No doubt solid waste management is an uphill task owing
to rampant population explosion across the world but sense of responsibility
reaps positive outcomes and long term benefits. Pakistan alone generates about
82,000 tons of waste on daily basis. Due to lack of resources and will, with
the exception of few, most of the areas depict abysmal status when it comes to
waste management as huge heaps of waste alongside the unpaved roads, railway
tracks, canals, empty plots could be witnessed easily. This terrible situation
gives rise to various environmental, social, aesthetic and social issues.
The festive event of Eid-ul-Adha is drawing near and
Muslims will sacrifice their animals in the way of Almighty to get blessings.
Similarly, it’s our foremost duty to not let half of our faith become affected
through inadequate cleanliness practices because our country is already
entangled in the trap of deadly coronavirus and striving hard to get out of
this menace. Moreover, our drainage system is not up to the mark to tackle
monsoon rains and no one has even bothered or paid heed to strengthen this
system. The appalling situation of Karachi is in front of us. Provincial
government over there was already in the limelight for not providing sufficient
services to collect solid waste. However, It’s next to impossible lifting of 10
years of unintended waste—a gargantuan task for concerned authorities owing to
insufficient manpower and resources. Now, heavy rains and Karachi’s deficient
drainage system is enough to put the incumbent provincial government in hot
waters once again. At this juncture, let’s imagine when waste of sacrificial
animals becomes a part of this floating water in the streets! It would not only
disastrous for environment but definitely put public health in jeopardy. That
is undoubtedly alarming!!
When it comes to existing situation, the
question that arises here: who is to be blamed for this imbroglio-government or
the public? To be honest, no one is blame-free for this pell-mell situation. It
is not sensible to merely blame the government; there are other culprits for
this prevailing menace. One is public. Moreover, government and concerned authorities always
react haphazardly without taking in to account the real root-cause of the
problem and seem to squander massive resources for nothing. Apart from obsolete
legislation, lack of trained personnel, futile infrastructure and financial
constraints, one of the major reasons of this conundrum is lack of awareness
amongst the largest segment of the society.
To cope with this unprecedented danger, all of us have to
play a role along with authorities. We should not forget that ‘Cleanliness is
half of faith’.
If we could spend a huge amount of money on sacrificial
animals, why do we throw the remainings/ sacrificial waste unintended in the
streets and avoid using appropriate waste bags, which only cost peanuts. Remember,
waste of sacrificial animals on the road side emanates unprecedented impacts on
our health, our environment and surroundings. This lack of sense of
responsibility might have some serious implications for the health of others. No
one would like to become a threat for others due to minor negligence. Therefore,
we have to change this mindset in order to keep cities clean for healthy
environment and surroundings. At this juncture, it’s pertinent to mention here
that concerned authorities are in full swing to manage sacrificial waste but
it’s our responsibility to help them out and keep our surroundings clean.It would be a great contribution and this is
the way to become an Ambassador of Clean & Green Pakistan. This would
surely help government achieve milestone of cleanliness before the set target.
In a similar vein, Masjid is a perfect place to sensitize masses to harness
fruitful results during festive events like Eids. Concerned authorities should
pay heed to this component to turn the tide to its favor.
Let’s raise this slogan on this blessed event “My waste, my responsibility”.
On Eid-ul-Adha, wishing that our sacrifices are
appreciated and our prayers are answered by the Almighty.
The Covid-19 epidemic
took the world off guard and Pakistan was no exception. The death rate from the
virus varied from country to country and was initially linked to climate, age
of patients, etc. However, at later stages, many myths about the virus changed
and made the coronavirus disease even more unpredictable. The main concern from
the very beginning was to flatten the curve i.e. to slow down the spread so
that existing health facilities could handle the influx of patients. One option
worked in some countries while another in other countries. A massive lockdown
worked well in China mainly due to its authoritarian regime and a higher level
of compliance to instructions by the public. In Europe, the curve was
controllable but it caused heavy losses. Many countries did not fit the best
practices such as the USA, Brazil and Pakistan. These countries have large
populations and quite non-authoritarian government regimes when it comes to the
masses. Though the literacy rates differ in these countries, it has been
observed that people generally resent lockdowns and do not obey strict public
health rules. The attitude has posed a greater threat to Pakistan which is not
as resourceful as other nations.
