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.
Inflation
Inflation is at its pinnacle in Pakistan. Its rate has increased from 24.5% to 27.6%. The prices of commodities have reached out of the common people range. People are living in the country of high inflation with low salaries. They are in a dilemma on how to fulfill their basic needs. The devaluation of Pakistani currency, increase of oil prices and instability of economy are the major causes of inflation.
Unemployment, major industries are shutting down, petrol, gas and electricity prices have increased tremendously. Pakistani people are facing an existential crisis at this time. Food items are out of the reach of middle and lower classes. The government should take strict measures in controlling inflation and price hikes of the basic needs of people.
Mahnoor Hanif
Lahore
Street Crimes
I would request you to spare a few lines space in the columns of your esteemed newspaper to the attention of concerned authorities to a very grave situation.This is the situation of street crimes which has become a routine affair in Karachi. Snatching of cell phones, looting of valuable things, that do in broad daylight are common in Karachi. Our life has become of little worth and unsecured. Motorbike riders take away what they want without any resistance.
We are afraid of our own shadow as some criminal is chasing us. It is beyond our comprehension why the law enforcing agencies are silent spectators of such a grave situation of social evils. We hope that the concerned authorities will take the positive measures to spare us from continuous mental torture.
Bisma Zulfiqar
Karachi
Illegal guns
This refers to letter “ Illegal guns “ (January 6, 2023) by Faisal Ansar. In practically we see that thieves are having illegal guns robbing people in the street in front of all people.
There are many forces in our country whose duties are to protect us from thieves but during robbery we can’t find them near our apartments. What is duty of a public servant if it can’t take care of such hazardous people, yet not in Pakistan?
WASEEM LAL
Nepotism
The cheapest and least creative kind of corruption, according to some, is nepotism. Giving family and friends the greatest jobs even when they are not deserving of it is the worst example of abusing power. Selecting someone solely on the basis of personal relationships and contacts doesn’t seem fair or justified. Imagine how it would feel to be passed over for advancement after providing loyal and truthful services and putting in a lot of effort. Does merit or relationship take precedence?
Not only does nepotism give opportunities to undeserving people, but also it gravely violates rights of thousands of brilliant, competent, and skilled people, which is what is destroying the nations. Such instances of family members living together are common in Pakistan. It is a popular practice in many industries, including business, cricket, entertainment, and educational institutions. Pakistan, also known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is regarded as a free nation that was founded in the name of the Islamic doctrine. But regrettably, Pakistani citizens do not enjoy equal rights. Therefore, we should oppose nepotism. The next generation of youth should be taught through programmes that nepotism undermines systems and that those who use their positions of authority for nepotism must face consequences.
HAMMAD MALIK
Taxila
Road infrastructure
I am writing this letter to bring to the fore an agitating issue that we, residents of Karachi, have been enduring for a long time. Being a NED University student has brought this particular issue to my attention as I commute daily through these poor road conditions to the university.
Poor road development has always been a long-standing issue in Karachi. However, these craters and potholes have now developed on every road and street in our city. Such poor infrastructure not only disrupts the traffic flow but is also proving to be quite damaging to the cars. In the current economic crisis, they lead to more expenditure on the already financially overburdened residents.
Commuting daily through this traffic and dust is also proving to be the leading cause of stress and fatigue among Karachi residents. Reports also show that the city has observed an increase in road accidents due to road conditions. As a student, I have also been late to my lectures twice this month due to traffic. The government should solve these issues before the damage becomes irreversible. The city and its residents deserve proper development programs to improve these conditions.
JAWAD RIZVI
Karachi
Healthcare system
The healthcare system in Pakistan is defined to be one of the most corrupt sectors, according to Transparency International. The doctors treat people like untouchables, especially in public hospitals. Much of the responsibility falls on the government for being unable to build new hospitals and upgrade the existing facilities. Reasons being unavailability of modern technology and machinery in existing hospitals, lack of new hospital buildings to cater to the needs of an ever-growing population, Shortage of trained doctors, refusal of medical graduates to work in rural settings, Negative attitudes of doctors; high fees, bribery.
AIMAN AHMED
Karachi
