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Kashmore’s feudal shadow
As of now, everyone knows the elections will be held on February 8, 2023, as declared by the ECP. So some so-called waderas and sardars have started their election campaigns in interior Sindh, and it can be seen in some videos circulating on social media platforms that they are asking people for votes, saying, “Your village supported us last time, and we are expecting the same again,” and with no surprise, they are receiving a green signal. Surprisingly, no one shared any problems, as they were living a luxurious life in interior Sindh without any kind of issue.
As usual, there will be no transparency in elections because there is a huge lack of intellectual and literate people. They think it is a proud moment for our tribe and village that our sardar visited us once every 5 years, which is very shameful. People living there love living under the chieftaincy system. The situation doesn’t seem to be good for transparent elections, especially in Kashmore district, as people vote for an individual, not a political party. They don’t see what the candidate did in the past, how many problems he solved, how many construction projects he started, or how his overall performance was.
The only thing they see is that the candidate is their sardar. And one more point is that now so many educated people with a better educational background are also behaving like illiterates. Their thinking is no different from that of an ordinary person in Kashmore. Transparency is impossible without literacy, and literacy is impossible without education. And there are people who are well educated but shamefully illiterate.
UMAR BHAYO
Kandhkot , Sindh
Economic crisis
The economic crisis in Pakistan during 2022-23 was a challenging time for the country. It was a period marked by various factors that affected the economy. Pakistan faced challenges in terms of inflation and rising prices of essential commodities, putting a strain on the purchasing power of the people. The government implemented measures to control inflation, such as monetary policies and subsidies, but it took time for the effects to be fully realized.
The energy crisis played a significant role in the economic downturn. Frequent power outages and load shedding affected industries, leading to a decline in production and job losses. The lack of a consistent and reliable energy supply hindered economic growth and investment.
However, despite these challenges, the government took steps to address the economic crisis. They introduced reforms to improve the business environment, attract foreign investment and enhance the ease of doing business. Efforts were made to strengthen the agriculture sector, promote exports and diversify the economy through the platform of Special Business Facilitation Council. The situation gradually improved over time, with the government’s initiatives starting to yield positive results. The economy began to recover and growth rates started to pick up. The government focused on fiscal discipline, reducing the fiscal deficit and implementing structural reforms to ensure long-term stability.
MISHAL ASIF
Rawalpindi
Music’s mental health impact
Music has a profound impact on mental health, offering numerous benefits that positively influence our wellbeing. Firstly, music serves as a powerful stress reliever. Listening to soothing melodies or upbeat tunes can reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, thereby promoting relaxation and tranquillity in individuals.
Moreover, music has the ability to elevate mood and boost happiness. Certain melodies trigger the release of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter, leading to an improved mood and increased pleasure. This effect is particularly beneficial for those experiencing depression or anxiety.
Another advantage of music lies in its therapeutic nature. Music therapy has been utilized to aid in various mental health treatments, including helping individuals cope with trauma, manage emotional distress and improve communication and social skills. It provides a means of expression and connection, facilitating emotional healing and promoting a sense of belonging.
Furthermore, music can enhance cognitive functions. Engaging with music, whether through playing instruments or actively listening, stimulates the brain, improving memory, focus and overall cognitive abilities. This cognitive stimulation is especially beneficial for older adults, potentially delaying age-related cognitive decline.
Additionally, music serves as a tool for self-expression and creativity. Writing songs, playing instruments or simply engaging with music can provide an outlet for individuals to express their emotions and thoughts, fostering self-discovery and personal growth.
In conclusion, the benefits of music on mental health are extensive and diverse. From reducing stress and improving mood to aiding in therapy and enhancing cognitive functions, music plays a crucial role in promoting overall wellbeing and emotional balance in individuals.
ALIYAN ASAD MEMON
Karachi
Box letter
Balochistan’s girl education
Through your esteemed newspaper, I’m writing this letter to draw the attention a pressing issue. In rural areas of Balochistan, both boys and girls face difficulties in accessing education. However, the situation for girls is particularly concerning, as the literacy rate for women in rural areas of the province is less than two% which is surprisingly low. Moreover, Pakistan’s allocation to education has decreased to 2.5% of the budget, which is 0.5% less than in 2000, putting Pakistan in the 113th position out of 120 countries on the Education Development Index. This has resulted in an overall literacy rate of 63.3%, with about 60 million people lacking literacy skills. While some districts in Balochistan have higher literacy rates, such as Kech with 67% and Panjgur with 59.4%, the majority of districts are still struggling compared to other regions across the country. Makran Division has the highest level of awareness, but Turbat lags behind in terms of girls’ education. Private schools charge exorbitant fees and transportation is a problem due to the long distances to schools. Government school conditions are also concerning, with poor infrastructure and often absent teachers due to lack of attention from management. Additionally, there are religious influence that forbids girls from attending school in some areas.
ZAFAR AHMED BALOCH
Via email
