Locust attack: Pakistan may face food shortage this year

Last year swarms of locusts had attacked many parts of Sindh and other parts of the country by the end of May and destroyed about 15% of the standing crops. The locust initially came from Iran and other Gulf Arabian countries via Balochistan. They spread over upper Sindh’s districts and also in some areas of Southern Punjab. The areas right from the Nara Desert in Khairpur district in Sindh to the Cholistan Desert in Rahimyar Khan, the Punjab province attacked crops. In Sindh districts like Sanghar, Umerkot, and Tharparkar were also hit hard by locust swarms.

Sindh government raised hue and cry and sought support from the federal government in a vain.

Finally, the federal government had to declare a “national emergency” on January 31, 2020, to eliminate the attacking swarms of the desert locust, which have destroyed crops on a larger scale. The federal government had also approved a National Action Plan (NAP) with an estimated allocation of PKR 7.3 billion to overcome the crisis.

But this year the swarms have come to Sindh quite early (in April) with severe intensity and according to reports the locusts may completely destroy the cotton crop in the affected districts, as the crop was in its initial stage. It seems if the swarms are destroyed the farmers have to sow the crop late again to save their production, experts say.

This year, the locust attack is so severe and widespread that the farmers fear the country may face a famine line situation.

So far 35% of the total area affected by locust attack is in Sindh, said the provincial minister for Agriculture Ismail Rahu at a press briefing on May 5, 2020. “This is an emergency situation that needs immediate attention,” he said.

The photo was taken from the wall of Meghwal Malji

According to the United Nation’s agency Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) at a 25% damage level, the total potential losses are estimated to be about PKR 353 billion (USD 2.2 billion) for the Rabi crops, and about PKR 464 billion (USD 2.9 billion) for Kharif crops.

The Sindh government has been complaining to the federal government for not cooperating in combating the locusts’ attacks. Sindh government needed aircraft from the federal government for pesticide sprays, but Minister Rahu complained that the federal government was not providing aircraft despite the fact the provincial government had agreed to provide fuel for those machines.

Instead, the central government provided aircraft to the Punjab government for spraying on locust swarms. Last year even a special aircraft used for spraying the vast areas in Southern Punjab was crushed and two persons, the pilot, and aircraft engineer were killed.

This is an alarming situation for a country like Pakistan, which is quite self-sufficient in food production, but in the midst of the additional impacts of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus Pandemic) the health, livelihoods, food security and nutrition are under threats, which may impact the most vulnerable communities and populations of Pakistan. An FAO report has suggested that it is imperative to contain and successfully control the desert locust infestation.  

The FAO claimed that in 2019, the Pakistan government’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP), and Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MFSR) surveyed an area of 932,580 hectares and treated 300,595 hectares in three provinces, consuming 150,839 litres of pesticides. Of the hectares treated, 20,300 hectares were cleared by aerial spraying.

But this massive operation to kill the locusts seemed to be futile as this year’s attack is so massive in upper Sindh and Southern Punjab that it is feared that most of the cotton crop would be damaged.

Eating locusts

Last year social media was amused with the reports and video clips of people making Biryanis of Locusts in various parts of Sindh.  According to a news report in Thar’s Chhachharo area, restaurants were selling biryanis and curry dishes made from locusts.

Even in a lighter mode, Sindh Agriculture Minister Ismail Rahu suggested a “bizarre solution” to fight locust manifestation by asking the people to cook the insects and enjoy delicious dishes made with locusts.

In Arab countries, people are still fond of eating fried locusts which they serve with rice but the insect dishes in this part of the Sub-Continent are mostly not popular. Even in Sindh people have stopped eating them.

Even some people started asking questions from religious scholars whether eating locusts are Halal or Haram. According to a scholar, locusts are Halal and can be eaten if people wish.

Pakistan's predicament

Karachi, January 3, 2017

After US President Donald Trump's tweet on the first day of New Year 2018, the US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on the following day (Tuesday) that the United States was withholding $255 million in aid to Pakistan because of its failure to cooperate fully in America’s fight against terrorism. It also added that more economic and military sanctions against Pakistan are in the pipeline and to be announced within 48 hours.

Pakistan actively took part in the 1979 US mission to oust the former USSR from Afghanistan. Then after Geneva Accord in 1988, Pakistan was abandoned and faced US sanctions in the form of the famous Pressler Amendment (to the US Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961). It stated that no military or technology equipment was to be provided to Pakistan unless the US president certified that Pakistan did not “possess” a nuclear explosive device and that the assistance provided by America would “reduce significantly the risk that Pakistan will possess a nuclear explosive device”.

Those sanctions were further tightened and multiplied in 1998 when Pakistan test-fired nuclear bombs in May 28.

Then suddenly Pakistan acquired importance after the 9/11 incidents in 2001 under the so-called "War on Terror" as Pakistan offered itself as a front-line state. Pakistan received huge foreign exchange in form of US Dollars as compensation for providing many airports for NATO force's airstrikes and use of its roads for supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Then in 2012, suddenly the US finds Osama Bin Laden was in Abbottabad and killed him, thus relationships between US and Pakistan become stressed as Pakistan termed the action as an intrusion in its sovereignty. Pakistan put behind bars Dr. Shakeel Afridi who allegedly supported the USA through a fake Polio campaign to verify the DNA test of the fugitive terrorist head of Al-Qaeda hiding in Abbottabad.

The US-Pakistan relationship further deteriorated after the withdrawal of the NATO forces by end of 2014 and since then Pakistan is again facing US sanctions. The USA withheld the due money to be paid as reimbursement under Coalition Support Fund and now the US says Pakistan had double-crossed. It can be implied that the US is a very innocent and novice state, which remained a fool (as admitted by General Trump in his famous New Year tweet) for years and continued supplying money to Pakistan without any realization.

Although, it is really very difficult to predict the next move of Pakistan to register its reaction as the key National Security Committee with representations from both the federal cabinet and Army has asked to defer the reaction of Pakistan to US President Trump's tweet, the US is aggressively threatening to Pakistan of further economic sanctions. Now the joint session of the Parliament would issue a reaction to Trump's tweet as it has been convened on Thursday. The NSC decision is appreciated by Pakistanis on the social media and in the newspapers. Dawn wrote an editorial on Wednesday appreciating the decision. It stated: "Yet, a hostile, threatening comment by a US president cannot simply be ignored, and Pakistan’s political and military leaderships did the right thing by meeting to discuss a joint civil-military response."

