Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
For consideration of PMSS
The economic predicaments of the country are phenomenal. The balance of payments and current account deficits have become causes for serious concern, and merit prompt and special attention of your government.
While making all out endeavours to effectively address these two profoundly vital issues seriously confronting the country today, Pakistan should make unfeigned and planned endeavours to free itself from the clutches of international financial institutions such as the IMF and the like.
I am fully cognizant of the dire financial needs of the country right now. Withdrawing itself from the IMF at this point in time may, therefore, be profoundly difficult. But if we manage to overcome our balance of payments and current account deficits through stringent and planned measures, I see no reason why we cannot cease taking assistance from the IMF and other such international financial institutions.
I had cautioned the previous government not to seek IMF assistance for obvious reasons. Reasons that I lucidly and elaborately highlighted in two of my articles on the issue, published in some of the leading publications of the country on 20 October 2018 and 28 February 2020 respectively. (Links of the said articles: https://dailytimes. com.pk/ 312131/imf-assistance-more- detrimental-than-beneficial-for-pakistan/ https://dailytimes.com.pk/566225/the-imf-unveils-its-real-face/
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
Easter
Easter, also called ‘Pascha’ or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
The resurrection of Jesus is more than a noteworthy historical event, like a great victory in battle or the crowning of an earthly king.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Malnutrition
in district Tharparkar
Malnutrition is the condition developed by the body when it faces a deficiency of primary nutrients like vitamins and minerals which are imperative for the proper functioning of the body. District Tharparkar in the province of Sindh has been at the receiving end of the adverse consequences of malnutrition since long. Under-nutrition results in stunted growth and wasting. Studies reveal that problems like these are most commonly prevalent in children under the age of five and that the frequency of such health-related issues has increased overtime.
One of the prime causes is under-nutrition/malnutrition during pregnancy. Lack of proper diet during pregnancy is not only detrimental to the mother’s health but also deprives the child of nutrient balance and endangers the life of both. Deficiency of breastfeeding, inability to treat diseases, poverty and homelessness are other root causes of malnutrition in district Tharparkar. In January 2022, seven children under the age of five died due to under-nutrition.
In district Tharparkar, 53% children are underweight and around 46% are wasted. Let’s see what can be the possible solutions to this challenge that the people of Tharparkar have to face. Improvement in nutrition, provision of proper supplements and therapeutic food items and treatment of underlying causes can be the possible solutions.
Similarly, advancement in agricultural practices, measures to reduce poverty, health insurance and improvement in the process of sanitation can be helpful in curtailing malnutrition in an under-developed district like Tharparkar.
M UMMER ABBASI
Abbottabad
Reckless diving
For the last three to four months, there has not been a single day when road accidents did not occur in Rawalpindi. The main cause of these accidents is reckless driving. The truck drivers and youngsters who usually drink are notorious for reckless driving. They don’t even care for their life as well as for the life of others.
A few days ago, I was horrified to witness a dreadful accident. A young man was crushed to death when a speedy truck hit his bike and ran away immediately. Unfortunately, the person was dead on the spot. Such types of accidents happen daily in our city. People usually break the traffic laws, and accidents happen. Countless innocent lives are lost in such road accidents.
It is my humble request to the traffic police to pay attention to such reckless and careless drivers. These reckless drivers should be punished, so that they can learn a lesson that what they are doing with other people’s lives is a sad reality.
SYEDA AIMEN RIAZ
Rawalpindi
