Sir: According to a UNICEF reports, Pakistan is the most dangerous place for newborns. Of every 1,000 babies born — 46 die within the first month of their lives. It is utterly shameful that while the politicians are busy in boasting about their achievements, the country is being ranked lowest when it comes to serious and important issues like child mortality, education, freedom of press and women’s rights. This goes on to reflect our flawed priorities and regressive policies. Pakistan has no quality of life. The real asset of any nation is the individual who has been allowed to nourish and act creatively. Also, the issue hasn’t taken place in a vacuum; it’s directly linked the women health issues. Recently, a UN report said that poorest Nigerian women fare better in nutrition than their counterparts in Sindh. I don’t know how social scientists would describe it but I believe if citizens do not even have basic rights, the state has already failed; it’s standing on the shallow pillars. I urge the Parliament to make efforts to make this security state a welfare state. This is what states and orders are for. AZMAT JAHANGIR Rawalpindi Published in Daily Times, February 22nd 2018.