Very good editorial
Arab News editorial titled, “Protecting all buyers” (Sept. 7) is highly appreciated as it exposes the misdeeds of a few corrupt traders and gives every buyer a very useful guideline.
We are aware that consumers are frequently being duped by the traders with various kinds of gimmicks. A common feature we all see in almost every supermarket is the pricing of products just five halala less than a round figure but charging the full amount at the counter, for example, tomatoes are priced at SR 9.95 per kg but actually the customer pays SR 10 at the counter. When did we see a 5 halala coin last? Then, if in your bill there is a balance of 50 halalas or more be assured to get a piece of some unknown brand of chewing gum, whether you are in the habit of chewing it or not. If we were to collect all these chewing gums and use them as 50 halala coins to settle our bills — for example: 6 pieces of chewing gums for a loaf of bread or 8 pieces for a packet of milk — at the same cashier, will he ever accept them back? The answer is definitely not.
The other common way to attract customers is by the offer of “buy one and take one free!” In all such offers, you will find, if they are food products, they are near expiry and if they are nonfood products they are either non-saleable or categorized as “slow moving” in the vendor’s list.
The other day, I came across a smart street vendor, who was selling watermelon; quality versus quantity! His offer was that if you don’t insist on tasting the product by opening it up, SR10 for four pieces, which looked a lot of watermelons! On the other hand, if you want to see how it looks and tastes, he said don’t bargain but just pay SR 5 per piece! I opted for the latter and was absolutely satisfied. It was a wise decision, I guess, rather than carrying four fruits all the way home and disappoint my family and fill my garbage can with them. Buying too is an art itself and we learn everyday from our experience. Let us not rush or be tempted with misleading offers by the vendors! — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
Indian minister’s visit to Pakistan
The visit of Indian Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna to Pakistan got wide media courage. Both the countries have agreed to easy visa restrictions, increase trade and resolve all disputes through dialogues. The fact is that despite frequent visits by key personalities no headway has been made in the past to resolve disputes that have bedeviled relations between the two countries.
Unfortunately, despite growing poverty, unemployment and rising prices both the countries are still spending a huge amount of money on defense buildup and arms purchase. There have been growing suspicion among the two against each other. In case of any terror act on its soil, India has always accused Pakistan of its involvement. Similarly, Pakistan sees Indian hand in Balochistan crisis. Unfortunately, the governments have not been able to resolve key issues — Kashmir, Siachen, construction of controversial dams, etc.
Only a few months back Pakistan decided to move the International Court against the construction of the controversial Kishanganga dam. A proxy war is also going on in Afghanistan between the two countries. Until and unless the two countries resolve genuine issues relations between the two are unlikely to improve. — Khawaja Umer Farooq, Jeddah
Where is the issue?
After spending more than three weeks in solitary confinement in Adiyala jail, Rimsha Masih, who has reportedly been suffering from Down Syndrome, was released on bail on Sept. 8. She was earlier accused of blasphemy. Rimsha Masih, whose age is said to be between 11 and 14, was immediately escorted out of the jail under heavy guard and flown to an undisclosed location. This is despite the fact that new evidence emerged in this alleged blasphemy case wherein the area mosque’s imam has been accused of himself masterminding this blasphemy case. But threat to her life remains not only from extremists but from a lawyer who said if she is not appropriately punished under the blasphemy law then “there are several Qadris in the country to do justice with her,” referring to Mumtaz Qadri who gunned down Punjab Gov. Salman Taseer for criticizing the blasphemy law.
My question Pakistanis who have a daughter of Rimsha’s age, who may or may not be suffering from a mental disease: Can you imagine your daughter sitting in a solitary confinement or being gunned down on the street. When she was not involved in blasphemy where is the issue. Has this young girl endangered our faith, or we ourselves are so weak that we need such a bloodbath every other day to strengthen our faith? — Masood Khan, Jubail
Letters: Very good editorial
