Pakistan air crash: condolences to the families of passengers

With reference to the report 97 dead after passenger jet crashes near Karachi airport (May 22): what a tragedy for all those on board and everyone who left to be with their beloved ones for Eid. I pray for the surviving families during this difficult time.

Irum Ashraf, Sialkot, Pakistan 

This is so sad. The year 2020 is giving us the worst. May the souls of the passengers rest in peace. Deep condolences to the families.

Sanjay Prasad Nainwal, Sharjah 

We are in tears. The only predictable thing about life is death.
Zeeshan Maqbool, Abu Dhabi

My heart is heavy with sympathy for the families who have to go through this.

Deneilia Pereira, Dubai

Doctors and nurses should get a leg up from governments across the world 

In reference to the article by Justin Thomas A case for treating everyone with compassion, especially healthcare staff (May 18): doctors and nurses across the world have helped to buffer the immense damage that Covid-19 could have caused to human lives across nations, even more than it already has. Health workers have endangered their own lives to save all of us. Many health workers are working 12 to 14 hours at a stretch, neglecting their own health and their families to serve Covid-19 patients. Apart from showing due respect and appreciation to health workers, governments should review their salaries and allowances. They should also be insured generously at government expense.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

However unusual this year, Eid Mubarak to all

This weekend marks the end of Ramadan 2020, and what a peculiar period it has been for Muslims around the world. This year Ramadan was observed I can only imagine was a real test of faith. Normally, during Eid Al Fitr, families come together to break bread, to exchange gifts and most importantly, to pray and give thanks for all the good in their lives.

The expat community in Riyadh is keeping their spirits up by supporting each other, which is wonderful. We continue to work from home. Most of us don't leave the confines of our residential compounds. So it's hard not to feel a little like Pauline Collins from the movie Shirley Valentine, waking up day after day to say good morning to the kitchen appliances.

However, we realise that despite all the devices that keep us connected, a virtual hug will never replace a real hug from our loved ones. And equally, nothing will replace the excitement or the smells of a home perfumed by traditional and festive home-cooked food prepared for family and friends to gather together and enjoy around the kitchen table. And the same will be true and acutely felt by all our Muslim friends this Eid. Eid Mubarak to all.

Hilary McCormack, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia