Terminally ill baby Charlie raised lengthy debates
Charlie Gard has touched the hearts of millions of people across the world, but finally said goodbye (‘Terminally ill British baby Charlie Gard dies’, Gulf News, July 29). Gard was suffering from a genetic disease, which caused brain damage and left him unable to breathe without aid. It was a sad situation and no parent would want to give up on their child, however bad the situation may be. Finally, with the consent of parents, the doctors turned off his life support system as there was no hope for survival. Charlie’s case triggered lengthy debates on the rights of both parents and children, as well as medical interventions, responsibilities of hospitals and the role of the state.
Charlie’s parents raised $1.7 million (Dh 6.24 million) to take him for experimental medical therapy in the US. Here, the debatable question is, if the medical board declares there is no chance of recovery, then what should be the next course of action? We often see many children who, despite the chance of survival, succumb to their illness for the simple reason of being unable to afford the huge medical costs. Let the campaign for the treatment of ill children around the world take momentum and we pledge to help them, irrespective of their country of origin. Let us all support Charlie’s parents as they overcome their grief.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Policing is changing
If you have a pot belly, then you are not fit for a promotion as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as told by the Ministry of Home Affairs in India. The Director General of Police in the Indian state of Kerala said: “It is a good proposal. An IPS officer should be mentally and physically fit to deliver the job.”
As per the proposal, the officers must be certified as ‘Shape 1’ to become eligible for promotion. The officers must undergo the most stringent fitness tests in terms of psychological health, hearing, appendages, physical capacity and eyesight. Now, the face of the police force in India is changing. They should be people-friendly, rather than a bane to the society.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
Never gives up
Imran Khan is our hero in Pakistan and, God willing, he will win in the next election (‘Why Imran Khan won’t get power easily in Pakistan’, Gulf News, July 31). He is a fighter who never gives up. His party stands a good chance of winning. If not, surely the opposition leader will be from his party, which is good for Pakistan. A real opposition is vital in a healthy democracy.
He has managed to break the two-party system against all odds, which is unprecedented.
From Mr Syed Ali Nadir
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
Best for the job
As a Indian, I also respect Khan, because he is not hiding anything and speaks openly in public. He shows his assets in Pakistan. I feel he can be the best Prime Minister in Pakistan. He is the only one who can change the democratic future of Pakistan.
From Mr Tinku Sharma
Jalandhar, India
Facebook comment
It’s possible!
It will become a reality. It won’t be easy, but at the same time, it’s not impossible! Khan is a very determined person.
From Ms Nadia Wajid Samad
UAE
Facebook comment
Difficult to change
The majority of Khan’s supporters are from the younger generation and most of them don’t have an electoral vote yet. Most of the people in Pakistan are looking at their personal interests rather than the country’s interests. They want shortcuts for everything and don’t want a person of merit. These corrupt politicians make the majority of the public corrupt so that they can’t live without corruption. It’s very difficult for them to accept change.
From Mr Kashi Khan
Dubai
Facebook comment
We need him
In my opinion, Khan is honest and a brave leader. Pakistan badly needs such personalities and honesty. We hope we will see his party and him very soon in a good position in the next election.
From Mr Syed Raza
Karachi, Pakistan
Facebook comment
Grounds for power
Khan is a legend. It wasn’t easy to make a cancer hospital, and it wasn’t easy to stand against corruption. People said it was impossible. Now, as the public has kicked out their corrupt prime minister, they have laid the foundation for Khan to be in power.
From Mr Syed Jahanzaib Hussain
UAE
Facebook comment
Dangerous drivers
What’s deadly, are the truck and bus drivers who think they can drive in any lane they choose (‘315 die on UAE roads first half of 2017’, Gulf News, July 31). After them, the dangerous drivers are the ones who drive in the second left lane, going 10km/h below the speed limit.
From Mr Cam McDonald
UAE
Facebook comment
Patrol cars
I totally agree that we need to get rid of distractions while driving. Even with all the fatalities, drivers keep making these dangerous manoeuvres. I think greater police patrolling is required, but in unmarked cars. When motorists spot a police car, they suddenly become very careful. In fact, the other day, I noticed traffic slow down to below the speed limit, just because there was a police car nearby.
From Mr Nabeel Seddiqi
UAE
Facebook comment
Safety first
These lives could have been saved. It’s all down to negligence. We would see fewer road accidents if people would just put their safety first.
From Mr Mumtaz Ahmad
UAE
Facebook comment
My bill went up
Normally, my bill per month would be around Dh400 to Dh450 (‘Sewa chairman allays fears of ‘overbilling’, Gulf News, July 31). We were on vacation from the last week of June until the first week of August, and when our bill came for July, it was for Dh700. This is the first time in my life, where I have paid more than usual. I am not using any electricity, water or gas.
From Mr Mohammad Meeran
UAE
Facebook comment
Changes?
The explanation given by the official in the report did not clarify my doubts. Summer comes every year and consumption may be higher than in the winter, but we notice that customers are complaining about it only this year. That means some changes have been made in charges and fees to customers, which makes them feel their bills are incorrect.
From Mr Mujeeb Rahman
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
Career day for children
Actually, this is an excellent idea (‘Dubai Police grant boy’s wish to be a police officer’, Gulf News, July 31). Each government department can celebrate like this, as well as schools, by making them teachers, headmistresses and principals. Similarly, each company can give some students an opportunity on the same day of the celebration, to be an employee of their choice. In India, I hope this can be celebrated soon.
From Ms Nima Unr
UAE
Facebook comment
Caring for the people
An excellent message given by Dubai Police, through fulfilling this young boy’s wish to become a police officer. Dubai Police’s image and dignity shines more than ever after fulfilling such wishes. Now, we all salute the UAE police force, and how they care for the country’s people – their wishes and feelings.
From Mr Ahmad Saeed Bin Mahfooz
UAE
Facebook comment
Always be careful
Rape is never okay, no matter what a woman does (‘Lifeguard raped woman in Dubai flat, court hears’, Gulf News, July 31). Women, unfortunately, need to really take care of themselves! Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable situation with a man. If he’s a real man, he would never ask you to go home with him. This man saw an easy target. God bless her! I think the rapist and the first man both damaged her. I pray she recovers her heart and shattered spirit! To all women out there, do not be so trusting.
From Ms Angela Greer
UAE
Facebook comment
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