Pakistan’s health system
has not been in a good condition for decades. The huge population growth has
placed an immense burden on resources. Private health services providers have
mushroomed everywhere. The common man gets some kind of (mis)treatment even
from mediocre doctors. As Covid-19 has expanded, every country has needed to
re-think its health policy. Even then, few Pakistanis can be convinced to wash
their hands or use water safely.
It was in September 1978 when the world had a chance to make
things better for the developing countries. In Alma-Ata (a city in Kazakhstan,
now known as Almaty), the WHO Annual Conference concluded with a declaration
commonly known as the “Alma-Ata Declaration”. This was the result of at least 6
to 7 decades of work done by legendary public health practitioners like Jim
Grant, John Gordon and Carl Taylor.
The declaration was simple and powerful and was very
well-received by developing countries, including Pakistan. It promised ‘health
for all’ mainly through a holistic approach of primary healthcare development
and public information. However, later the idea was dismissed and specialized
healthcare and medication took the front seats. This approach failed to provide
health as it was focused only on treating illnesses. Dr Margaret Chan, Director
General of the World Health Organization wrote on 15 September 2008 that it was
time to ‘return to Alma-Ata’.
Pakistan must reconsider Alma-Ata and, under the supervision of
Dr. Sania Nishtar, the goal is achievable. She knows the problems very well and
has written them clearly in her book, ‘Choked Pipes: Reforming Pakistan's Mixed
Health System’. Pakistan’s post-Covid-19 Public Health Policy should be more
focused on ‘public health’ and just not restrict itself to treating the sick.
It must emphasize on primary healthcare and public information for an extended
period and should be extended to all segments of society.
Pakistan needs to take the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978 more seriously. There is a need to promote healthy habits among the people through a sustained campaign.
The responsibility of
handling public health should be shared with different people - doctors,
nurses, para-medical staff, teachers, mosque imams, school teachers and, most
importantly, mothers. Simple preventive measures should be re-introduced to keep
the environment clean and consumption of safe food and water must be ensured.
Healthy habits among children should be established by insisting on safe behavior,
not consumerism. Since people learn and adapt through repetition, perhaps a
campaign that can be sustained over years, would be required to promote healthy
habits among the people.
Any
improvement at the primary healthcare level would bring the pressure down on
secondary and tertiary-level hospitals. Adoption of heathy habits would provide
the country with a more productive, energetic and healthy workforce. The loss
of productive tenures due to simple illnesses and even mental stresses could be
decreased. The most suitable way forward after Covid-19 for Pakistan would be
to ‘return to Alma-Ata’ and implement an ‘inclusive health policy’ for all to
spread healthcare rather than focusing on illness treatments at specialized
centers. All segments of society should be included and educational curricula
should be equipped with public health topics for all ages. A preventive and not
a curative approach should be adopted by Pakistan to safeguard its future.
The writer is a senior specialist at the Urban
Unit, Lahore. He can be reached at azharuup@gmail.com
COVID-19 officially named as novel coronavirus
(nCOV-2019), believed to be originated from Wuhan, a new strain and world knew
little about it at first place. Its spread was exponential. Hence, WHO declared
it ‘an epidemic’ that means a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease
in a community at a particular time, which witnesses large number of infected
cases than the expected number. In a couple of weeks, its status changed to pandemic, which
derived from Greek word means “Everyone” – a serious infectious disease that could
spread to multiple continents like cholera that engulfed the lives of one
million people in 1850s. That is where we stand today with respect to COVID-19
as this menace has reached to over 199 countries across the globe, exterminated around 220,000so far while
infected another over 3.1millionand count is
still on. Presently, many of us argue that there are many other diseases and
reasons that cause more deaths than COVID-19. They come up with vague argument
as they might be oblivious of the fact that COVID-19 is highly contagious
unlike others and is spreading exponentially across the globe. So far, there is
no vaccine or drugs available to prevent its spread. Therefore, Harvard
scientists have already suspected that 40 to 70% of human beings across
the globe are likely to get this monstrous virus. Isn’t it alarming?
What COVID-19
does to your body?