Labour Day 2020: Lackluster due to COVID_19

This year International Workers Day or May Day is being observed across the world amid lockdowns in most of countries due to Pandemic Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!” has been a famous slogan of Marx, which the workers of the world adopted and it became the main slogan during May Day rallies across the world. But this year those rallies are not going to happen due to COVID-19 lockdowns.

One can recall that International Workers’ Day is observed on the first of May every year to remember the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago. The Haymarket affair riot was the aftermath of a bombing that took place at a labour demonstration on May 4, 1886, at Haymarket Square in Chicago.

“Eight-hour day with no cut in pay” was the popular slogan of the Chicago workers.

In 1904 the 6^th Conference of the Second International called on “all Social Democratic Party organisations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on the First of May for the legal establishment of the 8-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace.

Besides Pakistan, the first of May is a national, public holiday in many countries across the world, in most cases as “Labour Day”, “International Workers’ Day” or some similar name. It is interesting to note that some countries celebrate Labour Day on other dates significant to them, such as the United States and Canada celebrate their Labour Day on the first Monday of September.

Trade unions and labour-supporting organisations throughout Pakistan organise seminars, rallies and parades where union leaders deliver speeches emphasizing the history of Labour Day and its importance. In Karachi, for many years, the main function is held at Karachi Press Club where trade unions, workers' wings of political parties, journalists unions and other labour organisations gather and their leaders address the seminars or conferences.

A night before the May Day a lamp/candle rally was held every year in support of Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi’s workers from Karachi Press Club to Shaheen Complex.

Representatives of various trade unions, civil society, lawyers, teachers, human rights organizations and other workers have been joining the rally in solidarity with workers. The fight for union rights at the Karachi hotel began in September 2001, when management announced that due to a decline in bookings it would sack all casual and temporary workers and eliminate one day of paid work per week for permanent staff.

The management fired 350 workers without informing the union. The dismissal letters were published in a daily newspaper on November 8, and the workers were barred from entering the hotel when they reported for work the next day.

More than 40 permanent employees, including union officers, were then brutally sacked for defending the rights of the dismissed workers. In 2002, the management arranged for leaders of the union to be falsely accused of crimes. Three union leaders spent more than two months in prison on fabricated charges without a single piece of evidence ever being produced. Since then the issue is still unresolved. The Sindh labour department had attempted to solve the issue, but it remains unresolved due to the adamant attitude of the PC management.

This year’s May Day is unusual in the history of the labour movement as the workers are unable to observe as they are simultaneously hard-hit because of the prolonged lockdown since March 23 as most of the industries and businesses are completely or partially shut down and many companies have started laying off their employees due to closure of markets, transport and shipping services and shopping markets.

Although Sindh government has issued a notification barring the industries from laying off their workers and making payment of wages for the month of March, some industries have still not followed the government orders and removed services of many of their workers. Others owners have not paid even March’s salaries.

Now the issue of payment of wages for April and May months is still unresolved as industries have refused to pay further due to no work during April. Although the State Bank of Pakistan has offered a special package for the industries and businesses to get loans on very discounted rats from banks to pay salaries to their staff. This 4-5 percent markup loan is payable with softer terms.

Pakistan with an estimated labour force of 61 million was already facing economic hardships due to widening trade gap as its imports are double than export proceeds. This situation further worsened during the last two years as the the new government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has failed to improve the economy. It has massively devalued Pakistan currency and impose curbs on imported goods. This has improved the situation of trade deficit but local industries have suffered due to tight economic polices and tax regimes. The COVID_19 crisis has further aggravated the economy’s situation as the international financial institutions predict a negative growth in Gross Domestic Produce (GDP) during the next fiscal year. This year’s growth would be less than 2 percent.

Earth Day 2020: “Climate Action”

Every year on the 22^nd of April Earth Day is observed worldwide. In Pakistan also environmental protection organisations and agencies observe this day. The theme of this year’s day is Climate Action. Due to coronavirus lockdowns across the world, this day is being observed virtually in cyberspace.

Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.

At the end of 2020, nations will be expected to increase their national commitments to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. The time is now for citizens to call for greater global ambition to tackle our climate crisis. Unless every country in the world steps up – and steps up with urgency and ambition — we are consigning current and future generations to a dangerous future.

The world’s largest civic event is going digital for the first time in its history. The organisers will demand that leaders take science seriously, listen to their people and push for action at every level of society to stop the rising tide of climate change.

“We can make a better world for everyone. Tell everyone you know about April 22 and join us at earthday.org as we flood the world with messages of hope, optimism and, above all — action,” stated a message on the online website www.earthday.org/earth-day-live.

On April 22, 1970, over 20 million Americans (about 10% of the U.S. population at the time) took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet. The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement and is now recognized as the planet’s most significant civic event.

The first Earth Day in 1970 launched a wave of action, including the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States. The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were created in response to the first Earth Day in 1970, as well as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many countries soon adopted similar laws.

Earth Day continues to hold major international significance: In 2016, the United Nations chose Earth Day as the day when the historic Paris Agreement on climate change was signed into force.

On Earth Day 2020, we seize all the tools and actions that we have, big and small, to change our lives and change our world, not for one day, but forever.

While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it will not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward.

We may be apart, but through the power of digital media, we’re also more connected than ever.

On April 22, join for 24 hours of action in a global digital mobilization that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and the planet.

Over the 24 hours of Earth Day, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day will fill the digital landscape with global conversations, calls to action, performances, video teach-ins and more.

While Earth Day may be going digital, our goal remains the same: to mobilize the world to take the most meaningful actions to make a difference.

No matter where you are, you can make a difference. And you’re not alone, because together, we can save the Earth.

Visit www.earthday.org on April 22 as we build an Earth Day unlike any other — We’re flooding the digital landscape with live-streamed discussions, a global digital surge, and 24 hours of actions that you can take, right now and from wherever you are.

Earth Day 2020 will be far more than a day. It must be a historical moment when citizens of the world rise up in a united call for the creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery that we need to meet our climate crisis and seize the enormous opportunities of a zero-carbon future.

