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October 23, 2003
Post Mark: In need of a fresh start
I didn’t know one could shudder and laugh at the same time until I read the comments of some of the politicians quoted in Zofeen T. Ebrahim’s article (TR Oct. 16). To insinuate, as they do, that the Hudood Ordinance is actually beneficial to women’s rights is ludicrous. The more pertinent point, however, is how successive leaders of Pakistan have lacked the moral fortitude to do anything about it. Some things are just more important than politics, and as General Musharraf’s about-turn on Pakistan’s Afghan policy showed, the right-wing religous parties aren’t an insurmountable force — when there’s a will to overcome that force.
AHSAN BUTT
Ohio, USA
Tale of two Isles
Zia Mutaher’s article was indeed a true portrait of life at the two Islands located in Keamari Town in Karachi (TR Oct. 9). In my four years of providing Primary Health Care facilities in this area, there is still unfortunately no acceptance of women’s education. They continue to do tailoring work to help share the burden of their families. This results in nothing but the lapse of allocated seats in their areas. At the moment we only have seven lady health workers (LHW) in the Bhitt Island to cover a population of around 7,000. There is no LHW in Baba Island. Not only should women be educated but the Nazim and the government in general should all help to turn the islands into a paradise.
SAQIB SHAIKH
Town Programme Coordinator Keamari Town,
Karachi
Prisoners of a holy war
Babar’s story by Fouad M. Khan (TR Oct. 16) was touching and provided food for thought. Growing up in Pakistan, sometimes it is very hard to sort out the dilemma of your identity — who you really are and what you’re supposed to do. Incidentally, Maulana Masood Azhar comes to the city where I’m studying and I plan to go to his rally.
FAHAD B. AWAN
Islamabad
Risky business
Zofeen T. Ebrahim highlighted some relevant points on illegal abortions (TR Oct. 9). This is not just prevalent in less affluent areas but takes place in “posh” areas too. No one talks about having abortions as they can afford to pay for, and hide, them.
ANITA ALI
Karachi
Groomed power
Shanaz Ramzi’s story on beauty parlours aptly highlighted the fast growing trend of visiting such parlours (TR Oct. 2). The trend also seems to be catching on in other cities like Peshawar. I feel that women can easily carry out such services at home very cheaply.
ASIA KHATTAK
Mardan
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