Many of us need to know that how these
microscopic organisms work and attack to human body? Virus is an infectious agent that remains
inactive without host but when it gets its desired host in a cell, it hacks the
machinery of a cell and generates its own copies through the process of
replication through which huge number of viruses infect other cells. Similarly,
coronaviruses are large groups of viruses whose host is lungs and known to
cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold, influenza to MERS and SARS. At this
juncture, it’s pertinent to mention here that corona is a Latin word means crown as outer
shape of virus resembles a crown. It is originated from animals transferred to
human beings and now carrier is a human being. It transmits from person to
person through tiny droplets from nose or mouth owing to coughing and sneezing.
These droplets land on different surfaces and objects from few hours to days
and their viability is different on various surfaces and objects; may catch by
others through touching these surfaces and breathing in droplets as described
in the New England Journal of Medicine. According to US National
Institutes of Health, COVID-19 can also remain infectious in droplets in the air
for hours. Pretty scary! That’s why many despite taking apposite measure are
being infected by this heinous virus. Hence, it’s the need of the hour to
maintain a distance of at least one meter away from others to actualize the
purpose of physical distancing.
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
continues, medical experts and scientists are in full swing to learn about its level of
damage to human body particularly lungs. New findings are being shared at regular
interval. At first place, throat cell linings, airways and lungs are infected
as virus multiplies there to generate huge copies to infect more cells.
Symptoms at this stage are not guaranteed. Slight fever, body ache and may
be headache is owing to immune system responding to the infection. It means
that body has identified the atrocious invader and signals to the rest of the
body to respond by releasing cytokines who are the chemical messengers to
stimulate the immunes system against foreign attack and helpful to preventdamaging inflammatory events.These initial symptoms do not require
specialized treatment because 80% can be recovered through bedrest, plenty of
fluids, paracetamol and healthy diet. This stage lasts for 7 days mostly. Damaging form
of COVID-19
Nevertheless, some might develop a more
damaging form of COVID-19 because of overreacting of immune system that might
cause inflammation. Hence, balance should be there as too much inflammation can
lead to collateral damage to the body. This leads to pneumonia – an
inflammation of lungs. At this stage, wall of the air sacs in the lungs starts
to get infected through which oxygen to red-blood cells in human body
is provided, but in pneumonia the tiny sacs become thick and start to fill with
water and can eventually cause shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing.
This is a critical stage as wall gets thicker, transfer of oxygen gets harder,
which ultimately leads towards severe illness. Some patients require ventilator
for breathing at this juncture. This is where body starts to throw in the towel
and there is an obvious chance that patient might kick the bucket. The chance of
survival through ventilator is only 20% as per experts. If the
immune system cannot supersede the virus then it will eventually lead to every
nook and corner of the body. It can even disrupt kidneys to clean the blood.
According to Chinese experts, most of the
patients died had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) irrespective of
age because lungs become unable to provide enough oxygen to the body due to
widespread inflammation. According to Lancet Medical journal, healthy
looking persons who are chain-smokers don’t have healthy lungs and are
more vulnerable to this COVID-19 severe attack.
Now the purpose of reflecting this all is to
aware general public about the scourge of this deadly virus. It is therefore
requested to take it seriously as directed by incumbent premier Mr.Imran Khanin his recent address to the nation. Remember, it’s not only
about you, you might survive the virus disease but someone who receives it by
you might not recuperate. Hence, physical distancing, quarantine
and other measures in the light of guidelines issued by present government are
mandatory.
Let’s
Break this Chain and help others
Non-seriousness
shown towards COVID-19 by world community
Life was usual yesterday as everyone was busy
in their normal routines when we heard about a breakout of a virus in Wuhan
China. At first place, no one was bothered. People at large didn’t give a damn
to it and never anticipated the repercussions of this malediction. World turned
a deaf ear when first heard about novel coronavirus in Wuhan in December 2019. Many jokes
were exchanged against Chinese People. Regrettably, at this crucial moment,
Donald Trump termed COVID-19 a ‘Chinese virus’ –
manifestation of extreme racism that doesn’t go with the position he holds
today as the president of most powerful country of the world. Same response was
observed in Europe. But, in a couple of weeks, this deadly virus has made its
ground in more than 190 countries, shocked and locked many of us who are unable
to foresee
that what’s going to happen next. Yes, over half of the world population is
experiencing lockdowns and curfews amid coronavirus
fears. So, it has proved that viruses have no boundaries and they do not
respect or discriminate nationalities, cultures, borders and personalities.
Those who were mocking yesterday seem helpless in this unprecedented situation.
