Corrupt politicians are an embarrassment to Pakistan

Our readers have their say on the World Cup, Trump, Syria and Pakistan

A street is decorated with banners for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leader of Pakistan Peoples Party, ahead of elections in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. Shakil Adil / AP

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of Pakistan, warned strictly against the lure of corruption at the nation’s birth in 1947. And yet here we are today, at a point where rampant corruption has mauled the national economy beyond repair over time.

In addition to more than $90 billion in the form of foreign loans, taken out by corrupt leaders and now repayable by the hapless nation, the accusations against, and convictions of, politicians on corruption charges are an embarrassment for Pakistanis.

And yet claims of so-called political martyrdom in response to proven corruption are constant. It is shameless, to say the least. Governments of nations where such stolen wealth is parked by the corrupt should take steps to ensure that all such money is returned to Pakistan.

Mohammad Hamza, Dubai

Unsporting and law-breaking vandals should be punished

I refer to your article Clashes and crashes mar France's World cup party (July 16): when thousands of football fans were celebrating their nation's victory in the World Cup final, some bad elements destroyed public property and attacked a pharmacy while taking photos on their mobile phones of their vandalism. This was a tragic episode. Sport should come with decent behaviour; looting public property is unacceptable. The miscreants at fault for this behaviour should be punished.

K Ragavan, Denver

Trump scored a spectacular own goal at Helsinki summit

I write in reference to your article Trump blames 'US foolishness' for poor ties with Russia (July 16): so, after the World Cup concluded with the final between France and Croatia on July 15 in Moscow, we witnessed a second World Cup of sorts on July 16 in Helsinki. Facing off were Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. Final score: Mr Putin – one goal, Mr Trump – zero goals. Needless to say, Russia's winning goal was a spectacular own goal by Mr Trump.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Only death and destruction remain on Syria’s wastelands

In reference to your article These devastating miniature artworks depict 'dark and grim picture' of Syria today (July 17), the painful transition of Syria from a sprawling and largely happy country filled with culture and utterly charming people, down to a wasteland of rubble thanks to the wanton destruction by a select few, is one of the greatest tragedies of our time.

I don’t know if anyone in their right mind would feasibly disagree. All hope is gone. Only death and destruction are left. It really is the greatest tragedy.

Name withheld by request