WITH reference to the lead article, A step forward? (November 7), one wonders whether it is a desperate attempt on the general’s part or a public relations exercise at breaking the logjam.
We are very fond of demanding democracy and human rights for the Kashmiris while at the same time refuse to allow the same to the people of Pakistan. The on going military operations in South Wazirstan are no less serious than anything else in Kashmir.
M. SALEEM CHAUDHRY
Karachi
Beware, it’s Bernard Lewis
WITH reference to Ms Anjum Niaz’s column, Beware, it’s Bernard Lewis (November 7), would it be impertinent to suggest that she is in no position to call anybody a “lightweight?” Perhaps what irks Ms. Niaz the most is not Bernard Lewis’ work or Irshad Manji’s ramblings, but the fact that there might be some truth in what they have to say.
The cosmopolitanism of Umayyad Cordoba aside, can Ms. Niaz seriously deny that contemporary Islam (as practised by most Muslims, not even the Al Qaeda variety) is anti-woman, anti-gay, and intolerant of dissent? How long can a self-proclaimed “lesbian Muslim-refusenik” like Manji last on the streets of Karachi?
ZIA AHMED
Karachi
Mind your language
WITH reference to the article Mind your language (October 10), no doubt our cricketers have done well for the country, but it all goes down the drain when they speak during the post-match ceremonies. It is at the moment that I don’t want to associate myself in anyway with them.
I wonder how they manage themselves when they go to play county cricket? More importantly, I wonder how they are managing to communicate themselves with coach Bob Woolmer? Don’t the players feel inferior when the Indian cricketers speak seamless English?
I request the PCB to please appoint an English teacher who can teach the players some English and help us feel proud when our cricketers speak the language in front of the world media.
FAHAD MUSTAFA
Nawabshah
Jaun dies
WITH reference to the article Jaun dies (November 14), it is yet another reminder of how we treat our national heroes.
I was visiting Pakistan in 2000 and got to meet two of my Urdu poetry’s favourites: Munir Niazi and Jaun Alia. During my meeting with Jaun I was blown away with one of his outbursts. Jaun had just recited a verse. We, Jaun and his fans, were in a small room. Though nobody understood it, one of us had the audacity to ask Juan, “What does that mean? I don’t understand.” Jaun replied -- shouted: “... agar mujhay matlab pata hota, tou may naqqad hoata shair nahi...” (if I knew the meaning, I would be a critic not a poet).
This was the most enjoyable meeting of my entire life. Finally Jaun asked me to excuse him as he wanted to finish writing his monthly article for a digest. This meeting with him left me with a great love, respect and sadness for Jaun.
JAWAID SHAIKH
Chicago
Women woes
WITH reference to the article Women woes (November 7), a large number of NGOs and human rights organizations are busy working towards improving the miserable plight of women in Pakistan. Many poets and writers are also trying their best to highlight the various issues faced by womenfolk in our rigid society. But unfortunately, nobody comes up with a practical suggestion; so no permanent solution to the heinous crimes committed against women is in sight.
In Fata there are areas where girls are not even allowed to go to schools. My plea is that why do we not try to find a practical solution to women’s issues instead of giving details of horrible crimes inflicted on them?
WITH reference to the lead article, A step forward? (November 7), one wonders whether it is a desperate attempt on the general’s part or a public relations exercise at breaking the logjam.
