Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Solar tube-wells
Considering dearth of energy for agriculture sector, PM Shahbaz Sharif’s initiative of 28000 solar-powered tube-wells should be labelled positive in this respect. The solar tube-wells package will certainly serve as balm on sufferings of toiling masses of Balochistan. There can be little doubt that the grievances of Baloch people are much more than what the government has done for the province from outset. Yet, this project is likely to mitigate impact of long negligence from government.
In addition transparency and equitable implementation should be a priority for government to ensure public confidence. The package should be a precedent for government to think more about earning goodwill from people of Balochistan.
MOHSIN MUMTAZ
Chiniot, Punjab
Stereotypes about nursing
Through columns of your esteemed newspaper, I want to address an important social issue that needs undivided attention. Nursing is a profession that comprises of a vast range of healthcare services oriented towards promoting health, preventing illness and caring for individuals, families and communities. Despite crucial role that nurses play in healthcare by risking their own life by providing direct care to patients with dangerous diseases, they are often subjected to outdated and incorrect assumptions.
Firstly, people think that nurses are not educated and professional. This misconception has its roots in history when mostly illiterate women were hired to provide care to ill individuals. On the contrary, in today’s modern world, there are dedicated degree programmes in nursing such as BSN, MSN, PhD and more. These programmes include difficult medical studies and hectic duties with ongoing school and exams. As nurses have a broad exposure in hospital and health system settings including interacting with doctors, workers, patients and attendants, they are often regarded as unsound character. Even educated people don’t understand that wrong character is not related to a specific profession. Any person can be a wrong doer irrespective of his/her field, degree or organisation.
In conclusion, these stereotypes and social stigmas have extremely harmful affects not only on the profession but also on their professional abilities. These gossips may make nurses depressed and ashamed of their choices. These misconceptions also have influence on patient care, leading to unhealthy environment. To prevent this, we have to spread more informed understanding of nursing. It is the basic right of every professional or individual in general to be respected irrespective of their profession, choices, religion and so on.
TEHREEM FATIMA
Kashmore, Sindh
Fate of austerity drive
There were loud claims by federal and provincial governments about austerity measures, and appeals to citizens for meeting challenges of an economy on verge of collapse. People living on verge of poverty cannot digest ostentatious lifestyle of its ruling elite at taxpayer’s money. However, those at helm don’t seem to be willing to walk their talk. It was government’s choice, not to bring into tax net, powerful pressure groups that seem to be favourites of every civil or dictatorial regime that has been at helm. Not even opposition has raised their voice against beneficiaries of largesse by every government. The burden has fallen on medium and poor salaried classes or masses impacted by indirect taxation. Austerity gets thrown out of the window, when government officials are given latest expensive I-Phones or Samsung etc. Hundreds of millions have been allocated for renovation or relocation of Commissioner Office in Lahore, or providing luxuries in Officers Mess located in GOR or in cantonments.
If the tax paying citizens of Pakistan can drive in local assembled cars, why cannot the already pampered bureaucracy, who is responsible for the mess we are in? In the presence of Bullet Proof vehicles being provided to elected or paid elite, there is no justification for a fleet of protocol cars to follow them. When official residences, maintained and furnished by tax-payers exist in Islamabad and provincial capitals, why should this bankrupt country be burdened with camp offices of the elite. All this abuse must stop.
ALI MALIK TARIQ
Lahore
Taxing retailers
In Pakistan, integrating small and large retailers into the tax net has been a persistent and long-standing challenge. With an estimated 3.6 million retailers nationwide, a significant portion of whom operate grocery stores, this sector plays a vital role in the national economy. Contributing 15% to the GDP, the retail sector also provides employment to a similar percentage of the population, making it the third largest sector in terms of economic contribution and the second largest in employment provision. Despite this, a substantial part of this daily multi-billion rupee industry remains outside the national revenue system.
The current government introduced a trader-friendly scheme in the new budget to bring these retailers into the tax net, but like previous efforts, it appears destined for failure. Evidence of this is the registration of only 44,830 retailers out of the aforementioned 3.6 million. Consequently, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is considering a simplified fixed tax scheme based on shop prices. Four years ago, the FBR seemed close to success when retailers offered to pay a fixed tax. This was a strategic move that would alleviate retailers’ fear of harassment by government officials, as most of them are not well educated and find tax documents and laws incomprehensible. Surveys of property prices in various cities and towns have already begun under this scheme.
However, it must be remembered that majority of grocery retailers operate out of rented shops. Before this issue escalates, it is crucial to address this perennial problem comprehensively and decisively. The fixed tax scheme should be implemented in a manner that accounts for all angles to ensure a permanent solution.
GULAB UMID
Turbat, Balochistan
Electricity issue
Balochistan is grappling with severe electricity shortages. Daily, residents endure frequent power outages lasting five to six hours, making life exceedingly difficult. Many impoverished individuals cannot afford solar power systems, forcing them to sleep outdoors, exposing them to diseases like dengue. Despite paying their bills, citizens continue to face persistent electricity challenges. I earnestly urge Balochistan government to take decisive action to address this critical issue.
SABA ANWAR
Turbat, Balochistan
Water shortage
Shortage of clean water is a significant issue and when clean water is not available, people are forced to use unsafe water for cooking, drinking, sanitation and hygiene. Several factors contribute to shortage of clean water, including pollution, overuse of water, poor water management and lack of infrastructure for water treatment. This issue can lead to waterborne diseases, food insecurity and health problems.
To address this issue, collective efforts are required. Government organisations and others should take immediate steps by investing in water treatment facilities. In some areas, like Balochistan, government is not addressing this issue, and there are no facilities to treat water. Therefore, government should address shortage of clean water in Balochistan and other places where water facilities are lacking.
KHADIJAH BALOCH
Karachi
Social media and mental health
Social media has become an integral part of our daily routine. We interact with diverse individuals through various apps, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram and more. Social media has revolutionised communication, offering multiple benefits.
Social media theory suggests that individuals compare themselves to others on these platforms, potentially leading to negative self-esteem, increased anxiety, depression, stress and loneliness ultimately impacting mental health. Excessive social media use can also create distance in relationships by relying solely on online communication.
On the other hand, social media has bridged geographical gaps, connecting us with family, friends and relatives worldwide. It facilitates making new friends, online shopping, bill payments, food delivery, global news access and entertainment. In conclusion, social media’s impact on society is undeniable, transforming how we communicate, share information, and connect with others. It’s crucial to avoid misinformation, spreading fake news and excessive use to maximise its benefits.
MUZAMIL KALHORO
Via email
Alarming rise in inflation
I am writing to express my deep concern about escalating inflation rate in the country and in particular Balochistan. The province is facing an unprecedented surge in prices of essential commodities, leaving many residents struggling to make ends meet. The prices of food items, fuel and medicines have increased exponentially, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to afford basic necessities. The situation is further exacerbated by lack of effective measure to control inflation.
I urge responsible people in relevant ministries to take immediate action to address this issue. The government must implement policies to curb inflation, such as reducing taxes, increasing subsidies and promoting economic growth. The people are suffering and it is collective responsibility of government to work towards finding solution to ensure people’s welfare.
ANISA M TAHIR
Turbat, Balochistan
