Foreign Intervention

This is with reference to the cover story titled ‘Foreign Intervention,’ which appeared in the April 2022 issue of SouthAsia. No doubt, the United States has had a proven track record of instigating regime changes by using both forceful and covert tactics. On the face of it, the ousting of Imran Khan from the office of Prime Minister does not seem to be a result of any interference by foreign powers, however, there is always a strong likelihood of regime changes that overthrow the well-settled government through a well-calculated conspiracy orchestrated at the hands of global powers that be. Since no international conspiracy can be successfully carried out with the help of local actors, one must try to find the black sheep of the political system that we have in place.

Rafiq Ghuman,
Hyderabad, Pakistan.

Sad Commentary

It is a sad commentary on the state of affairs in Pakistan, that that the current ruling government in the country comprises a cabinet in which most persons are out under bail from the courts. This does not suit a country of some 250 million people, which is the fifth largest nation in the world, is a nuclear power and has one of the best armies in the world, including an enviable air force.

It is also shameful that Pakistan could not swallow a person who was honest to the core as prime minister and those who did not like him and his honest ways militated to throw him out of power. The person who became prime minister in his place, Shahbaz Sharif, was again a guy out on bail. Imran Khan did commit many mistakes and did not deliver on his promises, which were tall in any case, but he should have been allowed to complete his term.

Nida Yusuf,
Karachi, Pakistan

Women’s Rights

This is with reference to the article published in the March issue of SouthAsia titled ‘Aurat March’ written by Humeyra Kazmi. It is a well-written piece and I commend the writer for understanding the issue. However, I don’t agree with her having taken a derogatory line against Pakistani women asking for their rights and emphasizing that as members of this society they must be respected for their individuality. The greater population of Pakistan comprises women and the effort should be in giving them a proper place in national affairs. They should not be run down for demanding their rights. A magazine like yours should be in the forefront, supporting their cause.

Sadiqa Mohsin,
Lahore, Pakistan

No Qualifications

Marium Aurangzeb is the Information Minister in the Shahbaz Sharif government. While it is true that PM Shahbaz Sharif does not seem to care much for qualifications in his ministers, he should have at least given the information ministry to a duly qualified and experienced in the job. Just because Marium is a beautiful woman does not qualify her for the information ministry. Or perhaps Shahbaz does not have enough people around him who can handle the sensitive information ministry which requires dealing with a difficult media.

Syed Tahir,
Lahore, Pakistan

Pogrom

Is a pogrom imminent in India? The way Muslims mainly and other minorities are being annihilated in India, it seems the Hindutva wave will not recognize any other religion and India will become a total Hindu state. The Western world seems to be happy with this and is looking the other way all the time. Human rights organizations notice the slightest violations and reprimand various countries all the time but they don’t see India and its behaviour. The way things are going, the Hindus will soon grind the 250 crore Muslims in India to smithereens and no one will raise a finger around the world as to what happened.

Dilpat Raj,
Hyderabad (Deccan), India

Dogs of War

The Indian missile that supposedly strayed into Pakistani territory is still a mystery. Nothing by way of a proper explanation is coming from the Indian side. Soon, India will commit another ‘mistake’ and Pakistan will go begging for an explanation. Is India preparing to let loose the dogs of war on Pakistan? India is three times stronger than Pakistan in terms of fighting force and a confrontation would in all probability prove harmful for Pakistan. What are the Pakistan armed forces doing bout it?

Muhammad Arsalan,
Kohat, Pakistan

Pakistani Cricketers

T he Pakistan cricket team, with all its faults, is still becoming a force in the world arena. Does this mean that Pakistani cricketing talent will be available to other regional nations as well, such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan? Perhaps these countries should play more matches with Pakistan and not rely so much on India which is trying to become a superpower in all respects. There should also be more Pakistani coaches in these countries. This would also be one way to curtail Indian might.

Atiquzzaman Khan,
Dhaka, Bangladesh

Might is Right

Despite all its mind-blowing progress and technological wonders, the world today is not better or peaceful than the world of the past we mostly condemn for its widespread backwardness and underdevelopment. The way Ukraine is being bombarded and blitzed relentlessly by Russian forces, it suggests that the centuries-old proverb ‘might is right’ is as relevant today as it was in the ancient ages. Backed by nuclear blackmail and horrific economic consequences to the opponents, the state terrorism is back with a vengeance, this time being unleashed by another military power other than the United States. Ruled by the ubiquitous principle of ‘might is right’, history tends to repeat itself time and again.

Abdul Hameed,
Karachi, Pakistan