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Forced marriages

Dear Editor:

We must have conquered the moon but we still have not been able to get rid of some of the age-old beliefs, norms and traditions — one of them is forced marriages. The foundation of a marriage is based on trust, affection, compatibility, shared values and genuine concern for each other. But in certain countries, especially in the subcontinent, parents make matrimonial decisions without their daughters’ consent. They go ahead with their marriages whether they are interested in their spouse to be or not.

Although Pakistan is a moderate Islamic country, many girls here are compelled to get married to the person they have never met or spoken to. They are also expected to keep the bond of matrimony intact under all circumstances. Fortunately, there is visible change in urban areas. Education is bringing re forms to society and has made women confident. They are resisting forced marriages and are also daring to break free from the shackles of marriage.

If women are able to exercise their basic rights in such a way, we can save our society and family system. Forced marriages not only ruin the life of an individual or perhaps of both partners, but also become a cause of destabilizing society.

Thanking You

Mariyam Bashir
Karachi.
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Respond to Letter "Smoking in Public Places"

Dear Editor,

I would like to respond “Miss. Mahreen Fatima” for her Letter “Smoking in Public Places”. We as a nation are responsible for our duties and responsibilities towards our country and its commandment. Smoking in public places indeed is annoying and hazardous and if we encounter someone violating these rules it’s our responsibility to ask that gentleman to leave that place or take action in severe circumstances. We are engrossed in bringing up these issues in front of high authorities overlooking the fact that these rules are made to benefit common man and we are responsible to extend this awareness and we are never bothered to address people in person though its better then involving high authorities to overcome these personal hygiene issues.

Wishing all Healthy Life.

Cheers !

Waqar Ahmed.
via email

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Fixation of prices

Through the column of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities in to this matter.

In a market-based economy, in which prices are fixed by the forces of demand and supply, the government intervention, with whatever good intention it may be, is bound to add to the gravity of the problem instead of diminishing it, as is currently is being reflected in the flour and sugar prices.

Meanwhile, two missing elements of consumer resistance and of earning profit through more sale rather than rise in price must be encouraged to be a part of price-fixing mechanism.

It is all the more essential to prevent Pakistan from falling within the category of countries facing high risk of food shortages, according to a food security risk index. I request the authorities to look into this matter seriously.



Thanking you,

Ayesha Imran
Karachi.