Lockdown Diary 4: Taraweeh & stubborn Mullahs

Today I was watching on TV where the President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi was addressing a press conference after a mammoth meeting with religious leaders from across the country and reading out 20- point agenda regarding offerings of Taraweeh during the ensuing Holy month of Ramazan. Thus the government has allowed such non-Faraz prayers during Ramazan, despite the fact Farz prayers are restricted these days.

The main crux of his speech after the meeting with religious clerics was the government would allow these religious congregations with certain conditionalities, which are, in fact, not fit in any case, to the SOPs to avoid social distances in large gatherings.

Source: dawn.com

It is a pity that religious elements in the country have been pressurizing and blackmailing the governments to impose their views and alter government decisions. We have been watching the full of violent stage theatres on TV screens every Friday when despite the strict ban the Friday congregations are held with crowds attending everywhere in the country and the government seems helpless. Even on the first Friday after the official lockdown, the unruly mobs of religious zealots attacked police parties in Liaqatabad Karachi that tried to prevent the holding of the congregation in order to implement the rule of law. On the second Friday the religious zealots attacked a lady police officer in Orangi town in Karachi. The religious leaders of some mosques are facing cases, even under anti-terrorism law on violations of government orders and attacks on Police personnel.

Last Friday, the media was full of pictures of a huge gathering at the famous Lal Masjid in Islamabad near Aabpara, where a large number of faithful attended Juma prayers without any resistance from the state’s law enforcement agencies. Even one can see in the pictures a guard was standing alert in plainclothes with a sophisticated Kalashnikov rifle in his hand, apparent for guarding the Friday prayers gathering in violation of the lockdown orders.

Today’s announcement by the head of the state was, in fact, a slap on the face of the government, which has always succumbed to pressures from religious parties.

At first religious pilgrims from Iran and Saudi Arabia caused the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan, then came Tablighis from Raiwand, who are still being diagnosed coronavirus positive across the country. Even yesterday in Ghotki town in upper Sindh over 90 Tablighis were found positive after the testing. Results for more tests are still awaited.

It is a matter of fact that Saudi Arabia, which is considered the leader of the Muslim world because all important religious pilgrimage places are located there, has announced its coronavirus policy regarding the holding of Taraweeh during the Holy month of Ramazan and asked the faithful to offer their prayers at homes. Yesterday, during a Zoom conference call a friend of mine from Saudi Arabia told us that there is strict implementation of lockdowns and in case of violation heavy fines are imposed. There is a 24-hour strict lockdown on holy places across Saudi Arabia, but in some other cities, there is relaxation during the daytime. His area was also included in the relaxed lockdown.

Here in Pakistan, our religious leaders are adamant to hold prayer gatherings at all costs. Religious gatherings have already proved to be prone to the spread of coronavirus and churches, temples and synagogues are closed down all over the world.

Our religious leaders are so “Hypocrites” that even one of the top Muftis was saying in a TV programme that there are different conditions in Saudi and Pakistan and “we are not obliged to follow Saudi traditions,” a blatant lie by a religious leader as people of his sect have been following the laws and rules given by Saudi Arabia in their preaching and even many of that school of thought have been receiving money from Saudi Arabia on many occasions. Their religious schools (Madressah) are regularly funded by Saudi Arabia.

There should be no “ifs and buts” for following the lockdown orders of the Pakistan government and Taraweeh should not be allowed at any cost. These special prayers during Ramzan are considered Nawafil (optional) prayers, which were, some experts say, not proved during the life of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

Click for listening to Dr. Javed Ghamidi on YouTube

According to the noted religious scholar Javed Ghamdi, the Holy Prophet was offering Tahajud prayers for longer durations during the nights of Ramzan. According to him, Tahajud was Farz on only Holy Prophet (PBUH) and He was offering it in his private place (Hujrah).

Only once in Ramazan the Holy Prophet (PBUH) offered Tahajud out of his Hujrah and offered it in Masjid-e-Nabvi. Some Sahaba (RA) requested the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that they be allowed to offer Tahajud with him. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had made it clear that it is not “Farz” for the rest of Muslims, but they can recite Holy Quran during the month of Ramazan. According to him, Witre in Isha prayers is in fact Tahajud (which is said to be Wajib). There are conflicts regarding the number of Rakaats in Taraweeh.

Another religious scholar of the Sunni sect Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza has said there are four names of Tahajud: Qayamul Lail, Tahjud, Witre and Taraweeh.

 

Despite the fact Taraweeh may be offered in Ramazan but there should be no excuse to compromise on human health to hold congregations of Taraweeh at any cost. The Mullahs should be told categorically.

Lockdown Diary: State Bank further cuts discount rate by 2% @9%

In a sudden and surprising move, the central bank announced today to further reduce the policy rate by 200 basis points (bps) to fix it in a single digit @ 9 per cent. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the State Bank of Pakistan in an emergency meeting on Thursday announced the cut in the policy rate, which is the third in a row during a period of less than a month.

Pakistan Central Bank has recorded a 4.25% reduction, which is the world’s highest rate cut in response to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), said Muzammil Islam, a senior economist in his Facebook post.

“This reduces forward-looking real interest rates (defined as the policy rate less expected inflation) to around zero, which is about the middle of the range across most emerging markets,” the Monetary Policy Statement issued by SBP Thursday stated.

The MPC was of the view that this action would cushion the impact of the Coronavirus shock on growth and employment, including by easing borrowing costs and the debt service burden of households and firms, while also maintaining financial stability. It would also help ensure that economic activity is better placed to recover when the pandemic subsides.

The MPC noted the worsening outlook for global and domestic economic activity in the wake of the Corona pandemic. Given the unfolding situation, the MPC noted that it “remains ready to take whatever further actions become necessary in response to the evolving economic impact of the Coronavirus,” the statement said.

The world economy is expected to enter into the sharpest downturn since the Great Depression, contracting by as much as 3 per cent in 2020, according to projections released this week by the IMF. This is a much deeper recession than the 0.07 per cent contraction during the global financial crisis in 2009. Moreover, there are severe risks of a worse outcome, the statement said.

Despite the fact it was a longstanding demand of the traders to reduce the interest rate, this cut would affect the savings, as the profits on bank saving and terms deposits would be slashed down in the same proportion.

The traders have welcomed today’s decision of SBP.

Last time, the central bank had announced a cut in the policy rate on March 17 after a long four-year’s period by slashing 75 bps to 12.50% citing a declining inflationary pressure and a need to sustain the economy that was hit by the coronavirus crisis. This reduction was termed a meagre by the businessmen who rejected it.

