In tandem with India

'The Muslims of India lead a better life than the Muslims of Pakistan. If religion interferes in the politics, the country will perish. The creation of Jamaat e Islami, which works for a pan-Islamic confederation of 48 nations, has created havoc in India and Pakistan.
If we, the Indians and Pakistanis, help each other it will be more beneficial to Pakistan than India. The people of Pakistan can lead a better life, if you handle the extremists and Dawood Ibrahim.'
Siby Mathew, Richmond, USA


'The premise on which Pakistan was created is not true today. Numerous western countries are existing and flourishing today on the backs of cultural, religious and even national diversity. It's time the educated and moderate voices make the decisions for the betterment of humankind, not just religion or nationality.'

The downside to paradise

The issue today seems to be that both India and Pakistan are fighting for issues that were true in the past. Even if they are there, like Kashmir issue, its not the biggest threat to humankind. Nobody is focussing on healthcare and the lack of preparedness for an epidemic, especially in the subcontinent. What a shame. While terrorists don't understand this, where is the educated crowd? Pandemic won't kill a few thousands but wipe out entire civilizations. What about rising water levels as a result of global warming? It will cripple economies and kill millions more. Seems like nationality and religion always comes in the way of humankind. Perhaps we will be a species in existence no more, as a result of greed and hatred. We can all be proud of our nuclear weapons, but tell that to the person who can't feed his children twice a day.'
CG

US urging Pakistan every single day to catch culprits

Pakistan must close down any terror activity that helps militants. Militants are harmful for both the countries. Pakistan must make its best effort to eliminate training camps from its land. There should be effort to increase trade between India and Pakistan. This will benefit both the countries. Also, congenial atmosphere is a must for tourism. This will increase foreign exchange and national income.'
Sandesh Samant, Gorakhpur, India

The Saddar that was
I read with great interest the articles 'Memories of my city', 'An ode to Karachi's past', The Saddar that was', 'A living legend', 'The past is another story' and 'Entertainment unlimited'. To be honest I almost felt like crying my eyes out. I grew up in Karachi and remember most of the places, things and the type of culture mentioned in the articles. I remember going to Saddar in trams with friends and visiting Empress Market and the park. It was a good time, when no one cared what ethnic group did you belong to or how rich you are. It was all about living in harmony.
Thanks for taking me back to the Karachi I knew, which, unfortunately, the new generation will never know.
The only way we can bring all those good memories back to live is to invest in good education for all children, public health and efficient government institutions.'
Yakoob Muhammad, Melbourne, Australia

Pakistan reels from India tour cancellation

'Englands cricketers were happy and willing to go to India because the terrorists had come to Mumbai from Pakistan; to visit Pakistan is not the same as terrorists live in Pakistan, they are even trained by ISI. The terrorists in Pakistan had killed Benazir Bhutto and destroyed the Marriot hotel. Therefore Pakistan is a dangerous country for any foreigner to visit, especially for Indian cricketers.
If the PCB feel isolated from international cricket then their cricketers should ask their government leaders to stop supporting the terrorists in Pakistan and behave like a civilised nation for a change. If that does not happen their terrorist friends will only end up destroying Pakistan itself.'
Hem Adwani, UK


Time for a paradigm shift

This article by Dr Saigol provides a very positive vision for our nation and society. I hope our leaders are reading this as well as the 'so called' holy warriors.'
Amir Asif Alif, Muscat


India wants Pakistan action, not ‘war hysteria’

'As the tension between the arch rivals is increasing and efforts are being made by the international community to ease the situation my mind is thinking something else.
Generally, all countries have only one embassy and maybe a couple of consulate generals in another country. How come India has set up seven or more consulate offices in Afghanistan, a country from where hardly anyone travels and which is not even a dominant country in international trade. What is the purpose of having all these consulate offices there? What purpose are they serving? After all it is just Afghanistan.
Has anyone tried looking at the India's role in supporting terrorism? Could it be that they are recruiting and training these terrorists in Afghanistan and sending them into Pakistan and also using them to fabricate plots against Pakistan? I would like to initiate a debate on this matter and seek some comments from those who are in authority.'
M. H. Rizvi, Atlanta


Extremism will consume Pakistan, warns Rice

I wish that India and Pakistan would cultivate a friendly relationship and develop a free south-asian world instead of killing and fighting each other and wasting so many lives and money just to promote religious/cultural hatred. Normal people in all these south-asian countries just want basics like bread and butter and better living conditions. It is their politicians, military and religious fundamentalists who brainwash younger generations. A sense of love for human kind has to develop in this foolish world.'
Cheng, Germany


