Outrageous statement
Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf's statement on rape ("Fury at Musharraf rape remarks", Gulf News, September 17) is the most outrageous ever for a civilised world to digest.
His insinuations on rape being rampant elsewhere in the world, and as such it is no big deal, is pathetically unethical and defeats the concept of morality.
The main issue, what Musharraf conveniently forgets, is the difference between criminally instigated incidents committed by perverted individuals in relation to organised and legally sanctioned "raping orders" of innocent women in the hundreds of pockets in Pakistani provinces.
From Mr M. Sageer
Dubai
Make a public apology
Musharraf's statement is unacceptable. It will boost the morality of the culprits. He should make a public apology.
Everyone knows that most rape cases around the world go unnoticed, but when it is brought to the attention of the concerned authorities action should be taken immediately.
It should not take years to punish the culprits. Justice delayed is justice denied.
From Mr M. Shibly
Dubai
Value life
I cried after reading Musharraf's remarks. I have supported him for years but his quest to ease the image of Pakistan is taking a sickening turn.
His plan has backfired. How's this: I was subjected to years of abuse by a trusted Pakistani mullah in my own home.
After a decade, at least, I give you credit for giving me the courage to speak up about it.
Abuse cannot even be given the status of "taboo" it just isn't given any bother. We should rethink what we value as our way of life.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
A big letdown
As a Pakistani, I was shocked and appalled at my president's irresponsible remarks about women crying rape to go abroad to get rich.
I admired our president and thought he was a champion of women's rights and would deal with the perpetrators of crimes against women in Pakistan with an iron hand.
Sadly, it seems not the case.
From Ms U. Rahman
Dubai
Why go overboard?
I support Musharraf's comment about Pakistani women using rape as an excuse to go abroad.
Though it is untrue that every rape victim gets raped for money, you can check the newspapers for the past few years to see that the media projects their cases in such a way that they end up getting more benefits than what they deserve, including going abroad.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Shameful
I read the Gulf News and the Letters to the Editor daily. Every time President George W. Bush does or says something, you can find many letters about that issue.
Since days now I have been reading about children dying daily in India because of Japanese encephalities, which could have been avoided through simple vaccination, and the President of Pakistan making comments about rape which leave me speechless.
But I cannot find one letter regarding these issues.
People rather complain about heavy traffic, rising rents and so on, or even request the authorities in the UAE to change things over here. It is a shame.
From Ms H. Kennedy
Abu Dhabi
Roadblock
The whole area around Dubai American Academy School in Al Barsha has been dug up and resembles a huge construction site that would be unsafe for adults to enter, leave alone children.
The authorities should look into this matter at the earliest.
It is distressing for children especially to be stuck in a traffic jam for half an hour, every time they enter or leave the school premises.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Open manholes
Manhole covers on some sewage openings on Najda, Electra, Al Falah and Hamdan streets are left open.
They can pose a danger to unsuspecting pedestrians.
In some places, some shopowners have covered them with wooden planks.
Worse, most of the cast iron covers near the municipality area are rusty and I doubt if they are durable.
From Mr M.P.G. Vijayakumar
Abu Dhabi
Inconvenient
I notice many drivers insist on parking their vehicles in the taxi stand areas on Abu Dhabi streets.
I know it is more convenient for drivers to stop there when making a quick trip to the ATM machine or the grocery store.
But it becomes inconvenient for those who are waiting for a taxi in the sweltering heat and cannot be picked up by an available taxi because there is no place for the taxi to pull over.
Drivers should be considerate and park in a parking lot. Taxi stands should be for taxis only.
From Mr D.A. MacNeil
Abu Dhabi
Public transport
I refer to Mr Nandhakumar's letter ("Bus service", Gulf News, September 14) on bus service and air-conditioned bus stops.
As a resident of Sharjah, I feel frustrated at the lack of public transport in this otherwise beautifully developed country.
I just moved here from South East Asia, where metro rail transit and public buses are an easy and affordable way to commute.
In an economy where fuel prices are escalating and traffic is on the increase, why has such a major consideration for public convenience taken a back seat?
From Ms S. Luthria
Sharjah
