EVERY time I see Zainab’s picture on the media, my heart misses a beat. This sweet seven-year-old angel was abducted, raped and brutally murdered in Kasur. She was the ninth victim, and the criminal still walks free. The incident speaks volumes about the writ our state.

The efficiency of the authorities and the police has been exposed. They lack even in basic skills and can’t even find a missing child.

Other segments of society are also to blame. Our lawmakers only think of themselves and not the electorate, who sent them to parliament. The media took notice when the missing child episode turned into a brutal crime. Then there is a section of society too preoccupied with declaring each other apostate and infidel to spare time for a child.

I pray there is no other victim. These criminals are caught and punished so that no other Zainab falls prey.

Tahir Ali Dayo

Islamabad

(2)

EVERY time a child abuse case is reported, I start to wonder how anybody could commit such a heinous act.

Sadly, this horrendous crime has become a norm in Pakistan. Of late numerous cases of child abuse have been reported. It makes my heart weep that our country is witnessing such horrible crimes.

Islam instructs us to respect children. There is no forgiveness in Islam for what was done to Zainab. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Respect your children and give them good training so that Allah rewards you.”

Children are the assets of our country and how we treat and bring them up determine the future of our country.

I urge the authorities to find the criminals and take strict action again them.

Sumaiya Khalid

Karachi

(3)

THE kidnapping and murder of seven-year- old Zainab speaks volumes about our disintegrating society. The world is progressing by leaps and bounds while we are embroiled in such crimes.

The media will highlight the nation’s outrage for a few days and then everything will be forgotten.

In a country where the police are inducted on a political basis rather than merit, how can society feel safe let alone expect law and order to protect them?

Jaffar Naqvi

Lahore

(4)

ARE we human beings? No we are not! Every day we see incidents like Zainab. The incident is a tragedy and an evil crime was committed against a seven-year-old girl.

It is time we raise our voices for justice so that Zainab’s tortured soul can find peace.

The world is a dangerous place not because of those who do evil, but because of those who see everything but choose to do nothing.

Sidharth

Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2018