BLASPHEMY LAWS: The recent controversy on social media platforms surrounding a cleric’s statements and subsequent apology highlights the glaring hypocrisy and injustice that plagues society for quite some years now. The blasphemy laws, as they stand, are prone to manipulation, allowing clerics as well as influential individuals to wield them as active weapons against the vulnerable individuals or segments of society. The law offers little protection, and the apologies and explanations offered by the accused fall on deaf ears. This erodes trust in the judicial system. To restore balance and justice, we must reform the blasphemy laws to prevent misuse, and ensure equal application. Pakistan’s future depends on its ability to address this critical issue.

Syed Ali Abass Shah
Karachi

MONEY-MAKING MAFIA: The Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) is nothing but an oppo-rtunity for the tuition centre mafia to make some serious money in the name of test preparation, charging the aspiring students exorbitant fee up to Rs50,000 per session. In this backdrop, the overall burden on the parents is to the tune of Rs100,000, including commute charges. The government should step forward and resolve the relevant issues in the education sector to save thousands of families every year from unnecessary financial burden and misery. This can only be possible by regulating such tuition centres.

Muhammad Jaffer
Lahore

COMMONWEALTH TRAP: This is with reference to the report “King Charles invites PM to C’wealth summit” (Sept 19). The Commonwealth is an extension of the former British empire. Just like the puppets the British planted around the countries they once robbed as well as ruled, the United Kingdom now hides behind the facade of Commonwealth to further its interest. It is high time for Pakistan to consider quitting the Comm-onwealth, freeing itself from the shackles of the British empire.

Angabeen Ahmad
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2024