Due to mounting pressure, within one week later on March 24^th the SBP again reduced the rates by 150 basis points to 11 per cent stating that the COVID-19 pandemic had caused major disruptions to economic activity and the IMF had also significantly downgraded its global growth outlook for 2020 from 3.3% growth previously to below zero.

The banks were paying over 12.5 per cent per annual interest rate on one year or more fixed/term deposits before March 17, which was reduced to 10 per cent per annum when the policy rate was reduced to 11 per cent on 24th March.

Lockdown Diary: People ignore Sindh govt.’s warning

Today was the first day after the federal as well as provincial Sindh government had notified relaxation in the coronavirus lockdown in Karachi on Tuesday. After approval of the cabinet and National Coordination Committee, the Prime Minister announced to the extension of the lockdown in the entire country with relaxation to certain industries and trades including export-oriented and construction industries.

However, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at a press conference on Wednesday announced making the lockdown more stringent, as more cases of coronavirus are reported and deaths are increasing. One can witness that there was a hustle and bustle on the main roads and shopping centres in many areas of Karachi.

As a major thoroughfare of our area, Prof. Ghafoor Ahmed road in Gulistan-e-Jauhar was still sealed at Jauhar Chowrangi and then at Kamran Chowrangi, so we have to limit our shopping activities between these two landmarks in the area. However, access to the main University Road, a major exit point is still available from side lanes and from the main Block 2 road, so one can buy essential items like fruits, vegetables and groceries from the Mosamiyat area very easily.

Today the traffic on the main University Road was more than the previous days of the lockdown, however, a little less than the usual days. As the universities are closed down and other markets and restaurants are still shut the usual hustle was also missing on the main thoroughfares. The shops like hair-cut salons and bakeries have started opening up.

Very startling news was published in today’s daily The News International with the headline “Why are Karachi’s hospitals getting more DOAs, near-death patients?” has created a panic-like situation on social media as the story states that during the last few weeks over 300 patients who were already dead or extremely sick and died on arrival (DOA). The specialists suspected that these were “most probably COVID pneumonia” cases.

“The examination of the X-ray of the deceased woman revealed that there was a large patch on her lungs, which indicated that she was suffering from some kind of lower respiratory tract illness,” revealed the doctor on emergency duty, the story stated.

The story by senior journalist M. Waqar Bhatti has given the impression that such a large number of deaths of DOAs are indicating that the virus is causing “unreported” deaths, thus the number of deceased is more than the reported cases by the government. The Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Cente (JPMC) Seemi Jamail, however, denied the report.

This fact was also indicated by the Chief Minister in his press conference in the afternoon. According to him known deaths, where the patient tests positive and they die, are so far 41 in Sindh. “There are some deaths we feel are due to Covid-19 but they have not been confirmed,” he stated.

Syed Murad Ali Shah said that he had tried to convince the federal government yesterday not to open certain businesses like barbershops, engineering industries and workshops. He announced that barber shops would remain closed in Sindh and certain industries are being allowed to operate with certain conditions. They have to follow strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and with prior permission from the Sindh government.

The Chief Minister made it clear that citizens should refrain from thinking that the lockdown for the next two weeks had been eased. “It is a stricter lockdown. There are just a few exceptions.”

The Sindh government has taken serious measures since the start of lockdown in the province on 23^rd March butthere is a lot of resistance from various sections of the society especially the business community as well religious leaders.

Lockdown Dairy: Is it really extended till 30th April?

Lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the entire country has been extended till April 30 and the federal cabinet approved this decision on 14^th April followed by a formal nod by the National Coordination Committee, which is a reprehensive body consisting of the federal government, all provinces and armed forces.

The current period of nationwide lockdown has expired on the 14^th.  Prime Minister Imran Khan along with his cabinet members addressed a press conference in the evening in which he said certain sectors are being opened, however, the lockdown is to continue till 30^th, especially where there are chances of gatherings.

India has also hinted at the extent of its 21-day lockdown till May 3 as the case of cornavirushttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52277096 has increased there.

Although this was a demand from the Sindh provincial government to extend the ongoing lockdown due to an increase in the cases of coronavirus in the province, the provincial government was being severely criticized by the ruling PIT and other coalition partners due to economic losses to the businessmen. Two federal ministers from PTI Ali Zaidi and Faisal Vawda spoke bluntly in the media previous days against the Sindh government.

Today two major press conferences were held in Karachi. The traders’ representatives held a press conference early this morning announcing to open up their businesses by tomorrow at all costs (by violating the government orders). However, they put off their decision for two days after the federal government’s announcement in the evening.

Another important press conference was also held at Karachi Press Club in which the so-called Ulema of all sects including Mufti Taqi Usmani, Mufti Muneebur Rehman, Shah Owais Noorani (JUP), Mohammad Hussain Mehnati (JI) and others in which they announced to end lockdowns in the mosques and start 5-time prayers from 15^th April.

Moreover, they also announced that Tarawih prayers and Itikaf will continue as per schedule during the forthcoming Holy month of Ramzan. They called on people coming to mosques to practice social distancing, come with Wuzu from homes and wear masks. Mufti Munib urged the government to not arrest people from within mosques. All those who have been arrested should be released, he said.

President Dr Arif Alvi has convened a high-level meeting of religious leaders of all sects on April 18 to discuss restrictions on religious gatherings during the lockdown. It is a matter of fact that Saudi Arabia has announced to suspension of Taraweeh during Ramzan because of the coronavirus.

The Pakistani religious leaders have been violating the government’s lockdown orders and many cases of violence and attack on police have been reported during the last two Fridays in which not only Juma congregations were held in Karachi in many parts but people resorted to violence against the law enforcement agencies in some areas. The government seems to be helpless against the religious zealots who are bent to violate the lockdown orders and instigate the general public to take laws into their hands.

Despite the persistent pressure from traders and the federal government of PTI, the Sindh government has still sustained all types of pressures and remained steadfast in its decisions to implement the lockdown. Last week, the provincial government announced to seal of 11 union councils in District East of Karachi due to more reported cases of coronavirus in those areas. This decision was not only criticised by residents of those areas, but the Supreme Court of Pakistan during its hearing of the suo moto case on the government’s measures to control coronavirus also questioned the purpose of such sealing of the residential areas.