Their health system has been stretched, overwhelmed and collapsed because they
didn’t take desired measures at first place. Hence, they have to reap what they
have sown.
China and
America’s Blame Game over COVID-19 Hurts Everyone
Let’s come to the world’s superpower, despite
several warnings from intelligence and opposition during first week of January
but received cold shoulder. Priorities were to tight the sanctions on Iran and
strategies to topple the economy of the China. Eventually, the most powerful
country has been witnessing largest toll of infected cases in few days. This may lead to
thousands of causalities unlike any other country. USA
is leading with respect to reported infected cases along with over 60,000
diseased ; already surpassed Italy within days where 28,000 causalities
have been reported so far. Other European countries such as Spain,
France and Germany are witnessing hundreds of causalities on daily basis along
with Iran when its government brought back all their citizens unlike Pakistan
who took sagacious decision at that interval not to repatriate Pakistani
students despite huge pressure from public and
bashing from media houses.However,
death toll and number of infected cases are increasing drastically with each
passing day across the globe. The dark clouds of fear are hovering over the
innocent lives and no one knows where it would lead us to.
COVID-19: A
Blessing in Disguise for China
No doubt, world knew little about that virus at
first place therefore witnessed severe consequences but had they not
ignored Chinese model to contain virus, they could have defeated this menace
successfully. At this juncture, the astounding actions of China must be
considered seriously to overthrow this invisible adversary. To retreat
monstrous coronavirus, world could learn from the tenacity of Chinese people,
medical squads and other concerned authorities who have shown remarkable
example of their services heroically to extricate this prevailing menace. Moreover, lots of myths and controversial theories are in
the air pertaining to COVID-19. One segment anticipates it an engineered – a
product of bioterrorism launched to topple the economy of China. Although,
there is no concrete evidence but if it’s true then it proves to be the blessing in disguisefor Republic
of China.
Over 90% of infected ones are now fully
recovered as lockdown over there in Wuhan has been relaxed. The epicenter of
this menace is coming back to its normal life. Having said that, as reported by
Guardian, the deadly virus has now switched to USA from Europe, experiencing
highest daily death toll than any other nation so far. Healthcare facilities
are experiencing acute shortage of ventilators, masks and other PPEs. Officials
over their have predicted over 200,000 deaths because million cases have already reported. Close to 90% are staying at home
and experiencing historic worst unemployment. The superpower seems helpless
and ready to throw in the towel in the light of current scenario. But still blaming
China and tightening of the sanctions on Iran seem to be the top priority
rather than engaging resources to grapple the pandemic. At this crucial moment,
world leaders should refrain from ruffling the feathers of others.
At the other side of the spectrum, despite
bashing and mudslinging from other countries during catastrophe, Chinese
government is in full swing providing services to the world. In this paralyzed
situation, Jack-Ma Foundationhas sent
millions of facemasks and other necessary equipment to America with a loud
message that China has a strong economy and its leadership has enough
capability to take the bull by its horns in any unprecedented situation at
global level. Similarly, Chinese medical experts have been visiting different
countries to contain this deadly virus already adulated their relentless
efforts by WHO and UN.
It’s pertinent to mention here that viruses
have no ethnicity or citizenship; they are neither Chinese nor English (gora).
Remember, one can only take safety measures to contain this menace but its
spread is inevitable without an iota of doubt. There is no denying the fact
that Chinese model is an excellent one and flagship for the entire globe to be
followed to cope with this global malady by putting political differences
aside. They put relentless effort through lockdown but citizens participation
during this phase was mind-blowing must be adulated, a lesson learnt for all
others. Now the positive image of China is emerging and with this approach it
could likely to surpass USA economy by 2027. Isn’t
COVID-19 a blessing in disguise particularly for Republic of China? Let’s mull
over it for a while....
World’s
hospitals are overwhelmed because of the coronavirus
We know that COVID-19 is highly contagious,
which engulfed more than 200,000 lives within no time so far, paralyzed life on
the only planet and believed to be erupted from Wuhan in China. WHO first
announced this deadly outbreak epidemic when it hit China but when it made its
way to Europe followed by USA, it was declared pandemic. However, the agency
has been accused and criticized of delaying to declare the COVID-19 outbreak a
global pandemic. This enemy of humanity has belligerently attacked Europe and
other two leading economies that drive the world such as USA and China. Unlike
USA, China tackled the situation quite well owing to commitment and unity from
both ends public and government – their model is an embodiment and flagship for
the rest of the world. On the contrary, despite having all the resources and
state of the art technologies, the USA is struggling hard to contain this
atrocious COVID-19 wreaking havoc of causalities, which is unprecedented in the
history of mankind. Its health system seems to be overwhelmed due to highest
ever reported positive cases. Healthcare facilities are experiencing acute
shortage of ventilators, masks and other PPEs.
