In-flight magazine hygiene
When a virus like Ebola is making its way to many nations, I would like to share the following concern. During a recent international flight, a passenger next to me was exploring the in-flight magazine. It was borrowed from another passenger.
The thing to be noticed was that it is a common human habit to use the finger to turn the pages and touch the finger to the tongue to moisten it and facilitate the turning of pages. The same magazine was being used by another passenger and pages were turned with a similar technique, without knowing that they are indirectly consuming the residual saliva left by the other passenger.
A residue is always left behind on these magazines and in-flight literature that it being kept in the front pocket of the seat. Those magazines that are not changed frequently will be used by a number of passengers using the same technique. A virus, diseases or infection could be passed on to various people travelling to different destinations.
To prevent this, one should take care and try to identify that if the magazine is being used or if it is sealed. Usually, on both domestic and international flights, these magazines will be found previously used. We should avoid direct contact to any virus left on the magazines and in-flight literature. The best practice would be to not to lick a finger to turn pages.
From Mr Parminder Singh Gohal
UAE
Kashmir flooding
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is facing a devastating natural calamity. The unprecedented rain and flooding has wrecked havoc in the state. Hundreds of people have been killed and millions have been displaced.
An entire village has been wiped out by a landslide. Eleven children have died in a hospital after the electricity was knocked out. The beautiful Kashmir Valley, once bliss on Earth, has turned into a muddy lake. Thankfully, thousands of soldiers of the Indian army are busy rescuing the trapped and stranded people and bringing them to safety. They risk their lives in their duty. They surely deserve a salute for the selfless humanitarian acts they are doing.
Still, there are complaints of inadequacy of relief efforts. People are hungry, angry and exhausted. As the flood water has started to recede, providing people with medical assistance and rehabilitation will be a major challenge. The government agencies need to do a lot more to help the people out in this hour of need.
From Mr Muneer Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
Pakistan: Looking for answers
What is going on in our [Pakistan’s] most prestigious and superior institution? Instead of answering the strong allegations being filed every evening by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman, these ministers have started targeting the lifestyles of Imran Khan and his supporters.
This is why the joint session of parliament has been called. I strongly condemn every word uttered by our parliamentarians and appeal to them to focus on the issue of corrupt and rigid mandates - not these issues of lifestyles. We need an answer to all the allegations!
From Ms Khaula Shahbaz Rao
Dubai
Reallocate public spending
I have been thinking about the Metro bus projects underway in Pakistan, and I don’t think it’s what the people need. Pakistanis require projects for building dams and reservoirs to cover electricity and water shortages. In our poor country where most of the population is living below the poverty line, is it better for a person to live without water and electricity or without a bus service in various cities?
Ideally in most countries, 40 per cent of the rain or soft water stored is for generating electricity and covering water shortages. Unfortunately in Pakistan, our monsoon season is only used by our chief minister and prime minister for media coverage and photo sessions. It fools these poor flood victims into thinking that there is hope of rebuilding their houses and reimbursing their loses.
From Mr Najam Khan
Abu Dhabi
Stability for growth
The law and order situation in Pakistan is not satisfactory. I would not be exaggerating to say that the country has never seen such turmoil since its inception. Target killings, terrorism, extortion and street robbery have become routine crimes. The culprits are committing crimes everywhere, and it seems that the government is helpless to control it.
According to the general public, no crime is possible without the help of area police. For example, if an incident such as snatching of a mobile, bike or valuables takes place in the city, the area police do not register the case against the criminals. Secondly, if the culprit is caught, he is freed after a while. There has not been such lawlessness and mismanagement in our country before. There is a need to change the entire system, otherwise; injustice, poverty, anarchy and corruption will never end.
Our government has changed, but the state of affairs remains unchanged. The poor are living in miserable conditions because of continuous inflation, unemployment and a high cost of living.
Under the prevailing situation, ‘brain drain’ is also continuing. Intellectuals and highly skilled manpower are migrating to other countries for the sake of bright and secure futures. Industrialists and businessmen prefer to settle abroad to save their investment and business. Many industrialists have either closed their businesses or shifted to a safer place.
There is no denying that Pakistan has a lot of opportunities for investments. The country is full of natural resources and beauty. If the affluent citizens of the country are provided with the necessary security and safety, then the matter of stability can be sorted out and Pakistan can look to step up its recovery towards an era of growth. Pakistan is a country of 200 million people, which only needs stability. Give the country stability and it will shine.
From Mr Mumtaz Hussain
UAE
Parenting and technology
Through this letter, I would like to create social awareness among the parents committed to their work and technology. In this era of changing attitudes towards parenting, I have come to the conclusion that I am against modern parenting.
Parenting has undergone changes through many years. With rapid urbanisation and technological development, parents and children are becoming addicted to technology. Machines have been created by man. They are created in such a way that we can control them. But today, in this briskly advancing world, we have become puppets in the hands of modern technology.
Parents these days have no time to look after their children. This has come to such an extent that children these days start listening to technology rather than to parents. And moreover, parents have nothing to say about this: they are completely fine with the fact that from a very young age, their children start becoming the slaves of technology.
I think that parents should try to spend maximum time with their young ones so that social media does not take over parenting and their presence and importance is still felt.
From Ms Sai Madhurya
UAE
Give way to pedestrians
On countless occasions, I have come across vehicles speeding off at the sight of any pedestrian trying to cross the road instead of stopping for them and giving way. It is sad that most drivers who are travelling in air conditioned cars do not stop for those on foot, even in the sweltering heat of the sun. And this is all due to their fear of losing out on their precious time.
Motorists have to understand that it barely takes a few seconds to allow someone to cross. It is their duty to give priority to pedestrians and respect them. At times, there are elderly people, expecting women or those with young children crossing the road, and it is a shame to see motorists honking at them to get them out of their way.
This kind of inconsiderate behaviour towards pedestrians is absolutely unacceptable. Also, people should drive cautiously so that in case of an unexpected event, they can take necessary action and stop in time.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
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