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Culture Minister needed
Besides economic sector revival and development of other priority sectors, there is also dire need for promotion of art and culture in the country in furtherance of projection of soft, positive and progressive image of Pakistan and its peace loving people within the country and also in foreign countries. This is to request PM Imran Khan to induct a whole time Culture Minister in his cabinet with immediate effect to ensure promotion of art and culture of Pakistan within country and abroad.
Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and other public sector art and culture related bodies are currently being looked after by the Federal Education Minister who is holding additional charge of the National History and Literary Heritage Division under whose control PNCA falls. Because of his heavy commitments as the Education Minister, he does not find enough time to visit the PNCA regularly to set its house in order and also ensure promotion of art and culture.
It is also submitted for the kind information of the Prime Minister that the interest of the Minister holding additional charge can very well be judged by bitter fact that on his express directions the organizers of first-ever international Islamabad Art Festival held last month had paid money to PNCA for use of its space while all other facilities and places were provided free.
This just one instance in the larger interest to ensure promotion of art and culture should be enough to convince the worthy Prime Minister that the country direly needs a full-time Culture Minister at the earliest possible lest PNCA and other public sector cultural bodies start crumbling due to lack of interest at appropriate higher levels.
MUHAMMAD MURTAZA
Lahore
Karachi and politics
Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan not only in population but also in revenue generation as well. Different studies show certain different figures. But, the city generates more than 50% of total revenue of the country which is even greater than the whole Punjab province.
It has been named as the city of lights but unfortunately, Karachi now has become city under water. This monsoon season has totally changed shape of the city and now you will find water everywhere. There is no proper management system in the city and all the water pipelines drainage system has become outdated now. Federal, provincial and local governments failed miserably to handle the situation properly.
Our political leaders are playing blame game with one another but no one shows seriousness towards the city’s problems. Karachi is the hub of business and it is the source of income for thousands of people across the country. But, today the city is having urban flooding; even the most posh area of the city “Defence” “ is under water.
This shows how the management system of Karachi works. The current scenario of the city tells us the seriousness of the political leadership towards the largest city of the country. All the political leaders, either federal or provincial ministers should work together to make this city again the city of lights. They should keep aside their own interests and work for the better future of the people of Karachi.
This city should be managed properly and I urge central, provincial and local governments to take timely measures to save the city of light and make it great again. There should be no more political gains. They need to work together to save the most populous city.
SHAHZAD PANHWAR
Sukkur
Raising
brain drain
There are many highly skilled, adroit and intellectual Pakistani citizens who can offer much more to their own nation, but they are working in foreign countries. Since there are better job opportunities, handsome salary, required facilities and secure environment in overseas countries. Therefore, people work more comfortably there.
On the other hand, in Pakistan unemployment and poverty are on the top. The inflation is increasing with each passing day and people are worried for a piece of bread. There are less and less facilities over here, thus this uncertain situation forces people to work in other countries. Shockingly, according to World Bank’s latest migration and remittances fact book, in over all ranking. Pakistan had taken the third position in South Asia in the rate of brain drain.
The report says more than 300,000 Pakistani citizens left the country in 2018. However, without a doubt the brain drain creates a massive influence on Pakistan. The government needs to step before it loses all its expert brains. The government should provide more job opportunities and facilities so that the educated Pakistani prefer working in the country to serve the nation rather than serving other nations.
FARAHNAZ FAROOQ
Turbat
Virgin Atlantic in Pakistan
Recently, I have read about a very promising and exciting development regarding the announcement of launching Virgin Atlantic flights to Pakistan in December 2020. Considering the current scenario, I think it is not just a huge investment pull but also indicating a changed and positive image of Pakistan internationally.
Virgin Atlantic is a name that is known globally for its quality and safest airline services; often mentioned by overseas Pakistanis in a good way. I am sure, indirectly it will bring much more benefits than just airline services in Pakistan in terms of trade links and tourism in Pakistan and will also work as a sign for other international airlines to see the business potential of Pakistan.
I would like to appreciate the efforts of Government of Pakistan for their endeavours to take on board such a prestigious airline particularly in such challenging times. Three new routes from London Heathrow to Lahore, London Heathrow to Islamabad and from Manchester to Islamabad; these direct flights and new services will be operational in Pakistan from December 2020 which is great news for travellers and tourists from UK especially post Covid-19 scenario. I hope this will attract international tourists to Pakistan and I wish that this deal will be mutually beneficial for both nations.
MUHAMMAD SAGHEER
Islamabad
