December 20, 2020
The Christian community gets set for a Christmas that is likely to be a quieter affair, thanks to the pandemic
The city’s churches have been issued Covid-related SOPs by the government. Photo by Rahat Dar
Hairstylist Sagar’s household is one of the many where the virus has literally stolen the Christmas. “This year has been full of uncertainty,” he says, ruefully. “Personally, my family has been majorly affected by Covid-19. Three of our [family] members including my brother, my wife and my 90-year old father got infected.”
He speaks of his celebration of Advent which only points to a quiet and isolated Christmas, unlike any before: “I am mentally prepared for it. Can you believe there are still people who deny its existence?”
Street children are vulnerable to all kinds of abuse, violence and drugs. Do they have any future?
Photo by Rahat Dar
Ever encountered a child, dressed in rags, who runs over to your car with a beseeching look in their eyes, the minute you pull up at a traffic signal? Or, a minor with a handful of matchboxes, who clings to your car window and wouldn’t let you go till you have bought something? Or, one in the street who offers to polish your shoes? Chances are, you’ve seen them way too often while driving down a busy road or in the peripheries of a mosque or a crowded marketplace, with or without an elderly escort. These children, who come from very poor households, are out even after dark, which particularly renders them vulnerable to all kinds of abuse, violence and drugs. They are forced to lend a ‘helping hand’ in a (usually) large family. Some of them never went to school, while others were pulled out very early so that they could start contributing to their family’s
Photo by Rahat Dar
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has extended its deadline for the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) led government to quit. However, if the government still refuses to resign, the opposition alliance will also announce a date for its long march on February 1.
Most political analysts believe that the PDM is still indecisive and lacks a clear approach against the government. That explains why the ultimatum has been extended. Opposition lawmakers have been asked meanwhile to submit their resignations to party heads instead of speakers of relevant assemblies. The analysts also believe that the coming year will also test the government’s strength.
December 13, 2020
Private hostels have become a lucrative industry. Sadly, the hostel owners, in a quest to maximise profits, often compromise on basic services
The hostellers, having no other choice, are condemned to live in poor conditions, which sometimes cost them a huge personal price. Photo by Rahat Dar
Every year, hundreds of people from different parts of the country come to Lahore for various purposes including job hunt and higher studies. Very few are able to get governmental or institutional accommodation and other facilities; most of them are left to the mercy of private hostels.
No wonder, private hostels have become a lucrative industry. The sad part is that the hostel owners, in a quest to maximise profits, compromise on the basic services at their facilities. Very few of them understand the connection between quality services and profit.
December 13, 2020
The Covid related SOPs, agreed upon by the government and the religious scholars, are being flouted at most mosques and imambargahs in the provincial metropolis. Who’s to blame for this?
It is feared that mosques and Imambargahs could turn out to be hotspots for the spread of the novel Coronavirus in the city. Photos by Rahat Dar
Amid growing calls to be more vigilant and careful during the second wave of the pandemic, which is said to be more lethal than the first, it has been observed that the SOPs, agreed upon by the government and mosque managements, are being flouted at most mosques and imambargahs in the provincial metropolis. Sadly, the police as well as the city administration have assumed the role of a silent spectator. At least they appear unmindful of the fact that they are responsible for ensuring implementation of the SOPs.