RISING TERRORISM: The recent martyrdom of 23 soldiers in an attack on the security checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan has once again left the nation shocked. In the wake of the Army Public School (APS) massacre in Peshawar back in 2014, the moratorium on death penalty was lifted and, later on, the 21st Amendment was passed by parliament, allowing military courts for speedy trials of civilians involved in terrorism with a sunset clause of two years. It is imperative to initiate trials for terrorism-related cases in military courts, for attacks by the insurgents are increasing with every passing day. An all-party conference is needed along with representation from the military establishment to find a way out of this critical situation.

Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi

AMMUNITION: The cartridge for 30.06 rifle was developed in the United States in 1906. Several types of 30.06 cartridges, from 55 to 220 grains, are manufactured by leading ammunition manufacturers, and so are the rifles. There is a big market for this cartridge, including Pakistan. The military version of 30.06 ammunition was produced by the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) at Wah for semi-auto M-1 Garand rifle that has now been replaced by G-3 automatic assault rifle of a different cartridge. The manufacturing facility for 30.06 cartridge must be available with the POF, which may consider manufacture of a civilian version of the cartridge under licence from some renowned US or German ammunition manufacturer for export as well as the local market.

M. Akram Niazi
Rawalpindi

NO FREE PILGRIMAGE: Haj is a conditional obligation and it is not obligatory for those who cannot afford the expenses. Therefore, due to the poor economic conditions of the country, the government should consider putting a complete ban on free Haj being offered by different state-owned departments.

Kh Tajammul Hussain
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2023