pakistan’ slogan effective, one step at a time. People say it was great to see female security officials on guard outside the university that was attacked by terrorists recently and it is hoped they remain visible and not ‘disappear’ like female traffic wardens in Islamabad and the ‘commandos’ that were used by security agencies. — I.H.