PERSISTENT SILENCE: It is really disheartening to witness the lack of condemnation and meaningful action from global leaders, particularly from fellow Muslims, in response to the injustices faced by the Palestinian people. People in a lot of countries have come out in solidarity with the Palestinians, but the governments have chosen to go the other way. The disconnect between the people and the governement electedby the people stands embarrassingly and unprecedentedly exposed. This persistent silence is serving as a reminder of our collective failure to uphold the principles of justice and humanity. Leaders of Islamic countries should break their silence, raise their voices, and take meaningful action to support the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. Together, we all must work towards ending the Israeli occupation, achieving justice, and securing a peaceful future for one and all.

Mohammad Fayyaz Kirmani
Karachi

BLOOD SPORT: Recent incidents in Sargodha, Pattoki and Faisalabad have once again underscored the grim reality of Basant, which was once a vibrant festival, but today stands stained with bloodshed. The use of chemical-coated twine, known as manja, has turned a harmless pastime into a deadly pursuit. Even the Supreme Court had taken notice of the escalating danger back in 2005, urging the government to regulate kite-flying activities and establish proper codes of conduct. Yet, little has changed. Legisla- tive efforts made over the years have failed to curb the menace effectively. It is evident that mere regulation is not sufficient; a comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the menace. The authori- ties must acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take decisive action to safeguard lives. Community involvement is crucial in fostering a culture of responsible recreation. Local community leaders, religious scholars, and civil society bodies should collaborate with the relevant authorities to discourage the use of harmful kite-flying practices.

Nimra Firdous
Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2024