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.
Be kind to animals
We will be celebrating World Animal Day on October 4. I’m sure, many of us are not even aware that this day exists. The day is a reminder for us to treat our pets and stray animals with respect.
If we look around our highways and streets, we will find plenty of stray animals roaming about. That’s no way to show respect to these animals. It’s like we have disowned them. Animals enrich us in ways we don’t even know.
October 4 is also the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi who loved animals. It is a day to celebrate animal life in all its forms. It is a day to acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives. It is a day to acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives. World Animal Day is a wonderful reminder of different ways in which animals enhance our lives.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
PIA on verge of collapse
As per Quarterly Report for FY19 of Special Section, PIA has been in loss since 2000 except for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. Government is paying huge amounts to compensate for PIA losses. Last year the enterprise reportedly received a loss of 97.23 billion rupees. Sources have told Geo News that PIA may suspend operations if it doesn’t receive a 23 billion rupee emergency fund.
PIA has asked for a Rs 22.9 billion emergency bailout which was rejected by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). ECC also rejected the deferment of 1.3 billion rupees per month which PIA pays to FBR against Federal Excise Duty. The request of 0.7 billion rupees was also rejected which PIA pays to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Last month FBR closed 13 PIA bank accounts against non-payment of eight billion rupees in FED.
The enterprise has been in turmoil for more than 20 years but the successive governments have failed to bring it on the proper track. Now the situation has reached the worst possible point and the government has started thinking for a way-out. General rumours are trending that the government is planning to make it privatized. This act may save the enterprise from shutting down but it will have adverse effects publically. In such a case, PIA may enjoy monopoly and it may become a lickpenny organisation.
However, continuing it with the current condition is also not the solution to the problem. It is a point of grave concern that the government has failed to grab out the enterprise from the burden of losses even after more than 20 years. PIA is one of the top ten most loss bearing enterprises in the country.
JAHANGIR JAMEEL
Turbat Balochistan
Foreign lobbying
Foreign lobbying is a practice that occupies a central role in the realm of international diplomacy and domestic policymaking. It involves efforts by foreign governments, individuals, or entities to influence the decisions, policies and legislation of another country. While foreign lobbying can play a legitimate and constructive role in fostering international cooperation and addressing global issues, it also raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the potential for undue influence.
One key aspect of foreign lobbying is its role in shaping the foreign policy of the target country. Governments and entities from abroad often employ lobbyists and advocacy groups to promote their interests and concerns, ranging from trade agreements and economic partnerships to geopolitical issues and human rights concerns. This engagement can be seen as an essential component of international relations, allowing countries to engage in diplomacy beyond traditional diplomatic channels.
However, foreign lobbying is not without its challenges and potential pitfalls. The most significant concern is the risk of undue influence on the domestic policymaking process.
When foreign entities invest heavily in lobbying efforts, they can potentially sway political decisions in their favour. This has led to concerns about national sovereignty, as the interests of foreign actors may not align with the best interests of the target country’s citizens.
Transparency and disclosure are critical elements in addressing these concerns. Many countries have implemented laws and regulations that require lobbyists to register and disclose their activities, financial contributions and relationships with foreign entities. These transparency measures are essential for ensuring that the public, policymakers and relevant authorities can assess the extent and impact of foreign lobbying efforts.
SADIA YOUSUF
Karachi
Freelancing boom
In an era of the US Dollar’s rise, Pakistan still struggles to maximise its benefit from the freelancing industry. As a nation struggling to provide economic opportunities, free-lancing or digital work is a welcome alternative by many of the skilled population. The current cost of living crisis becomes much more manageable even if only one family member is working online for an international contractor.
However, instead of utilising this opportunity to remotely outsource its skilled population, Pakistan is falling behind due to two major shortcomings. Firstly, the electricity cuts severely impact freelancers’ ability to work productively.
Electricity is vital for remote work as you need a stable and consistent Wi-Fi connection as well as power for charging appliances. Moreover, even if freelancers adapt to the routine cuts, often there are unscheduled power cuts which inhibit freelancers’ ability to complete their projects on time and build a strong profile in the digital industry.
In addition, Pakistan also lacks digital payment methods such as Apply Pay or Paypal that are used by contractors worldwide. Thus, Pakistani freelancers have to use alternative payment methods that often charge higher fee and a lower conversion rate. Not only do the workers themselves suffer but contractors themselves become hesitant to hire individuals who do not have easy payment options in place.
JAYESHA JAMSHED
Lahore
