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PIA privatisation
Pakistan International Airline (PIA) is not just an airline, it is Pakistan’s national and international identity. As per the reports, only pre-qualified bidders have submitted the required earnest money, raising questions about the level of interest and transparency in this process. The government aims to sell between 51% to 100% of PIA’s shares but with such limited participation.
There is a risk of undervalued transactions that may not seve national interests. PIA represents Pakistan globally and this airline is facing numerous challenges. Selling PIA may raise various difficulties. Selling it without a competitive bidding environment leads to further complications. The government must ensure that all shortlisted bidders have an equal and transparent opportunity to participate. The long-term impact of Pakistan’s aviation industry and national interest cannot be ignored.
M HASEEB MIRZA
Lahore
Democratic backsliding
After the Cold War, most nations adopted the progressive system of democracy, which not only ensures citizens’ rights but also establishes political and economic systems that benefit people.
However, recent trends show that democracy is backsliding in many countries. Over the past two decades, nearly 30 countries have lost their democratic status. According to Freedom House, V-Dem, and The Economist Intelligence Unit, democracy has been declining in every region of the world since 2006, with a continuous rise in autocratic populism.
Political scientists Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way argue that democracies are often derailed by democratic leaders themselves. These leaders come to power through democratic processes but then adopt authoritarian tendencies to suppress opposition, ban media, and control institutions.
Levitsky and Way believe that political elites, in pursuit of short-term gains, also contribute to undermining democracy.
Today, elected leaders are downgrading democracy without the dramatic events that typically eroded democracies in the past. These illiberal practices have affected the quality of democracy worldwide.
However, there is a need for pro-democracy demonstrations to reverse democratic backsliding, along with international support for free elections and the rule of law, which can slow down autocratic populism. Elections remain essential opportunities to defend democracy.
MANZOOR AHMED
Kashmore
Global change
As a freshly appointed advocate for positive change and a Global Change Ambassador at Echo Change, I want to bring your attention to this prestigious organization, Echo Change. Echo Change is a platform for youth that empowers them to bring about change in their society. I have become a part of their initiative, and my fellow youth would love to join the movement to bring change to our society.
It is believed that only people possessing years of experience should be given leadership positions, but Echo Change believes that young individuals should also be assigned those roles to empower and equip them with these valuable skills. Knowing how to create a positive change is an important asset in today’s fast-paced world, which is why I believe that every young individual should be taking charge of their life and surroundings.
Echo Change empowers young people to learn, step into leadership roles and create a sustainable, inclusive, peaceful and promising future. Echo Change has organized several advocacy and awareness seminars, activities and training across its chapters worldwide. Through these initiatives, Echo Change encourages youth to make responsible decisions, better understand their values and goals, communicate better and lead the world to prosperity.
AYAN AHMED
Via email
HR issues
I want to highlight the ongoing human rights issues that are affecting many people in our society. Despite some progress, there are still significant violations happening every day. It’s important that we bring attention to these problems to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect they deserve. Many individuals, especially from marginalized communities, are facing discrimination and violence. This not only harms those individuals but also weakens our society as a whole. We need our leaders to take a strong stance on human rights and to implement policies that protect the most vulnerable among us.
As citizens, we can make a difference by educating ourselves and advocating for those whose rights are being violated. Supporting human rights organizations and raising awareness in our communities can help foster a culture of respect and inclusion. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone’s rights are upheld.
MAHNOOR HUSSAIN
Karachi
