AMERICAN ELECTIONS: This is with reference to the article ‘Polls apart’ (April 14) about the presidential elections in the United States. The argument that under the current government, the US economy is doing great, I am afraid, will be found flawed by many Americans. In essence, the economy cannot function properly if one continues to squander billions of dollars on financing a genocide half the world away, or diverting resources towards Ukraine to show that the US is tougher than Russia. In the elections that are scheduled for later this year, American voters have a choice to make. Practically speaking, they can vote for a genocide financier, facilitator and war-monger, or they can opt to vote for a racist, sexist, climate change denier.

Prof Arif Kazmi
Karachi

DOUBLE STANDARDS: This is with reference to the letter ‘No one beats US in free-speech rhetoric’ (April 25). Other than the likely ban on TikTok, the United States is also treating criticism of Israel over Gaza genocide as something criminal. This is fascism. It is the same US that expressed concerns over the suspension of X (formerly Twitter) in Pakistan without even asking for reasons behind it. Now, the Human Rights Council of the United Nations should take immediate notice of suppression of free speech in the US. On the other hand, Pakistan Foreign Office should summon the US ambassador and express its concern over the grave violation of human rights in the US. The American notion of freedom of speech is, in fact, nothing but an illusion. It truly is.

Sikander Aqeel Ansari
Islamabad

LOST GLORY: It is a rather heartening moment to see Sukkur slowly regain some of its lost charm as well as glory, and we need to appreciate every effort that is being made in this regard. To keep the good thing going, the people and the local administration should both work together in order to make Sukkur regain its lost charm and glory to its fullest. They can surely do it.

Jawad Akhter Siddiqui
Sukkur

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2024