- how restoration work at the World Heritage sites of Mohra Moradu and Sirkap in Taxila has triggered serious alarm about the stewardship of Pakistan’s archaeological legacy as these sites, layered with centuries of history, now risk being flagged by Unesco as endangered - not because of natural decay but due to ill-judged human intervention. The reported use of cement in repairs points to a deeper malaise: a troubling lack of expertise, oversight and commitment within the institutions concerned.
- how the dream of ordinary Pakistanis to own a small home is being destroyed by the unchecked growth of illegal housing societies across Pakistan. These developers sell files worth billions through flashy marketing and false promises and thousands of middle class families invest their life savings, only to discover that the society has disputed land, fake approvals and no valid NOC. People wonder where the authorities are when these projects are launched but suddenly wake up after billions are looted?
- the viral videos of police personnel storming the shanty shelters of the impoverished Maachhi community, dragging innocent women and young girls, tearing at their clothes and huddling them into police vans. The operation was conducted in compliance with a lower court’s order to vacate 10,000 square feet of land inhabited for decades by the poor community. People ask even if eviction was required, was such blind force necessary and would the same swiftness have been displayed if the occupants had been politically connected elite?
- the recent inauguration of the Malir Expressway and how it has come at the cost of destruction of the natural environment. Malir has long been known for its greenery, fertile lands and rich farming culture and it is heading towards environmental and social ruin as a road beneath and across the Malir River has interfered with natural water channels, damaging dams, drying up wells and turning the once lush farmland barren. For local farmers, this is not progress; this is devastation.
- how the lack of economic reform and the continuation of the status quo, marked by unchecked corruption; rapid population growth; excessive perks and privileges for a bloated cabinet and state apparatus and an unequal tax burden poses a serious challenge that impacts the development and prosperity of the country. People say the unwillingness to tax the powerful while burdening the already taxed segments of society must be addressed urgently so the less powerful do not suffer more than they already do.
- the video on social media a few days ago featuring two teams of doctors engaged in a race about which one would first complete the Caesarean section (CS) operation at a hospital. People say the tragic part is that the whole procedure was filmed rather proudly and wonder what might have happened to the patient had there been some complication owing to the race against time activity and the incident has surely exposed the health system once again. — I.H.
