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Privatization of PIA
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once among the top airlines in the world and a symbol of Pakistan’s brightest history, is now struggling financially. In recent years, PIA has faced significant financial challenges, resulting in substantial losses. The airline’s fiscal deficit oc-curs when its total expenditure exceeds its revenue. PIA’s losses are attributed to rising op-erational costs, including increased fuel prices, overstaffing, declining revenue and a high debt burden of approximately 800 billion rupees (2.9 billion USD) owed to various creditors.
Gradually, PIA’s service quality has deteriorated for the public, with frequent flight delays contributing to mismanagement. Why is PIA’s privatization necessary? Privatization is ur-gently needed due to the airline’s financial struggles, operational inefficiencies and govern-ance issues. Privatization would reduce the government’s burden and enhance efficiency and productivity in all aspects. The government aims to sell PIA for over 80 billion rupees; however, despite efforts, bids have failed to exceed 10 billion rupees.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana, Sindh
Artificial intelligence
I am writing to express my concern regarding the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) may have on our students’ learning experience, growth and well-being. While AI technology of-fers numerous benefits, its rapid integration into our educational system presents certain challenges that we need to address proactively.
AI tools, including chatbots, learning platforms and even automated essay writers, can assist students in various ways, from simplifying research to offering tailored support for struggling learners. However, as these technologies become more accessible, we must con-sider the potential threats that they pose to our students. First, there is a growing concern about academic integrity. With AI tools available to gen-erate essays, solve complex problems or even complete assignments, there is an increased temptation for students to rely on these resources rather than developing their own under-standing. This reliance on AI not only hampers their learning but also undermines the values of honesty and integrity that our institution upholds.
SARFRAZ ISHAIQ
Karachi
Truth over clickbait
Public opinion and trust are increasingly at risk due to the quick dissemination of false in-formation on social media. According to an MIT study, incorrect information on Twitter spreads six times more quickly than accurate information and frequently reaches a larger audience. Sensational or deceptive information is amplified by social media algorithms and 64% of individuals say they have come across fake news online, with over half acknowledg-ing that they first believed it. Elections and health decisions are two important areas where this false information may have an impact. A 2021 survey, for instance, found that 30% of respondents made health decisions based on false information, illustrating the practical re-percussions of disinformation.
A concentration on media literacy is necessary to address this problem. It is possible to lessen the impact of false information on public opinion by teaching people how to critically assess sources, identify biased content, and double-check information.
MEHAR KHAN
Karachi
Ban daytime movement
I am writing with a heavy heart about a tragic incident that occurred the other day on Uni-versity Road, Karachi. Two men lost their lives after being crushed by a tanker moving dur-ing the busy daytime hours. This devastating incident highlights the urgent need to restrict heavy tankers and trollers from operating during the day.University Road, being a major thoroughfare, is crowded with students, commuters and families throughout the day.
UMME HANI
Karachi