The provincial government seems to be reluctant to succumb to any pressure from anywhere, but there is apparent ineffectiveness of the lockdown in many parts of Sindh as reports of people roaming around are coming from everywhere, especially in rural areas. A huge rush at the centres to receive Prime Minister’s coronavirus support fund is reported from many areas of interior Sindh.

In Karachi also the situation in congested areas, Katchi Abadis and Lyari is not satisfactory as people are not observing the lockdown orders and roaming around. Many people have been arrested in violation of orders and violence of police on citizens is reported on social media.

Currently all public transport is closed down, but the private cars, rickshaws and Chingchis (rickshaws carrying 8 passengers) are plying on the city’s many arrears.

Ration distribution and payment of Rs 12,000 under the PM programme have not reached all people as still a large number of people can be seen sitting at the roadsides in many areas or begging near the fruit and grocery markets.

Inefficiency, corruption and lack of essential equipment are the main reasons of non-observance of the lockdown orders in Sindh.

احفاظ الرحمان: ایک دانشورصحافی اور صحافی حقوق کے رہنما

میں ایک صاحب کردار آدمی ہوں

اور ایک صاحب کردار آدمی کی حیثیت سے

یہ چاہتا ہوں کہ جب مروں تو

میرا چہرہ سورج کی طرف ہو : احفاظ الرحمان

کینسر جیسے موذی مرض سے جنگ لڑتے ہوئے سینئر صحافی اور پاکستان فیڈرل یونین آف جرنلسٹس کے مرکزی لیڈر احفاظ الرحمان آج (12 اپريل 2020) اتوار کو دن طلوع ہونے سے پہلے اس دنیا سے کوچ کرگئے۔ وہ نا صرف ایک اچھے لکھاری تھے مگر ایک اعلی پیمانے کے شاعربھی تھے۔ ان کے گلے کے کینسر کا آپریشن ہوا تھا اورانہوں نے باقائدہ علاج سے بیماری کو شکست بھی دے دی تھی، مگراس دوران وہ کافی کمزور ہوگئے تھے جس کی وجہ سے ان کو کئی مرتبہ ہسپتال میں داخل ہونا پڑا تھا۔ اس لاک ڈائوں کے دنوں میں بھی وہ ہسپتال میں داخل ہوگئے تھے۔ صبح صبح ان کی شریک حیات مہناز رحمان کی فیس بوک پوسٹ دیکھے جس میں انہوں نے یہ افسوسناک خبر دی اور اوپر دیا گیا شعر بھی شامل کیا تھا، جس کا ایک ٹکڑہ میں نے شیئر کیا ہے۔

جب میں نے 1991 سے انگریزی صحافت میں قدم رکھا تو احفاظ صاحب کو نہیں جانتا تھا، مگر جب بھی کراچی پریس کلب میں جانا ہوتا تھا تو اکثر ان کے اشعاراورنظمیں کلب کے نوٹس بورڈ پر آویزاں دیکھتا تھا اور پڑہتا رہتا تھا۔ دوستوں نے بتایا کہ وہ جنگ اخبار میں کام کرتے ہیں۔

پھر شین – فرخ کے ساتھ مل کر انٹر پریس کمیونیکیشن (آئی پی سی) میں حصہ لینا شروع کیا تو ان کے گلشن اقبال والی صحافی کالونی کے گھر پر مہناز رحمان سے ملاقاتیں ہوئیں، اس طرح احفاظ صاحب سے بھی تعارف ہوا۔ مگر ان سے قربت تب ہوئی جب میں نے کے یو جے اور کراچی پریس کلب کی سیاست میں حصہ لینا شروع کیا۔ وہ ہمارے رہمنا تھے اوراکثر اوقات الیکشن کے دوران ہدایات دیتے تھے۔ بہت ساری میٹنگز میں میں نے ان کو کئی سینئر رہنمائوں کو ڈانٹے ہوئے بھی دیکھا تھا، اوراکثر اراکین ان سے بہت ڈرتے بھی تھے۔ مگر پریس کلب میں جو دوشخصیات مجھے بہت محبت سے ملتے تھے ان میں احفاظ صاحب اور مرحوم محمود علی اسد تھے۔

احفاظ صاحب کی ٹریڈ یونین کے لیے طویل جدوجہد ہے جس کی داستان بھی اتنی ہی طویل ہے۔ انہوں نے جنرل ضیا کی مارشل لا کے دوران آزادیء صحافت کے لیے پی ایف یو جے کی جدوجہد میں نمایاں کردار ادا کیا اور جیل بھی گئے اور ان کو بلیک لسٹ کردیا گیا جس کی وجہ سے کافی عرصے تک بے روزگاربھی رہے۔

بے نظیر بھٹو کے پہلے دور میں ان کو چائنا میں کام کرنے کا موقع ملا جہاں سے ان کی شریک حیات مہناز رحمان باقائدگی سے اخبارجہاں میں چائنا کی صورتحال پر کالم بھی لکھتی رہی ہیں۔

احفاظ صاحب ایک بڑے صحافی بھی تھے۔ پروفیشنل معاملات میں بھی میں نے سنا ہے کہ بہت سخت تھے، کام میں کوئی کوتاہی برداشت نہیں کرتے تھے۔ جنگ کے بعد جب ایکسپریس اخبار نکلا تو وہ اس کے ادارتی عملے میں شامل ہوگئے۔ ان کے کالم بھی ایکسپریس میں چھپتے تھے۔

جب ملٹری ڈکٹیٹر جنرل پرویز مشرف نے 2007 میں ملک میں ایمرجنسی لگا کر ٹی وی چینلز پر بھی پابندیاں لگائیں توانہوں نے کراچی میں صحافیوں کے احتجاج کی سربراہی کی اور کراچی پریس کلب کے سامنے پولیس کے ڈنڈے بھی کھائے اور گرفتار بھی ہوئے۔ بعد میں جب صحافیوں کو چھوڑا جارہا تھا تو انہوں نے لاک اپ سے نکلے سے انکار کردیا اور پولیس والوں سے کہا کہ جب تک آخری صحافی کو چھوڑا نہیں جاتا وہ لاک اپ سے باہر نہیں آئیں گے۔

