Pakistan child abuse claims are sickening

Readers discuss the Pakistan sex-abuse scandal. Other topics: book donation, maternity leave and Donald Trump.

Members of an alleged sexual abuse ring in Pakistan should face justice, our readers urge. Arif Ali / AFP

It was saddening to read of children of poor rural families being sexually exploited by the rich and powerful (Pakistan shocked as details of child abuse scandal emerge, August 11).

It must be devastating for the parents of these victims, who are unable to report the crime due to fear of being killed.

It is a shame that the police seem to be defending the criminals instead of helping the victims. Being a Pakistani, it greatly disappoints me to witness how the poor in my country are being victimised and their pleas are ignored by the authorities.

I sincerely hope that these children receive justice and their abusers are severely punished for these shameful and immoral acts that are against the cultural and religious values of their country.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

This is sad but this kind of crime happens all over the world. Pakistan is a strong nation and we will stand togther and deal with this.

My concern is that there are people who are intent on destroying Pakistan’s image. Pakistan always seems to be in the headlines for negative news and I get sick of the fingers pointed at us as if this kind of thing doesn’t happen elsewhere.

We are being portrayed very badly and it’s really wrong to blame the whole nation because of the actions of a few bad people.

Samir Khalid, Dubai

If it is proven that the police ignored reports about this abuse and that parliament looked the other way because of family relationships, then Pakistan’s problems deserve to be closely scrutinised.

This is especially so when we are talking about innocent children who have no rights and poor people who are unable to fight the government who is supposed to be protecting them.

Sussanne Cherrie, US

Ali Hassani is a great example

After reading your news article, Emirati teenager delivers thousands of books to Dubai school in need (August 11), I want to express to Ali Hassani that he has done a truly wonderful job.

This is fantastic and I would like to thank him for his kind and thoughtful act. If I were his teacher, I would give him an A+.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Ali is clearly a fine young man and I hope he keeps doing these kind of initiatives.

Maybe he could contact the embassies here to see if they can have a book drive?

Barbara Radwan-Wiehe, Dubai

It’s so great to hear that the current generation of teenagers not only like books but also have them in this quantity and don’t mind sharing them.

Name withheld by request

Maternity leave is far too short

In relation to your editorial, The case for longer maternity leave (August 10), there is no way that 45 days is long enough.

It does not give the mother time to make a good bond or even to have fully recovered unless she has had anything but a perfect delivery.

Carol Goodey, Abu Dhabi

Donald Trump is not the answer

I read with interest the opinion article by Khalaf Al Habtoor (Why I'm backing The Donald's bid to be president, August 10) and while he makes some interesting points, it remains to be seen that the hilariously politically incorrect Mr Trump has any real substance behind the pumped up bravado he has been displaying in the media.

Like popcorn, he may initially have an appealing scent and taste but he is excessively inflated and any overindulgence will most definitely result in an upset stomach.

The American people deserve respect and substance. In my opinion, as humorous as it has been so far with Mr Trump, he has displayed neither.

Voters would be better to consider someone like Senator Bernie Sanders instead.

Mohamed Kanoo, Abu Dhabi

I’m afraid I must disagree with Mr Habtoor. Mr Trump does not automatically become a better candidate because presidents before him have failed to deal with crises.

In my opinion, he is an arrogant attention-seeker and not somebody who has devoted himself to bettering his community and/or society.

Regarding the belief that he will not embroil the US in unnecessary conflict, Mr Trump has made several hostile statements about other countries.

He’s not “honest”, a “straight shooter” or “transparent”, as the article suggests. In reality he’s loud, brash and has contempt for the very people he is pledging to support.

Name withheld by request