DAWN Editorials - 21st April 2025

[zarnishhayat]

Middle East carnage

AS the bloodbath in the Middle East continues unabated — from the Israeli genocide in Gaza, to the American aggression against Yemen — the ‘democracies’ of the West as well as members of the ‘ummah’ remain unmoved by the grievous loss of life.

On Friday, the Americans struck an oil facility in the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, ostensibly to degrade the capabilities of the pro-Iran Houthi movement, which acts as Yemen’s de facto government. Nearly 80 people were reportedly killed in the attack, which has been described as the bloodiest since Washington began its anti-Houthi campaign in January 2024, ostensibly to assure ‘freedom of navigation’ in the Red Sea, and protect Israel. While there is disagreement on a wide range of issues, both the Trump administration and its predecessor were convinced that that Yemen must be relentlessly bombed.

Meanwhile in Gaza, there is no end to the butchery, as the death toll since Oct 7, 2023, has reached over 51,000. Just under 100 people were massacred on Thursday and Friday by Tel Aviv, with more butchery over the weekend.

While every human life is supposed to matter, it seems that to many in the world, the people of Yemen and occupied Palestine are not human. The argument that ‘only’ the Houthis are being bombed in Yemen is not convincing, as it is impossible to prevent civilian casualties in such widespread, indiscriminate bombing. Moreover, many of the facilities Washington hits are also used by civilians, which translates to more suffering for the Yemeni people, who have already endured a decade of war.


Earlier, the US and its Western allies were backing the Saudi war against the Houthis; now Washington has taken matters into its own hands, supposedly to counter Iran and protect Israel from the Yemeni threat.

Gaza, of course, is a textbook case of how a modern genocide is carried out. Hamas has said it is willing to release all Israeli hostages if Tel Aviv stops the war and withdraws from Gaza. The warmongers in Israel, however, do not seem interested in the offer.

The butchery in Gaza and Yemen — as well as Israeli aggression against Syria and Lebanon — shows that the old, West-led ‘rules-based order’ is dead. In fact, Washington and Tel Aviv freely spread disorder wherever they deem fit, even if it means violating the sovereignty of nations. A very dangerous precedent is being set here. It shows that earlier protestations about ‘human rights’ and ‘rule of law’ were mere eyewash; it is raw power that inspires and motivates states in the international arena. In the Middle East it is the law of the jungle that prevails. However, those behind the aggression should remember that this reckless behaviour can spark a much wider conflict which will be very difficult to contain.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2025


A new page

FOREIGN Secretary Amna Baloch’s trip to Dhaka has breathed new life into Pakistan’s long-dormant relationship with Bangladesh. Talks were held after a diplomatic pause of 15 years in a cordial atmosphere. For too long, ties had been icy, particularly under the ousted Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina, which was closely aligned with New Delhi and maintained a distance from Islamabad. With a different administration in Dhaka, the space has opened up for Pakistan and Bangladesh to turn a new page. A number of topics were discussed at Thursday’s meeting. The two sides welcomed the launch of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong and underscored the need to resume direct air links, facilitate visas and deepen trade. These steps are essential to rebuilding trust and improving people-to-people contact. Pakistan offered academic opportunities in agriculture, while Bangladesh extended technical training in fisheries and maritime studies. The two also explored enhanced cultural and media cooperation, including performances and artist exchanges.

During the consultations, Dhaka reportedly reiterated its long-standing demand for an apology for the events of 1971. While the Foreign Office acknowledged that “outstanding issues” were discussed, it emphasised that both sides expressed their respective positions respectfully. Pakistan has previously shown willingness to engage on this front — with then president Pervez Musharraf having expressed regret during his 2002 visit to Dhaka over the “excesses” of that period. Still, such issues — however sensitive — should not stand in the way of renewed cooperation. In fact, they can be addressed through continued dialogue. Islamabad must remain open to such conversations, even as it seeks to advance broader ties. There is already progress to build on: direct private trade resumed last November after decades of interruption, and government-to-government imports followed soon after. High-level contacts, including at the D-8 summit and through telephone exchanges between leaders, indicate a mutual willingness to move forward. As the region grapples with shifting alliances and economic uncertainty, stronger ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh serve both nations. Increased trade, academic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges — including scholarship opportunities and cultural engagement — must be prioritised. This is a relationship that deserves far more attention than it has received in recent years. The foundations for reconciliation have been laid. It is time to build upon them.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2025


No stone unturned

WHILE the absence of new polio cases since Feb 10 is welcome news, this pause in transmission must not breed complacency. With a nationwide campaign set to officially kick off today, the focus must be on deepening oversight, not declaring premature victory. Pakistan is still one of only two countries where polio is endemic. Though current trends are encouraging, with six cases reported this year so far, 2024 saw 74 cases, and environmental surveillance continues to detect traces of the virus. The virus has not been eliminated — it is merely silent. Any gaps in coverage or oversight now could allow it to re-emerge with devastating consequences.

As 415,000 workers fan out to vaccinate 45.4m children, it is imperative that the system incentivises honesty over performance. Workers must be under no pressure — financial or otherwise — to manipulate numbers to show inflated coverage. The government’s announcement of third-party validation from April 28 to 30 is a step in the right direction, but rigorous oversight must continue year-round. Digital tracking of vaccine cold chains must also be extended across all districts. Moreover, polio teams must be empowered to report every refusal without fear of reprimand. These refusals are not necessarily failures — they can be turned into opportunities to engage and educate. Respectful, data-driven dialogue with hesitant families is key. Supervisors must ensure follow-ups and make multiple visits where needed. In high-risk areas such as Karachi, Larkana, and Quetta, no household must be overlooked. The prime minister’s directives and provincial efforts signal high-level commitment. But that commitment must trickle down to daily implementation. Even one child missed is a risk to all children — the virus exploits the smallest cracks in the system. Pakistan has come close to eradication before, only to see the virus return. This time, let every number be verified, every refusal be noted, and every child be protected. There are no shortcuts to eradication. We must leave no stone unturned.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2025