وہ کئی کتابوں کے مصنف بھی تھے جس میں ان کی شاعری کے مجموعے بھی شامل تھے۔

مجھے احساس ہے کہ ایک فیملی کے سربراہ کے طور پر یہ ان کی فیملی کے لیے بہت بڑا نقصان ہے اور میں ہماری سول سوسائٹی کی ایک اہم ساتھی محترمہ مہناز رحمان سے اس موقع پر دلی افسوس اور تعزیت کا اظہار کرتا ہوں اوران کے درجات بلند ہونے کی دعا کرتاہوں۔ یقیناً یہ ایک بہت بڑا صحافتی نقصان بھی ہے اور اس خال کو پر کرنے میں کئی سال لگ سکتے ہیں۔

Dishonoring vulnerable

An unfortunate incident happened in village Thorhi Bijar in Drigh police station in Kamber-Shahdadkot district Tuesday (March 24) where three accused belonging to an influential landlord’s family entered into the house of a poor man Manzoor Tunio and tortured his wife Kamalaan while putting black and blue colour.

The accused also set their thatched house on fire too while injuring both husband and wife. The accused were identified as Sartaj and Sadam sons of Ranjhan Tunio and Mujahid sons of Fazal Mohammad, KTN News reporter Qadir Lashari reported on his FaceBook page.

According to people the local police and SHO of the area are supporting the criminals. Reports said the incident happened after a dispute between the son of the victim woman on a petty matter. The woman said she is not aware of the whereabouts of her son, who she apprehends might have been kidnapped by the accused. The woman is mentally shocked and under medical treatment.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of the district, Imran Qureshi reached the village and ensured the victim's provision of justice.

So far no action has been taken against the accused and police have also not registered a case against anyone.

Meanwhile, local people said that the SHO of the area Abdus Salam Chandio is supporting the accused. The SHO is said to be in the area for the last four years and local landlords and influential persons are supporting the SHO and in the reciprocating act, he always supports criminals.

Latest: DIG of Larkana ranger Irfan Ali Baloch in a FaceBook post on his page stated: “The woman named Kamala Tunio appeared at PS Drigh district Qambar n complained about maltreatment n beating by her rivals. Police have arrested the main accused Fazal Tunio. Fir is being lodged n raids r being conducted for the arrest of the rest of the accused.”

کرونا اورکرانچی والے

کراچی کے لوگ صدیوں سے انسان دوست ہیں۔ پاکستان بننے سے پہلے ہندو اور پارسیوں نے جو انسانیت کی بھلائی کے کام کیے تھے ان کے آثارآج بھی شہر کے کئی علاقوں میں موجود ہیں۔ کراچی کی آبادی میں 1947 کے بعد بے پناہ اضافہ ہوا، مگر شاید یہ اس شہرکی مٹی میں شامل ہے کہ یہاں آنے والے نئے باسیوں (شخصیات اور اداروں) نے اسی طرح آگے بڑھ کر بےشمار بھلائی کے کام کیے ہیں، جن میں اکثر کا دائرہ تو پورے ملک تک پھیلا ہوا ہے۔

وہ عبدالستارایدھی ہو، ظفرعباس یا رمضان چھیپا ہویا سیلانی ویلفیئر ہو، جے ڈی سی ہو یا عالمگیر ویلفیئر ٹرسٹ، یا پھر انڈس ہاسپیٹل یا سٹیزنز فائونڈیشن ہو، افراد و اداروں نے ہر مصیبت کی گھڑی میں کراچی کے باسیوں کی دل کھول کر امداد کی ہے۔ ملک میں اگر کوئی مصیبت آئی یہی شخصیات اورتنظیمیں ہیں جنہوں نے بڑھ چڑھ کر حصہ لیا ہے۔

خواہ 2005 کا کشمیروکے پی کے کا اندوہناک زلزلہ ہو، 2010 کا سپر سیلاب ہو، 7-2005 کا کراچی میں ہیٹ ویو ہو، کراچی کے مخیر انسانوں اور اداروں نے وقت کی حکومت سے زیادہ امداد کی ہے۔ یہ سب میرا ذاتی مشاہدہ ہے۔

پاکستان سینٹر آف فلنتھراپی کی 2015 – 2014 میں کی گئی ایک تحقیق کے مطابق سندھ کے لوگ نا صرف روپوں میں امداد کرتے ہیں ، بلکہ صوبے کے کئی مخیرافراد اپنا وقت فلاحی کاموں میں زیادہ دیتے ہیں اوروقت دینے کی یہ شرح تمام صوبوں کے مقابلے میں سندھ میں سب سے زیادہ ہے، جو کہ 48 فیصد بنتی ہے۔ البتہ روپوں میں دی گئی امداد کے تناسب میں سندھ دوسرے نمبر پر رہا، مگر یہ رقم بھی آبادی کے لحاظ سے کافی زیادہ ہے ۔

آج بھی جب پورا ملک کرونا وائرس کی وبا سے خوفزدہ ہے اور 19 مارچ تک اس وائرس میں مبتلا افرد کی تعداد 453 تک جا پہنچی ہے، سب سے زیادہ متاثر افراد میں سندھ کی افرادکی تعداد سب سے زیادہ ہے، جن میں سے اکثریت ان افراد کی ہے جو ایران زیارتوں کے لیے گئے ہوئے تھے اور واپسی میں ان کو بارڈر پر روک لیا گیا تھا۔ ایران سے آئے زائرن کو پہلے 14 دن تک تفتان بارڈر پر حکومت پاکستان کی طرف سے قائم کردہ قرنطینہ میں رکھا گیا تھا، اور اکثر متاثرین وہاں رہتے ہوئے ناقص انتظامات کی وجہ سے وائرس کا شکار ہوچکے ہیں۔جب ان افراد کا سکھر پہنچنے پر دوبارہ ٹیسٹ کیا گیا تو اکثریت کا ٹیسٹ پازیٹو نکلا۔

اس مایوس کن صورتحال میں کراچی آج بھی امداد میں آگے ہے۔ جے ڈی سی کے سربراہ ظفرعباس اج بھی سکھرشہرمیں موجود ہیں، جہاں ایران زائرین کی سب سے بڑی تعداد قرنطینہ ہسپتال میں داخل ہیں، جو کہ نئی تعمیر شدہ لیبر کالونی میں قائم کی گئی ہے۔ یہ دنیا کا سب سے بڑا تنہائی وارڈز والا سینٹر قرار دیا گیا ہے۔ ان کے علاوہ دیگر سماجی تنظیمیں بھی امدادی سامان لے کر پہنچی ہوئی ہیں۔

