CRITICISM AND TERRORISM: Positive criticism is essential to bringing about visible change in society. History has shown that sincere criticism is nece-ssary to improve all aspects of one’s life, and subsequently, the social life at large. But nowadays, positive criticism is often condemned. Once Matthew Arnold, a distinguished poet and prose writer, said that “criticism is nothing if it is not related to life”. Intellectuals should explain the difference between criticism and blame to society. However, these days, even the government tends to miss the line, and goes to the extent of equating any act of criticism with an act of terrorism. Words are meant to be used for the right purpose in the right context.

They lose their actual meaning as well as significance when they are misused.

Fawad Hussain SamoHyderabad

LITTERING ASTOLA ISLAND: Astola island, commonly known as Haft Talar island, is a serene place in Makran divi-sion. It is a biodiversity hotspot, and home to a diverse range of marine species. Recreational activities add further charm to the place. Tourists from far and wide go there to take a break from their hectic life, and spend hours to relax and enjoy the raw beauty of the island. However, some of them often throw waste around carelessly, unconsciously or consciously tarnishing the natural beauty of the place. The government should conduct awareness campaigns to educate people about taking care of these beautiful sites and protecting marine life.

Fahad Baloch
Panjgur

PERFORMANCE PARAMETER: The long-awaited surgery of the Pakistan cricket team has begun. Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Sarfaraz Ahmed are the first four to go. So far so good, but why, Sarfaraz? Was his perfor- mance not good enough in terms of bringing drinks and towels to the field during the short breaks? The poor chap was not part of the playing unit, and has still been discarded. It is probably a silent message to him to opt for retirement.

Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 23th, 2024