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Captive power plants
The government’s decision to curtail gas to captive power plants is a significant step toward addressing Pakistan’s power challenges. This shift is essential for reducing power tariffs and stabilizing energy supply, especially ensuring the much needed to the power utility instead which can eventually result in affordable electricity for the masses.
The power sector’s fixed capacity costs currently rise as demand falls. By moving industrial consumers onto the grid, we can stabilize demand, reduce these fixed charges and bring down electricity costs. For industries, this transition aligns with the recent winter support package announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which reduces rates for incremental power usage from December to February. This package, alongside grid integration, will help industrial consumers cut costs, enhancing their competitiveness.
Although this reform is challenging, delaying it could compromise Pakistan’s economic stability, especially given IMF program requirements. With careful implementation, this transition will lead to a more robust power sector that provides reliable, affordable electricity to businesses and citizens alike at a time when economic recovery is vital.
TANZEEL KHANZADA
Karachi
Waste warriors
Karachi, the biggest city in Pakistan, produces more than 12,000 tons of solid waste every day. Since only 40% of the waste is officially collected, the city’s roads, drainage systems and beaches have been burdened by increasing trash for a long time.
The rapid urbanization in Karachi led to increasing volumes of solid waste. Nonetheless, the swift development of new residential areas, industrial parks, ongoing construction and numerous institutions has over time led to an increase in waste production. The volume of solid waste has significantly risen to between 18,000 and 20, 000 tons daily, driven by the rapid population growth and economic expansion.The existing inadequate practices in solid waste management highlight the need for an effective mechanism to handle waste efficiently. The primary issues of insufficient planning, unsuitable technology and ineffective management necessitate a concerted effort from governmental bodies and other organizations to enhance the efficiency of solid waste management. In the bustling city of Karachi, an extraordinary change is underway thanks to a group of young entrepreneurs called the “Waste Warriors.”
Initiatives such as Garbage CAN and Green Earth Recycling are at the forefront, combining mobile technology with conventional waste collection techniques to transform the city’s waste management system.
Their results are striking: they have provided respectable jobs to more than 2,000 waste pickers, diminished plastic waste in the Arabian Sea by 40%, and turned thousands of tons of waste into valuable resources, including compost and building materials.
KINZA MINAHIL
Islamabad
Call for action
Lahore, Multan and many other cities are shrouded in a thick blanket of smog. The government must urgently update relevant laws. Unfit vehicles, including tractor-trolleys overloaded with fodder and goods, continue to operate despite the worsening smog. This situation is exacerbated by fake fitness certificates, outdated regulations and a shortage of enforcement staff. No one seems to monitor or penalize these violators.
I strongly suggest imposing a complete ban on unfit vehicles. These vehicles not only violate laws by worsening smog but also often carry fake fitness certificates. When smoke-emitting vehicles are inspected, drivers present forged documents, making it difficult to take effective action.
The health consequences of smog are dire, with hospitals reporting cases of dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and even pneumonia. Strict measures, such as a proper ban on wedding celebrations from November to January, could significantly mitigate smog levels.
This is our country and it is our responsibility to keep it clean. If we cannot act now, we must at least start planning for a better future. Patriotism is not limited to defending borders but also includes taking meaningful steps to improve and protect our homeland.
ADAN YOUNAS
Islamabad
