LIKE A PRAYER
 

1 I agree that we have forgotten quite a few things that once used to make us proud of our country.

The writer of the article Like a prayer (Jan 4, 2009) pointed out our dwindling ethical values; and the inadequate coverage or promotion of our natural and historical sites. In this regard, the role of the media is very important, because it shapes people’s opinion. The media should highlight the positive side of Pakistan just the way it highlights the acts of violence on a regular basis.

Saira Latif
Lahore

 

2  I really liked Haroon Khalid’s article. He raised the issues of culture, tradition and optimism. What we need to do is to pay attention to the things that enrich our land, and revert to our original, cultural and ethical values. This can make a huge difference.

Sidra Mahmood Jafri
Karachi

 

SMOKERS’ CORNER
 

1 This is apropos Nadeem F. Paracha’s articles Weed and Stop breathing now. All I want to say is that not only NFP is brilliant, he is also very audacious.

With distinct humour and well-placed satire, he is able to say things that most of us can only think and sulk about. His ongoing tussle with narrow-minded people and hypocrites is something that my generation of young people should learn from.

As someone once wrote in a letter printed in Sunday Magazine, you either adore NFP’s audacity or hate it. And I’ve seen both kinds passionately debating his writings.

Erum
Karachi

 

2 I simply love Nadeem F. Paracha’s articles. I’m a huge fan of his and love the way he expresses himself in a witty style. We need more writers like NFP in this day and age — writers who turn humour and wit into useful weapons. Couple this with great knowledge that NFP seems to have in so many subjects — the result is brilliant!

Zahra Shah
Via email

 

SIGHT TO BEHOLD
 

Reference to the article by Nassera H. Japanwalla (Jan 4, 2009), the writer brilliantly narrated the prolonged ordeal that she underwent which resulted in loss of her eyesight. The article is a valuable guide for readers, particularly for those who need to have cataract surgery or suffer from similar post-operation complications.

Siddik s. Jaangda
Karachi

 

NEVER A DULL MOMENT
 

This is with reference to the piece by Asfiya Aziz (Jan 11, 2009). It made me wonder why the writer gave examples of historical and current situations of Pakistan as the main cause of our nation being news-hungry.

Was she trying to suggest that it’s the only reason for craving information? On the contrary, despite all the ‘news business’ which has emerged in recent times, the masses are still politically unconscious and socially unaware. The media has been unable to generate the right kind of response.

Sidrah Siddiqui
Karachi

 

BEST BUDDIES
 

The article written by Sirajuddin Aziz was very impressive. I want to appreciate the efforts of the writer’s father in bringing up his children. Parents should make themselves a role model for their kids. It is the best thing that can happen to children.

Tanzila Yaqoob
Karachi

 

POSH AND PULL
 

I endorse Qasim A. Moini’s views expressed in his article Posh and pull (Dec 21, 2008). The writer has aptly described the feelings of those who don’t reside in Defence and Clifton. The class of ‘burgers’ that the writer has mentioned — rich, English-speaking, westernised and out of synch with the reality of the rest of the Karachi — also differentiates itself in schools, colleges and universities by befriending only those who come from posh areas. These prejudices and stereotypes should be removed to turn our society into an egalitarian one.

Naima Aslam Khan
Karachi

 

LESSONS TO LEARN
 

Daniyal Jahangir has written a magnificent article Lessons to learn (Dec 28, 2008). I encourage Sunday Magazine to come up with other such pieces. Knowledge should not be sought for the sake of acquiring knowledge alone, but it should be sought for the sake of reforming society. Only then it benefits individuals.

Ammarah Saqib
Karachi

 

BEAR TESTIMONY
 

This is with reference to Anees Jillani’s article Bear testimony. It felt sad reading about the pain that bears are made to suffer in order to provide entertainment to a few human beings. How can anyone find this morbid “sport” entertaining? The solutions to the problem that the writer has suggested are practical and can be implemented if only some caring people choose to come forward. However, one thing that was missing in his article was the names of the places where this sport is practised in the country.

Naheed Iqbal
Via email

 

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