“As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others." – Bill Gates

Modernisation and divorce

Divorce in Pakistan is increasing. Fact. The days of Pakistani marriages lasting more than 25 years and couples working things out are now a thing of the past. Many people will blame the rise of love marriages in the country but the fact is that arranged marriages are still the dominant practice. Divorce in arranged marriages is also rising. So, it is not just the type of marriage that is the reason but changes in many other aspects of life and society which are the reason for the rise of divorce in Pakistan. The internet, smartphones and increased knowledge and awareness about life and rights and independence amongst Pakistani women are all contributing to why marriages are succeeding or failing. Changes in the way Pakistani couples are envisaging their futures has a strong correlation with divorce in the country. No longer are the old-fashioned views of staying in a marriage for the sake of family, children or society, dictating how individuals wish to live their life. Keeping in view all that, is this modernisation a blessing or a curse?

Hira Zainab,
Karachi.

A child’s growing intolerance towards his parents

One of the more shocking and difficult emotions one may feel towards one’s parents is anger. It might have been acceptable, as a toddler, to have had the odd tantrum in front of them or even to have been a bit sulky as a teenager, but as an adult, one is meant to have developed a broadly benevolent and friendly relationship to them. Society keeps enforcing the message by presenting us with situations where one should be keen to get together: holidays, birthdays and the inevitable Mother and Father’s Days. But for some of us, these demands are oppressive as growing up we have developed so much intolerance towards them that we have forgotten that they are our parents. One heart wrenching incident recently took place in Kasur where a son stabbed his father to death and severely injured his mother over a spat. That’s how little patience and tolerance we have left for our parents. It’s just really sad. We should always and forever respect our parents and learn to be more tolerable towards them as they were towards us when we were kids.

Mahnoor Nadeem,
Lahore.

Help the needy this winter

For most of us winter is a bit of a rollercoaster, you have all the excitement in the run up to holidays, the travelling and the time spent with your closest friends and family. Then you’re hit with a couple of months of dropping temperatures, the January blues and our bank balances hitting an all time low. Now imagine what all of these impending factors would be like if you were homeless while battling the blistery winter weather in the midst of a pandemic. This year more than ever it’s likely to take a huge toll on physical, emotional and mental health. Homelessness is rising at a drastic rate, so do your bit this winter and help make a difference by helping those in need. Donate warm clothes and blankets. Also, make shelters for animals wherever you can so they can find shelter in this blistering cold.

Laraib Abid,
Karachi.

Fog and road safety

Even if you’re a seasoned pro behind the wheel, fog can make driving difficult – and even dangerous. Sadly, fog-related accidents cause more than 500 fatalities each year. When things turn grey, remember a few safe driving tips for handling even the densest fog. First, leave plenty of distance between your car and the one in front of you. Second, take advantage of your windshield wipers and give yourself the best view possible by clearing off your windshield completely. Third, ditch your car’s high beams. Low beams are actually better for driving in fog. Fourth, check your mirrors before slowing down, and gently apply your brakes. Lastly, stay home when the fog is bad (if possible!). Fog can make driving scary and dangerous, so stay off the roads altogether if you’re able. The best advice for driving in the fog is don’t.

Shujjat Rizvi,
Lahore.