At this juncture, let’s give it a thought
wisely if USA, UK and Europe who claimed to have a modern health system are in
strange conundrum then imagine what this monster can do to third world
countries that are already deprived of basic healthcare facilities and less
than average available budget. Massive population is another challenge. Initially,
world knew little about this menace hence experienced serious implications. But
third world countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka had enough
time to learn from the mistakes of USA and Europe and proactive measures of
Republic of China where recovery rate is more than 90%, out of 84,000 reported
cases more than 78,000 have been fully recovered. Other
European countries such as Spain, France and Germany are witnessing hundreds of
causalities on daily basis along with Iran when its government brought back all
their citizens unlike Pakistan who took sagacious decision at that interval not
to repatriate Pakistani students despite huge pressure from public and bashing
from media houses. Having said that, the abrupt decision of concerned
authorities to release the pilgrims from Taftan border aggravated the
situation. But simultaneously public is also not blame free. We can only defeat
this through unity. Although, its spread is inevitable but safety measures can surely
be helpful to contain this menace. Thus, it’s a responsibility of citizens to
cooperate with concerned authorities because example of western world is
hovering around.
In a similar vein, medical experts across the
globe are in full swing to come up with a drug or vaccine to contain this
deadly virus. It’s also a sigh of relief for Asian countries because research
is being carried out at regular intervals and new strategies and measures are
being proposed to boost up the immunity of the affected ones. There is no
denying the fact that one day, very soon, we will find its cure and learn to
contain it because relentless efforts are on the way to find out the way out –
a silver lining. Fortunately, antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patient are
believed to be helpful to fight the monstrous virus as per Dr.
Tahir Sultan Shamsi. Lab grown antibodies are being developed by
Regeneron – an American biotechnology company. According to New
York Institute of Technology, tuberculosis (TB) vaccine and
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) could be potential
for virus treatment. Similarly, hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial medication is being
tested to facilitate with quicker recovery. Malaria-endemic regions as per WHO
is less likely to be hit by the wrath of deadly virus because malarial patients
have already developed immunity to fight against coronavirus. Within months or two, world might get both vaccine and antiviral drugs. Chinese
experiments also offer load of support in combating global pandemic. Moreover, age factor and immunity are also play
pivotal role to tackle it. Dietary habits and sound sleep can also be useful.
Other studies have emanated great hopes that seasonal variations such as heat
and humidity might reduce the activity of the virus. According to Dr. Zafar
Mirza, Special Assistant to PM on health mentioned that coronavirus spread and
severity is different in different regions. Hope is there that its hold would
be slackening in summers.
At this juncture, despite limited resources in
Pakistan, it’s the right time to give a tribute to our healthcare workers
pursuing a war against brutal invader of the human body. These workers are
fighting against an invisible enemy and sacrificing their lives. I salute to
the bravery of Dr. Osama Riaz and a British Pakistani nurse Areema Nasreen, 36,
who died in the UK and all others who are providing support to this country at
this paralyzed situation. They are the real heroes and stars of their nations.
Traditionally, we have thrown ourselves at the
mercy of others. Most in surrounding come up with an argument that it’s fine if
some foreign help comes to us otherwise we can survive because of power of
faith; wrong approach because along with trust in Almighty, one should tie the
camel. Iranian strategy to tackle COVID-19 in this regard is a conspicuous
example for all of us. However, at the other side of the spectrum, the
incumbent crisis is a blessing in disguise and offers an opportunity to
strengthen the dilapidated health system by imposing health emergency. It’s the right
time to invest more in health sector and bring it to a level of state of the
art hospitals with respect to quality services such asShaukat Khanum, Agha
Khan and Al-Shifa. All these three share best practices in quality and patient
safety and hold JCI certification. Unlike
others, Shaukat
Khanam is in full swing to provide its
services to masses through education and awareness on social media; has
established COVID-19 camp, isolation wards and offering free testing for
suspected patients. Hence, it’s a moral obligation for all the haves of
the society to make donations in order to save lives at this crucial time.
