HARDLY a day passes when there is no news about Pakistan in the international media, mostly negative. A bomb blast here, sectarian killings there. At least in this news, we blame the Taliban or religious extremists for these heinous acts, although in effect, they are own countrymen.

The footage aired on international TV channels regarding the brutal manner in which sheep imported from Australia were culled on disease concerns was appalling, to say the least. It can be clearly seen that men are sawing at the sheep neck and casually throwing them in a blood-soaked pit.

The heinous way these harmless animals were killed was disgusting and shameful. Some of the animals were seen breathing till the next morning. To make matters worse, Pakistani officials claimed that the animals were culled according to Islamic practice. This negligence on the part of government officials will portray Islam in a negative manner. We all know that in Islam, slaughtering of animals is carried out in a prescribed manner ensuring minimum pain.

The Australians are right in demanding an inquiry into the matter. The Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals must also take notice of this cruel act.

The government must ensure an impartial and fair inquiry and those found guilty must be given exemplary punishment.

JAFFAR NAQVI Lahore