In the 11 October issue, When blessings turn into curses by Nuzhat Azhar was an amazing read. I agree with the writer’s view that everything comes down...
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Hello Ed,
In the 11 October issue, When blessings turn into curses by Nuzhat Azhar was an amazing read. I agree with the writer’s view that everything comes down to balance, and even good things, if not enjoyed in moderation, can turn into curses. The writer has offered very sound advice that can help us stay grounded.
In ‘Poets’ Corner’, I liked Mask by Majda Ulfat. Also, both recipes were excellent and turned out really well!
Zaha Ahsan, Lahore
Environmental degradation
Dear Ed,
Pakistan’s environmental degradation is threatening its ecology, economy, and public health. Ranking 180th in air quality, the country faces 100,000 premature deaths and $1.5 billion in healthcare costs annually. Water pollution affects 70 percent of the rural population, with 22.5 million people lacking access to safe water. Climate change could reduce GDP by 18 to 20 percent by 2050, worsening natural disasters like floods, which affected 33 million people in 2022.
Deforestation has reduced forest cover to 2.2 percent, causing soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and an economic loss of $14.5 billion. Industrial waste goes untreated, and 50 percent of agricultural land suffers from salinization. To counter these issues, Pakistan must invest in renewable energy, enforce waste regulations, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Shari Wahid, Turbat
Dengue alarm
Dear Editor,
As we navigate the post-monsoon season, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 29°C and humidity reaching up to 60 percent, the risk of vector-borne illnesses like dengue fever remains high. The Met Office has raised concerns about a potential dengue outbreak, with a surge of 110 cases reported in Rawalpindi in October. Despite a decline in cases compared to previous years, experts fear the virus has mutated into a more severe variant, with most suspected cases involving acute hemorrhagic fever. It is imperative to take urgent measures to combat dengue, including protection from mosquito bites through the use of insect repellents, timely reporting, and diagnostic testing. The deployment of Dengvaxia vaccination programs is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of children aged 9 to16 who have previously contracted dengue.
Mehreen Ali, Karachi
Editor:
Lubna Khalid
Sub-editor:
Sameen Amer
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