TRAGIC AND IRONIC: The Paris Olympics recently came to an end, with France boasting that ‘Paris 2024 showed the real face of Paris’. This claim in itself was quite tragic and ironic. That, here in Paris, all claims to the most exalted standards of civilisations, humanity and human values were thrown to the wind at the first appearance of Israeli contingent, which latter received applause in different disciplines during the event. Since Oct 7, 2023, Israel has been carrying out an indiscriminate genocide of Palestinian people, not sparing even the newborns in incubators and the elderly on life support. This genocide in Gaza is still going on unabated, and brazenly helped by the US and its allies through a continuous supply of arms and ammunitions.

Abid Mahmud Ansari
Islamabad

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: To end the menace of terrorism, we must share some responsibility with our law-enforcement agencies. The introduction of neighbourhood watchdog mechanism in the country in an organised manner can be really helpful. It will make ordinary citizens responsible for keeping an alert eye on any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods. Similarly, public safety messages, such as those encouraging people to call the relevant helpline the moment they see some suspicious activity, should also be aired on radio, television as well as through public address systems at bus terminuses and train stations.

Shahzad Lodhi
Rawalpindi

LIVELIHOOD AT RISK: In Khairpur Mirs, dry date cultivations have suffered significant damage due to the recent rainfall. The dates have become wet in the fields, causing considerable harm to the ready-to-harvest crops. This unforeseen calamity has put the livelihood of many farmers at risk, as it is the primary source of income for a number of local families. The government should provide prompt financial assistance to help them recover from the losses, and to take measures to safeguard the crop from future weather-related disasters.

Farhan Ahmed Memon
Khairpur Mirs

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2024