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Tackling disaster risks
According to 2024 World Health Index, Pakistan has been ranked among top 15 countries with highest disaster risk, a concerning trend that highlights growing vulnerability of the nation. The report reveals that this increased risk is closely tied to factors like poverty, inequality and lack of proper infrastructure in disaster-prone areas. Communities in rural and economically disadvantaged regions face brunt of these disasters, with limited access to healthcare, education and resources to rebuild after crises.
Other contributing factors include poor urban planning, deforestation, and effects of climate change, which have made floods, earthquakes and droughts more frequent and severe in Pakistan. These challenges are compounded by rapid population growth and inadequate government policies to address disaster preparedness at a local level.
To overcome these risks, Pakistan needs a multi-faceted strategy in which, government policies should focus on climate change adaptation, reforestation, and strengthening early warning systems to minimise damage. International cooperation and partnerships can further support these efforts by providing technical and financial assistance to build resilience against future disasters.
HIRA AYAZ
Islamabad
E-sports negligence
As Pakistan continues to struggle in traditional sports, a young Pakistani has made waves in the global e-sports scene. Arslan Siddique has emerged as a champion in the popular game “Takken” winning several international tournaments and earning recognition from the global gaming community.
Despite his impressive achievements, Ash’s success has gone largely unnoticed in Pakistan. This neglect is symptomatic of a broader disregard for e-sports in the country. While e-sports have gained immense popularity worldwide, with millions of fans and lucrative prizes, Pakistan has failed to tap into this growing industry. This neglect is not only a disservice to Pakistani gamers but also a missed opportunity for the country. E-sports can provide a platform for young Pakistanis to showcase their skills, earn a decent living, and bring international recognition to the country.
It’s time for Pakistan to wake up to the potential of e-sports. We need to invest in infrastructure, training programmes, and sponsorships to nurture our talented gamers. Arslan’s achievements are a testament to what Pakistanis can achieve with dedication and passion. Let’s give e-sports the recognition it deserves and create opportunities for our young gamers to shine on global stage.
HASAN YASEEN MIRZA
Islamabad
Save mother earth
All Asian countries, especially those in the Himalayan region, must take proactive steps like strategic application of advanced technologies and large-scale afforestation to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. Natural disasters have clearly underscored the importance of coexisting with Mother Earth. Human activities like over-exploitation of natural resources have pushed our planet to its limits, significantly impacting its balance.
To reverse this trend, mega building structures (skyscrapers) must be banned across the board. Comprehensive and proactive measures such as imposing strict regulations on high-rise construction in earthquake-prone regions will go a long way in this connection. More importantly, we should shift our focus from concrete jungles to verdant landscapes. My native areas in India exemplify the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. By resorting to reforestation and sustainable land use, we can restore ecological balance, thereby creating a resilient future.
P SENTHIL S DURAI
Maharashtra, India
Illicit cigarette manufacturers
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) needs to take action against manufacturers in addition to sellers, such as retailers, wholesalers, and kiosks, in its efforts to combat illicit cigarette production. Experts have long called for action against manufacturers of smuggled and tax-evading local cigarette brands, arguing that illegal cigarette trade is costing the economy billions of rupees. The damage caused by this trade is becoming increasingly difficult to overcome.
Recently, the FBR has intensified actions against small vendors, retailers and wholesalers, seizing stocks of illegal and smuggled cigarettes in various cities across the country and imposing fines. While these measures are commendable, there is a pressing need to include manufacturers who evade taxes in this crackdown.
It is pertinent to mention that international research institutes have reported that Pakistan’s illegal cigarette trade results in an annual loss of 310 billion rupees to the national exchequer in the form of unpaid excise taxes and duties. The sale of illegal cigarettes not only imposes a financial burden on the economy but also complicates efforts to address the health risks associated with it.
The manufacturers who evade taxes on cigarettes are the primary cause of billions of rupees in economic losses. Taxing the manufacturers involved in the illegal cigarette trade at the tobacco processing stage and implementing a robust track-and-trace system could significantly reduce these losses.
USAMA GHULAM
Karachi
Responsible use of TikTok
TikTok is captivating users of all ages. From children to elders, everyone seems to be enthralled by platform’s diverse content. However, amidst its popularity, there are serious concerns regarding its impact on youth. Many students are increasingly obsessed with TikTok, neglecting their studies and prioritising the platform over academic responsibilities. This distraction hinders their focus and potentially harms their future prospects. Excessive usage of TikTok can have adverse effects, making it essential to strike a balance between entertainment and responsibility.
While the platform can be a valuable tool for learning and creativity, parents, educators and users must be mindful of its influence. To mitigate negative impact, it is crucial to set limits on screen time, monitor content consumption, encourage responsible usage and foster a healthy online-offline balance. By doing so, we can harness TikTok’s benefits while minimising its detrimental effects. Ultimately, recognising TikTok’s dual nature and adopting mindful practices will enable us to utilise the platform wisely, promoting a positive and productive experience for all users.
SHARI ALI
Via email
