CRITICAL CONFUSION: Some media houses confuse the Independence Day with the anniversary of the day. Recently, Pakistan celebrated 76th anniversary of independence, which was actually the 77th Independence Day because Aug 14, 1947, was the first such day. Besides, people are seen talking on media about Pakistan’s independence. The fact is that the subcontinent got freedom from the British rulers. Pakistan was born independent. Coming to the element of negligence, people adorn houses and buildings with buntings and the national flag, but are not very particular about taking off such adornments. Torn buntings and the flag in tatters are a common sight days after the celebrations are over. There has to be due legislation on the matter, stipulating a timeframe within which the national flag should be taken off with due respect.

S. Zaki Hasan
Karachi

CELEBRATORY FIRING: On the eve of Aug 14, at least two people reportedly lost their lives and 85 were wounded in Karachi alone. What kind of celebration entails loss of life? Most of the victims were children and women. In Lyari, a man suffered a fatal bullet wound while he was asleep on the roof of his house. Some so-called ‘patriots’ snatched the freedom to live from that unfortunate man. Are we free to kill citizens in the name of having fun? Such incidents are reported on various other occasions through the year. Besides being a life-threatening activity, the sound of gunfire is a nuisance for the citizens. The government should ensure tough law enforcement on such occasions.

Shahid Hussain
Karachi

WATER AND SANITATION: Over 300 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported recently in Karachi, particularly from Malir area. Traces of vibrio cholera and E. coli have been found in the water sample of some areas. Bacterial gastroenteritis is caused by harmful bacteria found in contaminated food and water. It is a pity that even after seven decades of existence, clean water and proper sanitation remain a dream for many across the country.

Maryam Mohsin
Dasht

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2023