January 17, 2021
The current mess is attributed to the Punjab government’s political motives and the LWMC’s lack of planning ahead of the expiration of contracts of the Turkish companies, Ozpak and Albayrak, on December 31
The situation in North Lahore, the Walled City and other congested, middle- and lower-middle class localities is even worse. Photos by Rahat Dar
Lack of planning on the part of the Punjab government as well as the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has turned the city of gardens into a stinking and unhygienic place to live in. Heaps of garbage lying unattended for days on end are on view in almost every locality of Lahore, even on the important arteries of the city where VVIP movements take place routinely.
Followers of the Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) participate in a demonstration to demand the release of the Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi, accused on November 8, 2010 of having insulted Muhammad in Lahore, Pakistan. EFE / Rahat Dar
The republication of the Charlie Hebdo cartoon and the brutal attacks in France have reignited discussions on the boundaries of free speech. “Defamation of the Messengers (peace be upon them) is unacceptable under any pretext [and] disparagement of the Prophet Muhammad is not freedom of expression,” says the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which for many years has lobbied for an international ban on blasphemy. Such restrictions on freedom of expression are, in the eyes of the OIC, necessary because defamation and disparagement can lead to societal unrest, hatred and intolerance.
January 10, 2021
As part of the Sohna Lahore project, scores of houses in a katchi abadi in Dheer Village were recently painted in an array of colours, so as to provide an aesthetically pleasing view from the international airport. Little attention was paid to the sensibilities and tastes of the dwellers
Residents must be consulted before such a project is undertaken. Photos by Rahat Dar
127 houses in a
katchi abadi in Dheer Village, by the Lahore airport, were recently painted under orders of the Lahore commissioner. The houses were painted in colours ranging from bright red and turquoise to green and yellow, with little attention paid to the sensibilities and tastes of those who call these houses home.
January 10, 2021
The removal of Umar Sheikh from the office of Lahore CCPO is the fifth such incident in two years. No wonder, it is being viewed with askance
Muhammad Umar Sheikh, the deposed CCPO. Image courtesy: Web
On January 1, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Umar Sheikh was removed from his office and posted as Deputy Commandant, Punjab Constabulary, Farooqabad. This is the fifth such incident in two years. No wonder it is being looked at by analysts with askance.
Sheikh, said to have been a favourite of Prime Minister Imran Khan, has had to face the same treatment as was meted out to his predecessor, Zulfikar Hameed. Hameed was replaced after barely six months in office. It was then said that Hameed’s transfer was recommended by the Punjab chief minister.