KITCHEN GARDENING: Kitchen gardening is a sustainable practice that deserves greater adoption in Pakistan. Cultivating fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in homes offers numerous advantages to individuals and societies. Not only does it provide households with fresh, organic produce, it contributes to environmental conservation by reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and packaging. Further, kitchen gardening promotes food security, nutrition and economic empowerment. In a country where food contamination is a major concern, kitchen gardening offers a healthier alternative, as it relies wholely on natural fertilisers, and avoids harmful pesticides and chemicals.

Saim Bin Saleem
Karachi

WAR PROFITEERS: War is a conflict between nations, but other actors often benefit from it. Since war fuels the demand for weapons, the manufacturers increase their revenues. Wars, anywhere in the world, are a lifeline for them. Amidst the recent Israeli barbarities in Palestine, especially Gaza, such actors are making the proverbial hay while the sun is still shining on them. The latest data published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has revealed that the global military expenditure has gone up to $2,240 billion. This figure is intimidating and gruesome. It is critical that all countries should act responsibly.

Shahzaib Noor
Awaran

TWIST IN THE TALE: In a magnanimous gesture, the president decided to forego his salary, setting a precedent for others to follow. Soon thereafter, his properties in interior Sindh were reportedly declared ‘temporary official residence’. The expenditure on their renovation and upkeep over the next five years might trouble the debt-ridden exchequer more than the salary. It would be nice if the president could forgoe the perks and privileges of his office as well.

Lt-Col (retd) Javaid Iqbal
Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2024