LOSING STEAM: While Israel is continuing to destroy anything and everything Palestinian, including Palestine itself, people, politicians, officials and the media in Pakistan have apparently moved ahead. Protests have lost steam, media headlines are stale, officials are silent, and politicians have other matters of significance to deal with. As far as Pakistan and Pakistanis are concerned, Gaza can wait. Even in the larger Muslim world, those who had been warning Israel of consequences are now silent, probably realising the hollowness of their threats. The scenario is depressing.

Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi

ROLE OF MEDIA: Democracy without an independent media is like a vehicle without wheels. However, the media does get affected by social, economic, political and legal systems working in a country. Currently, our political discourse is polarised, which threatens peaceful elections as well as press freedom. Due to information overload, the people find themselves both polarised and paralysed. In such a situation, the national media can play a crucial role in promoting democracy by way of encouraging people to indulge in critical thinking with a sense of history. The media can play a major role in ensuring that the country does have fair and impartial elections in the near future.

Anwar Sayab Khan
Bannu

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE: Allama Dawood Pota Library in Hyderabad serves as a vital resource for students, researchers, academics and those preparing for various competitive exams. However, a major concern faced by those coming to the library is the absence of a pedestrian bridge across the road in front of it. Over the last five years, there have been several road accidents due to the heavy traffic flow in the area. About a year ago, a request in this regard was made to the office of the local deputy commissioner and the provincial government, but nothing got materialised. The government should address the issue promptly to protect the lives of those coming to the library.

Abdul Razaque Rustamani
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2023