Innocent lives were lost that day

Innocent lives were lost that day

The militants involved in the school massacre in Peshawar, Pakistan deserved the punishment they received for their actions (“Six get death penalty over school massacre”, Gulf News, August 14). This specific act of terrorism left at least 140 people dead, many of them young children. For taking those innocent lives, the attackers deserved to be executed. Even though the verdict will not bring the children back, it helps provide a form of closure for the families involved. It is a day that they will remember for the rest of their lives, as justice was rightfully served. I hope the judgment helps deter criminals from committing similar crimes in the future.

From Mr Waqas Shaikh

Karachi, Pakistan

End terrorism

This was a good Independence Day gift to the families of the victims. I hope our nation, Pakistan, works to crush all forms of terrorism from our homeland.

From Mr Faisal Rahman

Punjab, Pakistan

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Justice is served

This is what great justice looks like. It was needed for those school-going children who lost their lives on that unfortunate day. I hope they rest in peace.

From Ms Esther Benedict

UAE

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Let us live in peace

Great job by Pakistan and its justice system. I hope this is just the beginning of the death of terrorism and extremism. We need to live and let others live in peace.

From Mr Waqas Amir

UAE

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Looking for a secular state

Finally a good omen emerged from the Indian state of Bihar, where three secular political parties made a historic decision to jointly take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which poses a threat to Indian secularism and pluralism (“Anti-BJP front suffers setbacks as NCP, SP register protests over “raw deal””, Gulf News, August 14). India’s oldest political party, the Indian National Congress, has shown maturity and prudence when they accepted 40 seats offered by regional secular heavy weights, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Janata Dal United (JDU), to contest in the impending state poll. Had they shown this sensibility and prudence in the run up to the public elections a year ago, they could have made a mark against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘sectarian political forces’ and defeated them. The secular coalition formed in Bihar indeed gives solace to the people of India, especially the minority, who are concerned about the future of the pillars of our state. The new political front will definitely be capable of countering the divisive politics of BJP.

From Mr Abdul Latif Koladikkal

Abu Dhabi

Important to be aware

The rising number of cases and accidents involving fire is a concerning issue in the UAE (“Fire damages two warehouses in Dubai”, Gulf News August 15). Not only does it raise a question about whether the houses we are paying for are safe to live in, but also if we are trained to handle emergency fire situations. I think it is necessary to educate people about fire safety and how to react in case a fire breaks out. Fire drills should be conducted in all buildings at least once in every six months. At homes, parents need to educate their children and caretakers on what to do in case of a fire. They should be well versed with the contact numbers of the civil defence. Many old residential buildings do not have updated fire safety equipment and many old villas do not have any fire detection devices or fire-fighting equipment. The issue should be taken more seriously. People in the UAE lead busy lives, but they need to take time out to educate themselves for their own safety.

From Ms Ritika Deshmukh

Abu Dhabi

Getting through a long flight

I love air travel (“Keep your travel free of turbulence”, Gulf News, August 15). As a child I used to feel sick in planes, but in the past few years I have found tricks to tackle the discomfort. I am considerably short, so leg space has never been an issue for me. I make sure to wear comfortable footwear, but carry a fresh pair of socks just in case it gets really cold. A lot of people complain about how uncomfortable it is to sleep on planes, but in my experience I have realised that carrying a neck pillow makes sleeping easier. For longer flights, I find it useful to get up and walk around for a bit and use the pillow provided during the flights to support my back. When motion sickness strikes in, turning the air conditioner’s vent towards my face helps me feel better. A few snack items, a pack of chewing gum or mints and a book are regular hand luggage items. Another thing I never travel without is a fully charged tablet with songs and episodes from my favourite television shows or a few movies. I also think long flights are the best time to listen to audio books for which there are many smartphone applications these days. I also avoid any food that might cause acidity or reflux, this to an extent keeps motion sickness at bay.

From Ms Natalia Mathias

Dubai

Care about us

Long flights are very tiring, and there should be more room to stretch. I feel like airlines really don’t care about the people in economy, even though we make up the bulk of the passengers.

From Ms Shondale Jackson Pagano Galindo

UAE

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Direct flights are better

A flight from Dubai to Seattle, US, is a 14-hour journey, and I have travelled this route. I find it much better compared to transiting and running around another airport, usually at an odd hour of the day. You are stressed and have to carry your bags; it’s not comfortable. Therefore, it is best to travel on direct flights to your destination. But, some airlines could improve their service quality.

From Ms Padma Priya

Fujairah

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Watch where you’re going

I am looking forward to the completion of the Dubai Canal project (“Jumeirah Beach Road diversion takes effect from Friday”, Gulf News, August 14). It will be a refreshing change. But, I am a bit concerned about the road diversions in Jumeirah. I drive down this route regularly, and I am worried the diversions will slow down the flow of traffic. I am sure the authorities are taking all the necessary precautions, but it is the drivers who are to be blamed. Every time a diversion is created, drivers become careless. They do not pay attention to the signs placed by the transport authorities, warning them of the diversion and continue to drive in a reckless manner. Many a times accidents occur and thus cause traffic congestion. I hope people are more careful this time around as they have been informed much in advance.

From Mr Sean Thomas

Dubai

Memories associated with a market

The Friday Market holds great memories for me (“Friday Market traders get back to business in Masafi, UAE”, Gulf News, August 14). I remember when I was a child, my family would drive up to the market on a weekend just so my mum could buy some fresh produce and plants for the home. The children were more focused; all we wanted to do was eat! The market is known for its grilled corn on the cob. It’s something so simple, yet so good. And I think what’s more important to me was the time spent with my family members and that is why all those moments have stuck with me till date. I was so disheartened to read the reports of the fire at the market and I am glad that the traders are slowly getting back to business. This is a place that a lot of people would have memories of, and so I hope it gets back to its original standard once again.

From Ms Rabia Ashraf

Sharjah

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