This is related to the story ‘What the Hell!’.

Two political powers - the Sharifs and the Zardaris - have dominated Pakistan for almost five decades. Both lack in bringing prosperity, order and good governance as both have grossly failed to deliver on their promises. Power has shifted between them resulting in a floundering Pakistan.

We need to follow the examples set by other countries to eliminate corruption for a peaceful and successful nation.

Raheel Sheikh,
Karachi, Pakistan

The French parliament is set to ban Muslim women from attending their children`s school, wearing the Hijab, a symbol seen as a threat to republican belief. Passed earlier, the Separatist Bill has made its way through the legislature and will bring a change that would place a hurdle in Muslim women`s lives and their integration in society.

It is difficult to understand that there is a rise in racism and anti-Muslim behaviour globally in the midst of a pandemic which has killed millions of people. Unfortunately, in this time of global crisis, we still have time to hate each other and criticise others on their religion and identity.

Attiya Ghani,
Georgia, USA

In the wake of the recent protests, the leadership behind this massive disruption proudly claimed that the entire country had been paralysed. It indeed was. But it was not something to be proud of. In addition to everything else that was wrong with the protest and the mindset, taking to the streets in the middle of the deadly third Covid wave was a criminal act as road blockages led to shortage of doctors, paramedical staff and oxygen cylinders in hospitals. Also, the sit-ins increased the chances of virus spread as facial masks and social distancing were not on the minds of the protestors.

It is difficult to comprehend why protesters, regardless of what they are protesting for or against, do not feel the misery of the public due to such blockades?

Air Cdre (retd) M. Khalid Kamal,
Islamabad, Pakistan

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic forced people to adopt a completely different lifestyle. After the governments across the South Asia region imposed a complete lockdown, companies introduced the work from home model and educational institutions moved to online classes. However, no one was concerned about the fact that government schools wouldn’t be able to shift to online classes in an efficient manner. How can people who cannot afford to get their children in private schools buy smartphones and internet packages for online education? A large number of children are enrolled in government schools and for the last one year have been unable to continue their education. Unfortunately, there has been no acknowledgement of this problem at the official level across India, Pakistan and in most other places.

Sneha Tej,
Mumbai, India

I am a regular reader of Southasia. In April 2020 issue, I came across two oversights. As quoted in Mir Taqi Mir’s sher on page 5, the correct word is “saada” not “saaday”. On page 66, in a book review by Nadya Chishty-Mujahid, the 3rd paragraph reads, “He underscores that the oppression of Muslims at the hands of a Hindu minority left Jinnah and the Muslim League (and ultimately even Lord Mountbatten) with no choice but to create a separate state.” The right term should be “Hindu majority” not “Hindu minority”.

S.M. Shahid,
Karachi, Pakistan.