THE attack on Ukraine by Russia is severely criticised by the Western countries, spearheaded by the United States. Such acts of aggression by powerful countries anywhere in the world must be condemned. But what bothers me is the double standards of the West.

If Russia’s attack on Ukraine is wrong, how are the atrocities of the US justified in Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Vietnam and Afghanistan? Did the American forces not kill thousands of men and children, raped women, illegally transferred billions of dollars and assets from these countries to their homelands?

Besides, most of the countries that faced American aggression happened to be Muslim-majority ones. The US clearly considers it quite normal and in line with its hatred against Muslim nations.

However, in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it is the first time in many years that a powerful country has attacked a non-Muslim country. May be this is the reason behind the hue and cry that is being raised by the West.

Cdre (retd) Sajjad Ali Shah Bokhari
Islamabad

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Regardless of what the authorities have been planning for some time, it is a fact of life that in today’s world the freedom of speech cannot be effectively curtailed. The government should first come up with a proper definition of fake news before talking about controlling it. On the part, the national media and people at large should also cross-check any piece of information before passing it on.

Ayesha Khan Ansari
Karachi

TRADE AFFAIRS: A local business magnate recently told a gathering of businessmen in Lahore that back channel diplomacy with India may bear fruit. It was heartening to know that he realises the need for the resolution of disputes between the two countries for a mutually beneficial trade, but perhaps he is not aware of the trade hurdles placed on Pakistani exports to India, which makes it next to impossible to allow Pakistani businessmen to have a level playing field.

Abid Mahmud Ansari
Islamabad

UNSAFE UNIVERSITIES: This is with reference to the article ‘Unsafe campuses’ (March 9). The country is in the grip of numerous problems due to lack of education. Women are deprived of their basic rights, including access to education. Those who are lucky enough to go to academic institutions do not feel safe there. Harassment cases in educational institutions, especially universities, are increasing alarmingly, but no concrete measures have been taken to address the problem. The government must take the safety and security of female students seriously.

Nawaz Marri
Marri Abad

CUTTING TREES: Hundreds of trees have recently been chopped off in Clifton Block 1 that were planted to fight against global warning. Chopping the trees is like using an axe on one’s own feet. Clifton is already affected due to coal storage in the vicinity. The urban forest campaign slogan ‘plant before it is too late’ captures the urgency of the situation. Efforts should be made to plant more trees rather than chopping off whatever we have.

Taha Soomro
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2022