Self Talk

Dengue fever has hit Pakistan hard this time. The virus has been there for a couple of years now but this year the number of casualties as well as morbidity has been far more than it was in previous years. The suspected cases report a rapid decline in platelets, the component of blood that helps it coagulate. In the absence or profound decrease of platelets, blood fails to maintain balance of coagulation and bleeding starts from all mucous membranes as well as any minor cuts and bruises on the body. Intestines, mouth and urinary bladder are frequent sites of bleeding. If not countered with an adequate measure, either by replacing platelets or by a therapy which increase their numbers, mortality occurs frequently. Cases have been reported in media and public where people have benefited from use of juice of papaya leaves. I came across such a story in The Express Tribune where a man has recounted his brush with the deadly virus and its consequences. I we...

Dr Mirza’s sudden outburst in anger has taken everyone by surprise. Despite his previous outburst in media and public against some party policies, he was known as a close aide of president Zardari. Many believe that his loyalty may always be with his party, he has run out of patience by the policy of national reconciliation adopted by his party’s bosses in the center. Others still doubt any depth behind his allegations and think that his impulsive nature is being expertly exploited by the party administration, and knowingly or unknowingly he is playing the bad cop for them, providing them with space to bargain with their coalition partners in Karachi. Despite these different views amongst public and analysts, everyone has started to believe that he means some kind of business. His press conferences raise questio...