Similarly, our existing health system’s
capacity to track and test the patients is limited; thousands of suspected
unscreened ones are strolling around that have not been tested –not a good
omen. Yuaval Noah Harari,
a great historian has already warned the world about COVID-19 ramifications. He
adds that decisions of concerned authorities will probably shape our health
systems, economy and politics in the time of biggest crisis of our generation.
Therefore, it’s the right time to act before it’s too late. We should have our
own mask making machines available on Ali Baba. Government should encourage
private sector to acquire and start mass production in order to get rid of
shortage at the time of crisis. In a similar vein, steps should be taken to
develop smart and portable ventilators. This will surely give a boost to our
exports. To share the burden of hospitals in the light of current situation,
primary clinics at particular locations should be established for initial
screening then to hospital. District Administrations have decided to establish
tele-clinics for the provision of modern treatment to citizens –a good omen. There
are many initiatives and lesson learnt that concerned authorities could opt to
turn the tide in its favor.
No doubt, Prime Minister Imran Khanis striving hard and put relentless efforts to
stop its spread but he needs to lead from the front and take the bull by its
horns like he did in case of Shaukat Khanum. Undoubtedly, this storm will pass; most of us
will survive but will inhabit a different world. We shouldn’t forget that it’s
a National Hazard that should be dealt with national spirits.
Haider Aliis young professional works as a Health Safety
& Environment Officer in Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and
Research Centre (SKMCH & RC), holds a degree in MPhil Environmental Science
from Government College University, Lahore. He writes on burning issues and has
been involved in various projects.
"The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be
overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Coping with stress will make you, the
people you care about, and your community stronger.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful
situations.How you respond to the
outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from
other people, and the community you live in.
In times of coronavirus and physical distancing,
many of us are staying at home. While staying at home, various activities are
helpful to cope with stress and anxiety such as:
• Aerobic Exercise
• Regular and Sound Sleep
• Interact with kids
• Reading & Writing
• Healthy diet particularly enrich with Vitamin C
• Cooking and try something new
• Movie
• Gardening and feel the nature
• Yoga and Meditation
• Spend time with kids
• Talk to your friends and beloved ones
Remember, it’s not social distancing, its physical
distancing in actual…
Stay
Home
Stay
Safe
Stay
Healthy Moreover Making Health and Nutrition a Priority during
the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic will boost immunity and help to get rid of this menace
Eating vegetables and fruits and combination of
these provides multiple health benefits – people who eat more vegetables and
fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of
some chronic diseases.
Combination of these provides nutrients vital for health
and maintenance of your body. These foods are also helpful to boost the immune
system and make your body healthy enough to cope with deadly coronavirus.
Deadly coronavirus has witnessed thousands of causalities
across the world. Now it’s a global issue but simultaneously, it’s our foremost
duty to play our vital roles to grapple this menace. Therefore, in the light of
WHO guidelines, social distancing is the need of the hour to protect the health
of masses.
Remember, it’s not only about you, you might survive the
virus disease but someone who receives it by you might not recuperate. Hence, self-quarantine
and social distancing is mandatory.
Earlier civilizations
such as Babylonian, Egyptian, European, Arab and Indian depict a heart-wrenching
status of women. They were treated worse than slaves, buried or burnt alive and
considered as a cause of the evil. No one talked about their rights even when
slavery was abolished. Magna Carta followed by French and Russian revolutions
made women an active player in male dominated societies. Now in the 21st
century, their role is acknowledged in building nations. They are found in political and
administrative arena in the form of Angela Merkel as German Chancellor, Hasina
Wajid as Bangladeshi premier, Colinda Graber as Croatian President and Kristalina
Georgieva as the IMF’s managing director. Their participation has been rising
in almost every sector whether its health, sports, media, politics, army, navy,
air force, traditional business or agricultural activities. Their literacy has
been increasing rapidly in some places; gender gap in education has been
shrinking worldwide and their number in elected office is increasing – a good
omen for the development of any country.
