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Scorching heat waves
During recent summer temperature has risen to unbearable extremes across the country, jeop-ardizing lives and livelihoods. Heatwave conditions have prevailed in upper Sindh, southern Punjab and various parts of Balochistan. These areas are vital to the country’s agriculture sec-tor and the unprecedented heat has adversely affected several crops, killing plants and lower-ing yields and quality of produce. Some farmers claim that they have never witnessed such blistering heat while others claim that the ruinous impact of the hot weather has been exacer-bated by a shortage of water.
These areas are vital to the country’s agriculture; heat has adversely affected several crops, killing plants and lowering yields and quality of produce. Some farmers claim that they have never witnessed such blistering heat while others claim that the ruinous impact of the hot weather has been exacerbated by a shortage of water. The agricultural cornerstone of the country’s economy, which is already struggling to stay afloat, might be pushed closer to the brink of collapse than ever before in the immediate future. This is a climate emergency and must be declared as a health emergency as well. We know we are under the same spell of back to back heatwaves and while the sun cannot be cooled down, enough safety measures have to be in place to protect each and every individual from the heat.
A large population in Pakistan is also compelled to be outdoors in peak heat hours to earn their daily wages. Hospitals must be notified to stay on alert. Damage and loss of life are eas-ily preventable if this unavoidable heat spell is pre-managed. Heat stroke management does not require overly expensive infrastructure; only the healthcare units must be ready to handle the load and provide quick treatment. It is time for all provincial Chief Ministers to step up, issue directives and announce personal supervision so that no lives are lost to a heatwave that is already expected.
MUAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Undermining democracy
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa recently highlighted the issue of relying on presiden-tial ordinances for making laws. He questioned whether it is democratic to impose the will of one person on the entire nation through an ordinance and stressed that the President should provide detailed reasons for such actions. These remarks emphasize the importance of Par-liament in a democratic system, where the elected assembly is the supreme institution for making laws. Given our history, which lacks strong democratic traditions, governments often bypass the opposition and rush through legislation, ignoring constitutional rules and parlia-mentary practices.
The Constitution, particularly Articles 70 to 77, outlines the process for turning a bill into law. However, it has been observed that even democratic governments prefer to use presiden-tial ordinances rather than go through Parliament. This approach is problematic because it often involves presenting bills when there is not enough attendance in the assembly to prop-erly debate and consider them. To ensure effective and representative laws, it would be better if all bills were introduced through mutual consultation between the government and the op-position.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that there is no substitute for Parliament in resolving political issues. In a democratic system, the institution of elected representatives is essential for making and amending laws. While presidential ordinances can temporarily ad-dress urgent legislative needs when Parliament is not in session, they must be presented in Parliament for approval, rejection, or amendment. Relying too much on presidential ordi-nances undermines democratic principles and creates chaos and instability.
Our political leaders must understand that by weakening Parliament, they endanger not only the nation and its people but also their own political future.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Box letter
Concerns about inflation
I am writing to express my deep concern about the escalating inflation in Pakistan. As a citi-zen who experiences its effects daily, I feel compelled to shed light on this pressing issue. Inflation simply means the prices of goods and services are increasing over time. This trans-lates to our money having less purchasing power than before, making it harder for families to afford basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter. It also adversely impacts businesses, as their costs escalate, forcing them to either raise prices or reduce jobs. The recent surge in inflation has disproportionately affected many people, particularly those with fixed incomes or low wages. It is increasingly challenging to make ends meet, leading to financial strain and hardship for numerous households. While several factors contribute to inflation, such as sup-ply chain disruptions, rising energy prices and government policies, it is imperative for our leaders to take decisive action to address this issue. Measures like controlling government spending, fostering competition in markets and investing in infrastructure can help alleviate the impact of inflation on our economy and society. As concerned citizens, we must urge our policymakers to prioritize solutions that will stabilize prices and ensure a brighter future for all Pakistanis.
AIMA ASAD
Via email