ادھر کراچی میں بھی کئی افراد کرونا وائرس کی وجہ سے شہرمیں قائم سرکاری و نجی ہسپتال میں زیرعلاج ہیں۔ یہ افراد ایران کے علاوہ سعودی عرب، عرب امارات، برطانیہ اور دیگر ممالک سے آئے تھے۔ کچھ افراد ایسے بھی ہیں جی کی کوئی ٹرویل ہسٹری نہیں ہے۔ سندھ حکومت نے 3 ارب روپے کی سیڈ منی پر مشتمل ایک امدادی فنڈ قائم کرلیا ہے اورمخیرافراد سے اس فنڈ میں حصہ ڈالنے کی اپیل بھی کی گئی ہے۔ شہر کی کئی مخیر شخصیات کو اس فنڈ کی شفافیت کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے شامل کیا گیا ہے۔

بہت سی کراچی کی تنظیموں نے اس وبا سے نمٹنے کے لیے کئی عملی اقدامات کا اعلان کیاہے۔ شہر میں لاک ڈائون کی صورتحال کے پیش نظردہاڑی پر کام کرنے والے مزدور سب سے زیادہ شدید مالی مشکلات کا شکار ہیں۔ انٹرسٹی ٹرانسپورٹ بند ہے، جس وجہ سے دیگر شہروں سے آمدرفت مشکل ہے، بڑے شاپنگ مالزاور مارکیٹس کو بند کرنے کا حکم دیا جاچکا ہے۔ کھانےپینے کے ہوٹل اور شادی ہال بند کردیے گئے ہیں، جہاں ہزاروں نوجوان دہاڑی پر کام کرتے ہیں۔ شہرمیں چلنے والی دو پرائیویٹ ایپ بیسڈ ٹرانسپورٹ کمپنیزںے شہر میں اپنا آپریشن ملتوی کردیا ہے۔ اس علاوہ فیکٹریوں اور دکانوں میں کام کرنے والے لاکھوں مزدورخواتین و حضرات کا روزگار شدید متاثر ہواہے، اور ان کے خاندان فاقہ کشی کا سامنا کرہے ہیں۔ اس صورتحال میں صوبائی حکومت نے متاثر خاندانوں میں ایک مہینے کا راشن تقسیم کرنے کا اعلان تو کیا ہے، مگرصوبائِی حکومت کی خراب حکمرانی کی صورتحال میں یہ امداد متاثرین تک کیسے پہنچے گی ، یہ سب زیادہ تشویش ناک ہے۔ ایسے میں کئی سماجی تنظیموں نے جن میں اخوت بھی شامل ہے نے روزانہ اجرت پر کام کرنے والے مزدوروں کی امداد کا اعلان کیا ہے، جو کہ حوصلہ افزا ہے۔

سندھ میں سکھرکے علاوہ حیدرآباد و دیگر شہروں میں بھی وائرس کے متاثرین سامنے آرہے ہیں اور امید ہے کہ یہ امدادی ادارے ان کے مسائل کے حل میں بھی موثر کردار ادا کریں گے۔

ليبر ڪالونيون يا ايمرجنسي ڪيمپون؟

سنڌ حڪومت وڏي فخر سان اعلان ڪيو آهي، ته هن چين ۾ 10 ڏينهن اندر قائم ٿيل ڪرونا ڪيمپ کان به تمام ٿوري وقت ۾ دنيا جي سڀ کان وڏي ڪرونا جي وبا جي علاج ۽ تصديق ٿيل مريضن کي ڌار رکڻ لاءِ 2048 بسترن تي ٻڌل هڪ اسپتال سکر ۾ قائم ڪري ورتي آهي

ايران کان آيل سنڌ سان تعلق رکندڙزيارت لاءِ ويل پانڌيئڙن کي شروع ۾ وفاقي سرڪار طرفان بلوچستان جي تفتان بارڊر وٽ قائم شده ڪرونا جي قرطينيا ڪيمپ ۾ رکيو ويو هئو، جن کي 14 ڏينهن گذرڻ بعد سنڌ ۾ موڪليو ويو هئو. پر سکر ۾ انهن جي ٻيهر ٽيسٽ ڪئي وئي جنهن مان انهن جي هڪ وڏي انگ کي ڪرونا وائرس جي بيماري ظاهر ٿي. سنڌ حڪومت موجب ايران کان آيلن سميت ڪل 88 ڪرونا کان متاثر ماڻهو ظاهر ٿيا آهن. انهن مان اڪثريت کي سکر جي ان اسپتال ۾ رکيو ويو آهي. جڏهن ته ڪجھ اهڙا مريض ڪراچي جي مختلف سرڪاري اسپتالن ۾ قائم اڪيلائي وارڊن ۾ داخل ڪيا ويا آهن

سکر جي ان اڪيلائي وارن وارڊن تي ٻڌل اسپتال بابت تفصيل پڙهڻ کان پوءِ معلوم ٿيو ته اها ايمرجنسي اسپتال ويجھڙ ۾ مڪمل ٿيل 1000 فليٽن تي ٻڌل ليبرڪالوني ۾ قائم ڪئي وئي آهي، جنهن ۾ موجود فليٽ مزدورن کي اڃا تائين الاٽ نه ٿي سگھيا آهن

اهڙي اسپتال قائم ڪرڻ تي بظاهرهڪ تمام سٺو قدم آهي، پر ايترن بسترن ۽ وينٽيليٽرن کي هلائڻ ۽ سنڀالن لاءِ تمام گھڻي تعداد ۾ عملو ۽ ڊاڪٽرکپندا، جيڪي ڪٿان ايندا؟ اهوهڪ اهم سوال آهي جنهن جي جواب جي اڃا خبر ڪانهي

