The fact that inequitable treatment is meted out to minorities, especially at such trying times, is most lamentable, as pointed out in your editorial Discrimination in aid (Sept 1).
The minorities are equal citizens of the country and they have been equally affected by the devastating floods. Therefore, maltreatment meted out to them at Hyderabad is highly deplorable. The administration has to deal with such a situation with an iron hand and those found lax should be taken to task.
Moreover, Pakistan has now received more aid from non-Muslim bloc than Muslim countries. India that initially gave $5 million as flood relief assistance to Pakistan has now raised it to $25 million and is now placed at the top 10 countries/institutions which have opened their purse strings to help Islamabad deal with the unfolding emergency.
The discriminatory attitude shown to minorities is not only uncivilised and immoral but it is against the very ethos of Islam. According to the Holy Quran and Sunnah, no discrimination is to be shown when it comes to helping people in distress.
Government authorities, as well as NGOs, engaged in aid distribution process should ensure that no such incident occurs in future where some people are deprived of the right to receive assistance because of their different religion or sect.
I fully endorsed your views that discrimination at this time is not only immoral and unethical but will deepen the divide and cause unimaginable damage to national cohesiveness.
ALTAMASH KURESHI
Karachi
The minorities are equal citizens of the country and they have been equally affected by the devastating floods. Therefore, maltreatment meted out to them at Hyderabad is highly deplorable. The administration has to deal with such a situation with an iron hand and those found lax should be taken to task.
Moreover, Pakistan has now received more aid from non-Muslim bloc than Muslim countries. India that initially gave $5 million as flood relief assistance to Pakistan has now raised it to $25 million and is now placed at the top 10 countries/institutions which have opened their purse strings to help Islamabad deal with the unfolding emergency.
The discriminatory attitude shown to minorities is not only uncivilised and immoral but it is against the very ethos of Islam. According to the Holy Quran and Sunnah, no discrimination is to be shown when it comes to helping people in distress.
Government authorities, as well as NGOs, engaged in aid distribution process should ensure that no such incident occurs in future where some people are deprived of the right to receive assistance because of their different religion or sect.
I fully endorsed your views that discrimination at this time is not only immoral and unethical but will deepen the divide and cause unimaginable damage to national cohesiveness.
ALTAMASH KURESHI
Karachi
