Who cares?
In essence, it is more of an organised propaganda than actual violence spearheaded by the ‘big brother’ and his affiliates, supporters and facilitators who are up against the city of Karachi (“Why Karachi is a ticking time bomb”, Gulf News, January 11). These influential and powerful forces are unfortunately using their vast resources, and strong print and electronic media to spearhead their vested interests in destabilising the great city of Karachi, where according to a local saying “nobody goes hungry” at the end of the day. There are quite a few cities all over the world where the rate, type and class of violence in general and street crimes in particular are far more than Karachi. Nevertheless, few show the grit to mention the names of those cities. At the same time, there are these so-called “no go” areas which are rampant in every big and small country across Asia, Europe, Africa and even North and South American Continents but nobody cares about them. Even in small American cities like St. Louis, whose population is at least one hundred times less than that of Karachi, there are few troubled neighbourhoods where the crime rate is far more than Karachi and where even local police is sometimes hesitant or scared of getting in, not to say of ordinary people like me? In fact, similar cities exist all across Europe, Asia, and Africa and even Australia, where the crime rate is far more than Karachi, but who cares?
From Dr Aamir A. Salaria
Missouri, USA
Website comment
Point of interest
Many other countries are involved in the process of destabilising Karachi. The city has one of South Asia’s largest and busiest ports, and its location places it in close proximity to many shipping routes and allows other countries to import at lesser costs. This makes it a point of interest. There are many other things happening behind the scenes to destabilise Karachi. We need to be able to identify the countries that are involved in the various crimes occurring in the city, such as bomb blasts and mob wars.
From Mr Ibrar
Dubai
Website comment
Learn about tolerance
It is, indeed, unfortunate that we still continue to come up with baseless and half-witted theories to explain Karachi’s descent. Karachi, and Pakistan in general, need to learn about tolerance before any sort of recovery can be expected.
From Mr S. Amin
Stockholm, Sweden
Website comment
In support
I fully support my country, India, and the way they handled the case of the Indian deputy consul general in New York, Devyani Khobragade (“US agrees to withdraw diplomat after India request”, Gulf News, January 11). I’m glad they brought her back safely. It shows the maturity and the coming of age of a country. For those of you who are crucifying Khobragade, let me say that there is something called “innocent unless proven guilty”. Secondly, US Diplomats in India were always on a high pedestal and given extra care, a mistake made by India that has now been corrected. The US does not deserve any extra care and from now on they will be given the same treatment that they give to the Indian diplomats in their country. Times have changed, India has changed and we would not be arm twisted by the US like they do to other countries. We have survived without them and we have done well in space and science. Barack Obama’s government has made more enemies than friends.
From Mr Bob
Bangalore, India
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Not a vacation
As an Indian living in the UAE, I fully agree with the way the US government handled the case of Devyani Khobragade and had her deported. As a diplomatic personnel representing India in a country like the US, she only played with fire. She was aware of the rules and yet provided false information, which is a shame! This should be an eye-opener to the Indian embassy and consulate officials posted in every country. Their postings in foreign countries are not just a two-year vacation, but instead they need to ensure that every Indian individual’s interests are protected and this includes the common man. What we witness is that they are present in the business or social circles, but fail in their responsibilities to protect Indians worldwide. It is a wake up call for them to deliver. Khobragade’s case is just a nip in the bud and has brought shame to the nation. Why should she, or Indian diplomatic personnel to any country, be provided special privileges?
From Ms Mel
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Good job!
I may be one of the few who can proudly announce that I like being in the UAE much more than my home country. The sense of security, standard of living and the ease of both public and private transport are a few things that make life beautiful. I am grateful to the UAE authorities for providing its residents with these world class facilities. Unlike me, most of my friends love going back home during vacations. I am writing this letter after my experience on New Year’s Eve. That was the night I understood why we have strict laws in the UAE. The crowd, the rush, the people was unimaginable and scary. This was the case following the strict laws, so I can imagine how it would be without them. I would take this opportunity to thank the police and the Metro staff that struggled to handle the crowd. I think they did a good job!
From Ms Anitha Menon
UAE
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