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.
Increasing inflation
The Federal Government took a right step by increasing salaries of Government employees from 30 to 35 percent and pension by 17.5 percent. But this relief is still insufficient in view of ever day increasing inflation and price hike of essential commodities. Moreover, the Government is also set to increase gas tariffs from 45 to 50 percent from 01 July, this year. This will second increase in gas tariffs within six months after previous raise which took effect from January 01, 2023.
The Government also announced to increase minimum wages of workers from Rs 25,000 to Rs 32,000 month which is also not sufficient viewing high rate of inflation. But it should also be seen that rarely any worker employed in formal or informal sector is being paid previous minimum wages of Rs 25,000. To add insult to injury, workers in most of industrial units are not entitled to enjoy weekly off and they are paid Rs 20,000 after spending 10 to 12 hours at work places. Their children are also deprived of facilities of basic education and health facilities.
In the present circumstances, it is almost impossible for them to make both ends meet. The Government needs to take emergency measures to control prices of essential commodities and revise slabs of electricity and gas tariffs. It was also required to ensure that benefits of reduction in prices of petroleum products are passed on to the common man.
HAMAYUN TAHSEEN
Islamabad
Eunuchs are a great nuisance
Eunuchs are a great nuisance to all of us. They harass passengers in trains, buses and while walking on the streets. They beg from houses where a child is born or a boy or a girl is getting married.
They keep earning in thousands everyday but what good are they doing to the society? Begging needs to be dealt with a stern hand and the shame of the dance of eunuchs must be put to an end.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Slow reconstruction
I am writing to draw your attention to a matter of utmost concern and urgency regarding the ongoing reconstruction of MM Road in our district Bhakkar. The purpose of this correspondence is to shed light on the slow pace of work which is causing significant problems and hardships for the residents and transporters, coupled with the alarming disregard for standard operating procedures (SOPs), leading to a potential health hazard for the common people and residents residing near the road.
The reconstruction of MM Road, which began several months ago, has been progressing at an alarmingly slow pace. The prolonged duration of the project has resulted in widespread inconvenience for the local population. Commuters and transporters face tremendous challenges due to the narrowed lanes and traffic congestion caused by the construction work. The prolonged traffic delays and increased travel times have had a negative impact on the daily lives of individuals who rely on this road for their transportation needs. The sluggish progress of the project is exacerbating the situation, making it even more frustrating for those affected.
Furthermore, the issue of utmost concern is the lack of adherence to SOPs during the construction process. The absence of proper dust control measures has led to a substantial increase in dust particles, which pose a severe risk to the health and well-being of the local community. The residents, especially those living in close proximity to the road, are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of excessive dust exposure. Dust-related respiratory problems have become more prevalent, leading to an increase in health issues among the populace.
NADIR WASEEM
Bhakkar
Terrorism and extremism
Terrorism and extremism have been significant challenges for Pakistan, affecting the lives of its citizens and hampering the nation’s progress. Pakistan has faced many forms of terrorism including extremist groups attacks which have caused instability and economic impact for Pakistan. One of the most prominent extremist groups in Pakistan is the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The TTP has carried out numerous attacks targeting civilians, security forces and key installations. Other extremist organizations, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), have also been active in the region, continuing violence and spreading their extremist ideologies. Pakistan has faced such casualties due to terrorism as according to the Global Terrorism Index 2020, Pakistan ranked 5th among countries most affected by terrorism, with a total of 1,421 deaths in 2019.
Apart from this, Pakistan has paid economic cost for terrorism as according to a report by the Institute for Economics and Peace, terrorism cost Pakistan approximately USD 6.9 billion in 2019.
Terrorism in Pakistan is a significant issue which has destroyed Pakistan economically, potentially and destroyed trade between countries and refrained tourists from visiting the picturesque sites in the country. I request all the stakeholders to please sit together and find a solution to this monster.
QAMBER AZEEM
Kech
Box letter
Perpetuation of dowry
I am writing to foster awareness on a persistent issue that remains a problem in our society i.e. dowry. Despite the progress we have made in numerous areas, it is depressing to see this practise remains in our Pakistani culture. Dowry not only contradicts equality and human rights values, but it also perpetuates financial constraints and gender inequality. It puts unnecessary strain on families, resulting in enormous stress, debt and, in some cases, deadly results. Young women are frequently viewed as commodities with their value determined by the sum of the dowry they bring. It is critical that we speak out against this regressive practice. To overcome the deeply ingrained ideas that perpetuate dowry, awareness campaigns, education and changes in the law are required. Empowering women through economic possibilities is critical for challenging traditional norms and eliminating dowry demand. Let us strive together to create an environment in which love, respect and mutual understanding triumph over materialistic aspirations. Only then will we be able to fully advance as a society that values the dignity and wellbeing of all its members.
TAYYABA SADAQAT
Lahore