'But this 'consuming' of Pakistan is already being done by the U.S. and its supporters in Pakistan. There is certainly anger (call it 'extremism' if you like) in the patriotic Pakistan Muslims stoked by the U.S. aggression at our western border. If there is any peace and sanity to prevail here, then the U.S. must leave the region or be pushed out!'
Col. Khan, Peshawar


The frankness with which some of the articles advocate the cause of peace and sanity between India and Pakistan, makes the point effective undoubtedly. If sanity on both sides is given its well merited place in conflict resolution, the common Pakistani or Indian has nothing to worry about. The hawks in both lands are to be kept under check lest they keep everything and everybody under their heels. Pakistan has to worry more with the Army, I am afraid, breathing heavily down its neck. Army Chief Kayani would be the only gainer and sole beneficiary if, over a few terrorists, both countries have a showdown.
The other day, I saw on television a 6 year old a Pakistani girl with a rare, critical illness of the heart. She had came for treatment to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Her parents, as well as the girl, were extremely happy after the successful expensive operation, which was sponsored by the Rotary Club of both countries. It was a moving story. Let both countries share happiness and joy, not hatred and antipathy. We have much in common; less of hatred and animosity to drive us to war.
Do not let a few terrorists shape the fate or destiny of Pakistan. Do not let the extremist as well as fundamentalist elements determine the fate of two countries with over, say, 1500 million people. Pakistan should throw those terrorists out of its boundaries.
Happy New Year to all Pakistanis.'
Dr A. K. Biswas, Calcutta, India


India yet to provide evidence: Foreign Office

The whole world knows that Pakistan is a haven for terrorists and that the roots are so deep that even America find it difficult to root it out. But ultimately, it has been caused by the Americans themselves. For Pakistans sake, it has to be internal forces who tackle the problem and help the nation to choose the right path, which can bring prosperity to the people of Pakistan who deserve the same as any other nation. It may not happen today, but one has to begin with something and no one can challenge you besides yourself. I sincerely hope for prosperity of Pakistani, but people of Pakistan must stand up as they did during British rule and root out the extremist infrastructure. You are stronger then them.'
Mohan, Holland


India has not shared info on Mumbai: Interpol chief

The letter means nothing. Ok, so it proves Kasab is the culprit but then we already knew it; he was caught red handed. How would Pakistan know who else to arrest without more evidence? The Pakistani courts need more than a letter, or else any arrested person will be released by the courts because you cannot send a man to jail for life based on Indias wishes. India has to show some proof why it knows LET is behind it. What if it is some other group? You cannot just accuse someone without proof and then send them to the gallows. That kind of stuff is what India and the US should be against, yet they act like bannana republics, instantly blaming people on hunches and then demanding a public lynching. Sorry, but thats not how law works.
As a Pakistani, I am very saddened by what happened in Mumbai and more saddened because these misled young boys were from Pakistan. Pakistanis don't have ill feelings for India, the new generation wants friendship.
I cant believe Sonia Gandhi is talking like a angry RSS leader instead of a mature cool minded Congress leader. What does she think, attacking Pakistan will solve Indias problems? It will only open up a pandoras box and the real nightmare will begin.
This is an age of cooperation, of finding sensible ways to tackle this is calmly. Find evidence and work together and do not not fall for selfish agendas of outside powers.'
Tariq Shah, USA


Senators assail India for creating war hysteria

Whilst on the subject of terrorism, I saw an article in Dawn itself, where one writer Mr. Zia Ul Islam Zuberi, laments that Karachi used to create intellectuals, not terrorists. A black and white photo of Karachi of 1958 is also shown. I want to tell him that intellectuals and free thought etc thrive when you have freedom, democracy and secularism. Pakistan sold itself to Islam in 1947. Dont lament Karachi or the glorious past of Pakistan when it was part of India. You chose a 1500 year old relic to solve the issues of a modern day state. You chose wrong. Try to correct by 'de-religionising' Pakistan. You cant? Then dont weep about Karachi, intellectuals, freedom and glory days. It's gone forever.'
Jayraj Nair, Dubai,UAE

Musharraf asked me to abandon Baloch TV project

Now he is where he always wanted to be. He should come back now to pursue his passion for launching the so called Balochi voice. But I think he won't leave his late found heaven. So much so for the motherland.'