Train inferno
This refers to the train fire in Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. An overnight train from New Delhi to Chennai caught fire near Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. The fire swept through the train with sleeping passengers killing at least 32 people. This accident can’t simply be dismissed as “yet another tragedy” on the tracks. The fact that so many precious lives were lost raises several serious questions that the Indian Railways needs to answer. It is also very shocking that despite recurring accidents the rail authorities are not doing enough to avert such disasters and ensure safety of the passengers. Though Indian Railways claims to be one of largest railway networks globally but it seems its safety standard is declining day by day. Perhaps it is high time the government of India drew a comprehensive plan on technological up-gradation and safety prevention on this “accident prone network.” — Ramesh G. Jethwani, Bangalore
Smoking ban
This refers to the report “Smoking ban aimed to reduce teen smoking” (July 31). It is heartening to read that Interior Minister Prince Ahmed has issued a directive to ban smoking at public places. It was necessary to control the menace of smoking. It has been observed that many young boys are addicted to smoking and they fearlessly smoke in public places. There is no doubt that smoking does create very bad effects on physical health and causes life-threatening diseases. Apart from this, a smoker does not put merely his life at risk, he also creates health hazards for all those who are near and around him. And as a matter of fact, passive smoking is more dangerous than actual smoking. Also, at public places women and children are there and they suffer a lot owing to reckless smoking of the smokers. The ban also includes shisha served in restaurants and cafes, as well as all ministries, government departments and public establishments. It will serve as a deterrent and will save public health from all types of smoking pollution and ailments. — Anees Lokhande, Alkhobar
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Many countries today have laws that prohibit smoking in public places because it affects nonsmokers as well. We believe smoking should definitely be banned in public area across the Kingdom. Smoking poses a serious health hazard for non-smokers since second hand smoke contributes to many health problems. Second hand smoking is proven to be worse than first hand smoking. If a person makes the choice to live a lifestyle where his own health is at risk, he or she should not create health hazards for those around them. If smoking was not banned in public places, kids, teens, the elderly, pregnant women, and babies would all be put at risk. Smoking can lead to all kinds of cancers and health problems. Smokers are given the freedom to smoke in their own privacy and smoking zones and that should be enough. — Nasser Mullah, Riyadh
Tirade against judiciary
This refers to the letter “Pak Constitutional Courts” (July 30). It is true that establishing a constitutional court is one of the important tasks still to be accomplished by the federal government of Pakistan. Like in other countries, the constitutional court is to play the role of an umpire safeguarding the rights of all institutions and to discourage adventurism (if any) from the state side and the existing courts are to hear the regular civil and criminal cases. However, once again it has been noticed that the writer in a way or the other tries to find excuses to criticize the present judiciary in his letters. It seems he is on a mission to defame our courts for nothing. Our judges are accepting and hearing all cases of public interest whether it is related to sugar prices or samosas. It is strange that he makes fun out of it. The point that an American wrote a letter to an American general and three high court judges were hearing the case was misstating the facts. The American who wrote a letter in fact happened to be an ambassador of Pakistan in the US and 3-judges commission that was hearing the matter was a high treason case. It is really unjust to doubt the integrity of our judiciary. — Farooq Iqbal, Riyadh
Letters — Train inferno