سنڌ ۾ مختلف علائقن ۾ قائم ليبر ڪالونيون ڪيتري عرصي کان مڪمل ٿيل آهي، مگر ڪن اڻ ڄاڻايل سببن جي ڪري مزدورن جي حوالي نه ٿي سگھيون آهن. اهي ڪالونيون ماضي ۾ پڻ امدادي ڪيمپن طور استعمال ٿينديون رهن ٿيون. صوبائي ليبر اينڊ هيومين ريسورسز کاتو ورڪرز ويلفيئر فنڊ مان اهي ليبر ڪالوني جوڙائيندو آهي، جيڪي کاتي سان رجسٽر ٿيل مزدورن ۾ قرعي اندازي وسيلي ڏنيون وينديون آهن. سرڪار ليبر ڪالونين ۾ گھر ڏيڻ لاءِ اخبارن ۾ اشتهار ڏيندي آهي

سن 2010 جي مها ٻوڏ دوران اتر سنڌ جي ڪيترن ئي ضلعن مان ٻوڏ متاثر سنڌ جي وڏن شهرن جهڙوڪ ڪراچي ۽ حيدرآباد ۾ آندا ويا هئا ۽ کين صوبائي سرڪار طرفان سرڪاري زمينن تي قائم ڪيمپن ۾ رهايو ويو هئو. ڪراچي ۾ به ٻوڏ متاثرين جو هڪ وڏو انگ آيو هئو، جن کي شهر جي مختلف علائقن ۾ قائم سرڪاري ڪيمپن ۾ ترسايو ويو. ڪجھ ٻوڏ متاثر سپر هاءِ وي ڀرسان ءِ ڪجھ ٻين علائقن ۾ قائم پرائيويٽ ڪمپن ۾ پڻ ترسيا هئا جتي ڪجھ خيراتي ادارن سندن امداد ڪئي هئي

ٻوڏ متاثرين جو هڪ وڏو انگ (تقريبا 10،000) گڏاپ ٽائون ۾ قائم هڪ سرڪاري ليبرڪالوني ۾ پڻ ترسايو ويوهئو. گلشن معمار ڀرسان قائم ان ليبر اسڪائر ۾ 1000 کن فليٽ آهن. توڙي جو اها ڪالوني ان وقت به مڪمل هئي پر ان ۾ موجود فليٽ ڪنهن به مزدور کي اڃا الاٽ ڪونه ڪيا ويا هئا

اهي ٻوڏ متاثر ڊسمبر 2016 تائين ان ڪيمپ ۾ رهيا پر پوءِ کين زوري اتان اٿاريو ويو، چاڪاڻ ته ليبر ڊپارٽمينٽ وارن کي خوف ورائي ويوهئو ته اهي ٻوڏ متاثر انهن فليٽن تي مستقل قبضو نه ڪري ويهن

پر ايتروعرصو گذرڻ جي باوجود ليبر ڪالوني گڏاپ جا اهي فليٽ اڃا تائين خالي پيا آهن. شايد ڪنهن ٻي آفت جي انتظار ۾ آهن

Aurat Azadi March 2020

“I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”

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The world is observing International Women’s Day on March 8 to recognize the importance of gender equality in every sphere of life.

This year (2020) is important as the United Nations is also observing the silver jubilee of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action held in China in 1995. This year’s theme of International Women’s Day is: “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”.

Pakistan had actively taken part in the Beijing Women’s Conference and then Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had taken part in this important conference.

In her address at the Beijing conference on September 4, 1995, Benazir Bhutto clearly emphasized the importance of women, especially in a Muslim society.

“Freedom of choice alone does not guarantee justice. Equal rights are not defined only by political values. Social justice is a triad of freedom, equality, of liberty: Justice is political liberty. Justice is economic independence. Justice is social equality,” she stated in Beijing.

Aurat Azadi March

“Mera Jism Meri Marzi” was one of the prominent slogans in the Aurat Azadi March (Women Freedom March) last year when women observed International Women’s Day in major cities of the country by taking out marches in major cities. Although there were many other slogans for women’s rights which were also termed objectionable, the slogan “Mera Jism Meri Marzi” received a severe lashing. It also raised the eyebrows of many in Pakistan as religious leaders and right-wing political party leaders objected to such slogans. They, not only criticised the women organisers of the March in TV programmes, but they hurled threats at many in public places.

Many such influential males with the narrow-mindedness of patriarch, misogyny and toxic masculinity severely criticized the women leaders in their seminars and social media posts, some others termed the march an “NGOs’ Agenda”. Some more zealots went to the courts to stop Aurat March. The Lahore High Court, however, dismissed such a petition. The federal and provincial governments have clearly allowed the march.

In Sindh, the Women Action Forum and many other women’s and human rights organisations have announced to hold of Aurat Marches in Sukkur and Karachi. The Sukkur March has received severe censure. The extreme-right wing religious-cum-political party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) is on top of the political parties opposing the women's march in Sukkur. Jamat-e-Islami and Jamiat Ulema Pakistan (Noorani group) have also supported the JUI stance. But JUI central leader Maulana Rashid Mehmood Soomro hurled threats in a public rally and asked its workers to stop the Sukkur rally. These threats received severe criticism on social media from rights activists and human rights organisations. Later, Soomro telephoned one of the organisers of the Sukkur March Dr. Arfana Mallah and assured them that his party would not oppose the activity.

However on the next day, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman addressed a rally in Karachi, apparently against price-hike, but in that rally, he severely criticized the Aurat March and later a twit was posted on his official account stating that his party “would not allow any act against Quran, Sunnah and traditions in the name of human rights.”

Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) has openly supported the Aurat March and its central leadership has asked the provincial government to ensure the security of the marches in Karachi and Sukkur.

The Sindh PTI’s President Haleem Adil Shaikh, however, has opposed the Aurat Azadi March and demanded the government stop it. In a Facebook post, he termed it “an attempt to distort the image of Pakistani women.” His statement was also criticised on social media.

Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari has supported the Women’s March and condemned any attempt to stop the activities.

The Aurat Azadi March further came into the limelight when in a live TV show on March 3 on a not-so-popular Neo TV channel the famous playwright Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar used abusive language against the woman activist and writer Marvi Sarmad. The playwright objected to the slogan “Mera Jism Meri Merzi”, but he used very objectionable language to banish the woman rights activist.

This onslaught against women was severely criticised on both electronic and social media. On the next day, some other TV channels again invited Qamar, but he refused to apologise for his yesterday’s words. The women rights activists are demanding a complete ban on his appearance in TV programmes and on his dramas.

Although women rights activists are ready to proceed to hold Aurat March in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Sukkur, there are apprehensions that the march may be disturbed by the right-wing political parties and groups who are openly opposing the event.