Opinion View from Pakistan: Misogyny in the classroom and Pakistan’s ebbing World Cup chances

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Dawn (October 28) says, “Our society should know better than any other that this version of misogyny is more than just relegating women to the status of lesser mortals. It is an outright rejection of their presence.” News International says, “Education institutions are supposed to be a safe space for both students and teachers to debate ideas and theories presented by people across the globe… Terrorising teachers and forcing them to kneel down before regressive groups is a tragedy for any country.”

Worrying gas prices

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of Pakistan’s cabinet approved a hike in natural gas prices owing to its depletion in the country. The decision was taken after two gas companies, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), reported a combined deficit of Rs 46 billion for the period from July to September. It is set to be implemented starting November 1 and the hike proposed for some is up to 193 per cent.

The Nation (October 25) says, “Domestic consumers, both protected and non-protected, will bear the brunt of these price hikes… The depletion of natural gas reserves, with an estimated annual decline rate of 5-7 per cent, necessitates measures to ensure sustainable usage. However, such substantial price hikes, especially for residential consumers, can have a cascading effect on the cost of living and business operations.” Daily Times (October 28) agrees with this and says, “any reform that intends to improve recoveries and, in turn, reduce public debt would go a long way in helping the wobbly ship across choppy waters… However, a green light from the IMF and the promise of ‘better days’ cannot magically resolve the predicament of bloated bills during the winter months.”

Pakistan’s World Cup chances

On October 23, in the ODI World Cup match between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Pakistan lost by eight wickets, making their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals slim.

Express Tribune (October 25) says, “Pakistan’s performance was in an utter disarray — be it batting, bowling or fielding. None of the batsmen could touch three figures… Overcoming the Protea challenge, to stay afloat in the tournament, is no mean feat.” News International (October 25) says, “There was lack of proper planning in the lead-up to the World Cup… One can safely say Pakistan didn’t select their best 15 men for the all-important assignment.” Dawn (October 25) talks about Babar Azam’s captaincy and decision-making skills saying, “It is argued that he isn’t aggressive with his field placings to help his bowlers get the needed breakthroughs. There has been some conservatism in his captaincy at a time when other teams have become adventurous.”

Israel-Palestine conflict

Israel’s continued ground offensives and raids in Gaza, that have left over 7,000 Palestinians dead, met with condemnation by the Pakistani media.

Express Tribune (October 28) says, “Gazans must be saved from this brutality… Israel must be mindful that its actions are devoid of logic, and even military ethics… The world must unison now or it will be a major catastrophe with more state-centric players staking their claim too. Enough of looking the other way round.” Dawn (October 29) warns that “if the US-led West flexes its military muscle in its [Israel’s] support, the whole region can go up in flames… Tel Aviv needs to immediately end its bloody campaign, while all actors must stand down and allow the grieving people of Gaza to bury their dead.” Daily Times (October 29) calls out the biased reporting of the West saying, “The press seems to be running a tight ship where freedom of speech and respect for humanity do not matter anymore.”

adya.goyal@expressindia.com