Grim scenario for Pakistan’s polio campaign
Pakistan’s health officials are trying hard to intensify the battle against the growing number of polio cases in the country. Despite their efforts, several new cases of polio were found in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan recently, where militant groups are targeting polio workers on a regular basis. The government organised a conference in the capital, Islamabad, with leading religious scholars encouraging people to join a polio vaccination campaign. Yet, thousands of Pakistani children are still at high risk of polio, especially after the deaths of several polio campaign workers. After the attacks against them, the United Nations (UN) has stopped polio vaccination campaigns in Pakistan. Due to the large area that needs to be covered, the country’s government finds it difficult to provide security for thousands of workers who are taking part in such campaigns. Peshawar is the worst affected city, and several new cases of polio were reported this year. The government is paying only Rs250 (Dh9.34) per day to each campaign worker and most are not able to risk their lives for such a small amount of money. After the hunt for Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, several foreign medical teams have left the tribal areas because of security concerns. Local health officials also receive regular threats from militants. They have already banned health workers from entering South and North Waziristan for immunization campaigns. According to health officials, the ban is responsible for a record number of polio cases reported this year. Last year, floods and army operations caused thousands of families to migrate to temporary shelters. They don’t have proper medical or sanitation facilities and the government is not able to reach thousands of children due to security concerns, which is very unfortunate.
From Mr Khawaja Omar Farooq
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Value life
I don’t think this singer was famous — it’s the first time I’ve read about her in any report (‘Pakistan singer Muskan shot dead’, Gulf News, June 20). Whatever said and done, life is important, whether it belongs to a famous person or a layman. As Pakistanis, we condemn such shameful acts. We are trying to fight and do away with such people, who are not only putting the country in loss, but spoiling its image as well. However, this is not at all the true face of Pakistan. This is just a part of it — the rest of the country is beautiful and peaceful.
From Mr Akbar Khan
Dubai
Illiterate minds
This is terribly sad and barbaric. It is a pity that women who wish to become independent are being killed brutally. To me, this is a result of illiteracy and narrow-mindedness. I dread to imagine the future of the country, where there is no tolerance for talent and education. I hope those responsible for her murder are not allowed to walk free.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Dubai
Cost of war
US President Barack Obama is sending 300 military advisers to Iraq ‘to quell’ the insurgency (‘US gearing up for targeted and precise military action in Iraq’, Gulf News, June 20). But his consultancy will be at what cost? Free oil supplies for the next decade? Sorry, but we have learnt to question the ‘honest broker’.
From Mr Markus Setz
Dubai
Facebook comment
Let it be
Please, no war! Region based conflicts must be resolved internally. Stop giving them weapons.
From Mr Rajeev Rajapalan
Kerala, India
Facebook comment
Different agenda
Behind all this civil unrest and social instability, are greedy businessmen and politicians who want to take control of world resources. Religion is being misused to create chaos. Only the poor are left to suffer. May God save us.
From Mr Ashwin Amin
Dubai
Being positive
I’m not sure (‘Is this the end of Iraq?’, Gulf News, June 19). The news here has kind of halted with new updates the past few days. I hope Iraq stays Iraq. I’m curious of the impact on Arab country relations if things worsen and/or change. I just hope the wars in the Middle East cease for good soon.
From Ms Beth Ann White
Indiana, US
Facebook comment
Consequences
A well-expressed and carefully argued view of a deeply troubling regional issue (‘Al Maliki and Sunni extremists have ruined Iraq’, Gulf News, June 20). The global repercussions are almost immeasurable.
From Mr Stephen Partington
Isan, Thailand
Great challenge
Terrorism is one of the gravest problems our societies face today. It is an issue of global concern — its pressure can be felt all over the world. It is not a new phenomenon, but over the years, terrorism has undergone tremendous changes. Today, it stands as a severe challenge before civil society. Terrorists have been quick to use new technology and adapt existing ones to their use. Political leaders/governmental officials should mete out punishments according to one’s deed, rather than giving each person the same punishment — life imprisonment. People should not be punished in hefty measures. The very fact of killing or imprisoning terrorist leaders increases the feeling of injustice and hatred that feeds terrorism and creates a desire for revenge. The killed terrorist leaders become symbols, martyrs, saints and role models for their followers. Occasional terrorist incidents become more regular, until they reach the proportions of a full-scale civil war. The growth in the abilities of terrorists, and the idea of giving severe punishments to all those who don’t deserve harsh ones, brings about greater threats for mankind.
From Ms Kareena Menghrajani
Dubai
Losing the aesthetics
The world is in a sad state of affairs (‘Syria is world’s least peaceful country — report’, Gulf News, June 19). Due to war, we have Syria in this situation, and now Iraq. They have been treated so inhumanely. I wish there was peace and people would live in harmony together. It’s very sad, because both countries had great talent and beauty. Now, it’s all in ashes. I love art and both countries were once at the helm of culture and design, so it’s very sad for the next generation.
From Ms Sandra Jane Peters
Lancashire, United Kingdom
Facebook comment
Melting pot
The Dubai Creek has its heritage in Arabia, and has influences from Somali and Indian merchants and settlers (‘Dubai Creek set for global recognition’, Gulf News, June 20). It showcases some of their culture. I am glad it is in the running to be recognised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), and I hope it doesn’t change.
From Mr Basel Al Basel
Dubai
Facebook comment
Don’t blame
I saw the incident happen live, and Argentinian forward Lionel Messi is not to blame for it (‘World Cup: The mystery of Lionel Messi and the ignored child’, Gulf News, June 19). He was focused on the referees and when he shook hands with them, he went and shook hands with the boy standing in front. Of course, he hadn’t noticed the smaller boy earlier or he would have shaken hands with him, too. What has he got against him? People just like to make a mountain out of a molehill, and tarnish the reputation of such humble players.
From Ms Rabab Zaka
Dubai
Facebook comment
Real snub
I believe Messi snubbed the young boy intentionally. Both Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are like that. Only Brazilian footballers Ronaldinho and Rivaldo were true humble legends.
From Mr Zeeshan Ali
Lahore, Pakistan
Don’t overdo it
Grammar is significant in our use of language, yes, but I often find people being too pedantic and snobby about it (‘Speak Your Mind: Death of grammar’, Gulf News, June 20). I have friends who pride themselves on grammar and they correct even new acquaintances or strangers when they are in the middle of sharing an experience. This can put off people from having genuine conversations, and instead cause them to become more self-conscious and resentful. As long as you are able to communicate and are understood, what’s the problem?
From Mr Sam Esmail
Abu Dhabi
Important tool
I totally disagree with the Speak Your Mind debate statements. Grammar is very important as it is the main key in the construction of a sentence. It gives meaning and beauty to a language. The use of grammer does help us in the thinking and decision-making process. But it is we people who are ruining the language by ignoring the usage of grammer. It is true that we are not making proper use of grammer in text messages, but do you realise that we ourselves are changing the meaning of the sentence? That’s not all! Though the use of proper grammer in personal conversation is minimised, all our communication (with regard to professional correspondences) is expected to have proper grammar, which would probably give some background knowledge to the recipient of our language skills.
From Ms Jenica Pinto
Dubai
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