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Gas shortage
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding ongoing shortage of gas in Karachi. This issue has not only inconvenienced the residents of our city but has also had a significant impact on their daily lives. Over past few months, Karachi has been facing an acute shortage of natural gas, which has resulted in frequent disruptions to domestic and commercial gas supplies. Households, businesses and industries have felt the consequences of this shortage alike. Cooking, heating and hot water have become luxuries that many can no longer afford. Small businesses that rely on gas for their operations are struggling to stay afloat, and larger industries are facing production delays and increased costs.
The reasons for this persistent gas shortage need to be thoroughly investigated. Is it due to supply chain issues, mismanagement or an insufficient allocation of resources? Regardless of the cause, it is essential that our authorities take immediate action to address this crisis. Moreover, lack of transparency in communica-tion from relevant authorities regarding gas shortage is adding to frustration of the public. We need clear and regular updates on steps being taken to resolve this issue and an estimated timeline for when we can expect relief.
AFROZ HYDER
Karachi
Disgraceful way to earn money
Pakistan, being a developing country, has about 39% of its population living in multidimensional poverty, leading many people to beg on the streets. Beggary in Pakistan is not just a matter of necessity; rather, it has become a profession. Beggary is one of the lowest-level ways adopted to earn money. The beggar mafia is spread throughout all major cities like Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.
This criminal mafia kidnaps needy and poor people from underdeveloped areas and force them to beg by threatening them. They brainwash them, disable them physically, or make them drug addicts so they may beg on the streets without any complaints. Thus, the beggars we see on the streets are essentially employees who work for one mafia or the other. The ratio of street beggary is multiplying at a very alarming rate. Nearly 25 million people out of 170 million citizens in Pakistan are professional beggars which is quite a shocking figure. A study conducted by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy shows that Pakistanis give around Rs. 240 billion (more than $2 billion) annually to charity. The report indicates that about 98% of people in the country give in one form or another, be it with cash or in-kind donations. Of course, begging is a socio-economic prob-lem. Most beggars are forced by circumstances into this profession. Begging, justifiably, is not a criminal offense. However, strict action needs to be taken against those involved in running beggar mafias. There is also a need for imparting vocational skills to beggars in shelter homes.
HAMZA SALEEM
Karachi
Poor school management
Education is a fundamental need in any society and management of educational institutions is crucial to promote quality education. Sarikallag, a village in district Kech lacks proper management of school that was established long ago but due to mismanagement is devoid of quality education.
Since Government Girls Primary school Sarikallag consist of just two classrooms while number of lady staff is also two. It is unfortunate that due to space constraint three classes are accommodated in a single room. One can imagine the plight of teachers and students. There is no staff room for teachers. The government must look into these issues because not only Sarikallag but many other villages and towns face similar issues.
SHAHJAN BASHIR
Turbat, Balochistan
Gaza and Israel
Press reports have indicated that Israel is not prepared to halt the war in Gaza that it initiated a few months ago. Instead of a ceasefire, Israel is also not allowing any country that is interested to provide food, clean water that are essential for people to survive. Such restrictions come under the category of cruelty.
According to recent reports from the United Nations General Assembly, the oppressed people will not receive any required items, which means that there is a fifty percent chance that thousands of people will die due to starvation. Mostly people of Palestine do not consider themselves safe anywhere. BILAL AHMAD
Via email