However,
despite these notable advances, gender disparities still persist in some
regions because it’s a gradual process to get plausible results as overnight
change is not possible. In Pakistan, women has enjoyed respectful positions in
the form of Fatimah Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto, Bano Qudsia, Parveen
Shakir,Sharmeen Obaid, Begam Rana Liaqat Ali, Muniba Mazari, Major General
Shahida Malik etc. During last 3 decades, lives of Pakistan women have
witnessed drastic change. They are breaking many societal stereotypes and
representing Pakistan in almost every field and inspire the whole world because
they have faith in their abilities. No
doubt, some remote areas including Sindh and Baluchistan manifest abysmal
status of women in many sectors which condemnable but women in urban areas are
enjoying better status comparatively.
When one
talks about human rights, it doesn’t only reflect the rights of single gender
(women) instead it covers both. Humiliating one and promoting other is not a
judicious approach at all. In Pakistan, March plays pivotal role among 12
months and nation usually witnesses surprises mostly in political arena. This
time it’s not political, it’s feministic in the form Aurat (Women) March but
the slogan ‘Mera jisam Mere marzi’
and exchange of derogatory remarks between famous drama serial writer
Khalil-ur-rehman and Marvi Sarmad, the so called women activist overshadowed
death of Danish of mere pas tum ho and discussion over corona virus. This
kindled many to share their views on mainstream and social media.
Khalil Ur
Rehman Qamar has been well respected figure in media industry and is a writer
of iconic drama serials and movies such as Landa Bazaar, Punjab nahi jaungee,
kaaf kangana, Laal Ishq, pyare Afzal and sadqay tumhare. The most recent, the
top rated mere pas tum ho broke all the previous records and made him to
interact with his fans which he used to avoid previously. Despite this fame and
prestige, his views against women generally and heated and abusive exchange of
words with Marvi specifically brought him in the limelight of huge criticism; not
perceived well by masses of media industry. The debate of pro-Khalil and
pro-Marvi is on everywhere without focusing on the main issue. Even most of the
anchors of media houses are in full swing to exaggerate this trivial issue and
justifying this below the belt slogan. Having said that, there are some
intellectuals who not only condemned the abusive language of Khalil but strongly
disapproved the slogan as well. Similarly, respect for both genders should be
there whether it’s male or female. Every person has a right to have a view or
opinion. He might have some strange and different experiences that shape his
perception. Difference of opinion is obvious in debate but imposing something
on others, call their names followed by ignominious remarks have become norm in
our damaged society should be discouraged at all levels. One must analyze the
whole scenario cautiously before jumping on a hateful bandwagon just because
someone says something you disagree with. At the other
end of the spectrum, Marvi Sarmad is aggressive, impolite, ill-mannered and
provoking. Media channels mostly invite her just for rating. Her conduct with
others is questionable. Because she is woman so it’s ignorable unlike men. This
case is different without an iota of doubt.
When it comes
to that particular slogan, those who are in favor interpret it as protection
against rape, harassment, child marriage and physical abuse, violence,
trafficking and slavery.According to
them, those with divergent views are perpetuating a culture that produces all
these inhumanities. It’s not the case actually. Can a woman raise this slogan
in front of her father or brother for her rights? Not really because it’s
disgraceful, shameful, insane, abusive and sexual; doesn’t depict our culture
values, it hurts religious and sexual sentiments. One should read Banu Qudsia’s ‘ Mard hawas ka pujari’
before violating the dignity of men.
However, they
can come up with different slogans like “mere
zindagee mere merzi” or ‘mere
zindage mere faisale’. These two sounds pretty decent to convey the exact message.
In order to get desired results, there is a dire need to educate both men and
women. It’s the only tool to bring the change and reforms – well narrated by
senior analyst Hassan Nisar. Taking all in consideration, we must understand
that human beings do not have control over their bodies. They can go everywhere
across the world even they have reached the moon and far-off planets but still
they don’t decide that when, how and where they are born. They may have best
medical facilities but they can’t stop themselves to be suffered from diseases.
The recent tiny complex microorganisms such as corona virus have wreaked havoc
of multiple causalities all across the world and arrogant and proud human
beings are helpless and hapless. Simultaneously, the vulnerability of the human
race becomes more visible when one recalls that a human being may pass away at
any time or place, without being given any time to windup his worldly affairs.
How can one claim to say that my body, my choice? Point to ponder…
Haider Aliis young professional works as a Health Safety
& Environment Officer in Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and
Research Centre (SKMCH & RC), holds a degree in MPhil Environmental Science
from Government College University, Lahore. He writes on burning issues and has
been involved in various projects.
