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Starvation warfare
Prior to Gaza war Netanyahu was facing massive countrywide protests over his judicial reforms that curtailed powers of Supreme Court and many war veterans were among the protestors. They alleged Netanyahu of pursuing divide and rule policy within the country and condemned his statements declaring protestors as terrorists.
Since the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants of Benjamin Netanyahu owing to his crimes against humanity, a stir has been caused in Western nations. Some have supported and others opposed this decision. ICC has proved that Netanyahu used starvation as a weapon in Gaza. Netanyahu’s ruthless conduct of Gaza campaign has rendered thousands dead and millions homeless. A complete generation of Gazans has been traumatized forever by the IDF relegating and demeaning International sentiment and collective conscience in the process. In this regard Netanyahu can be equated with Solobodan Milesovic, ‘Butcher of Serbia’, who was responsible for ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo. Milesovic faced International Criminal Tribunal in Haque in 2006 and died during the proceedings due to heart failure.
FARRUKH SHAHAB
Lahore
Gas for captive power
Phasing out gas supplies for captive power plants is a necessary move to ensure an efficient and affordable energy system. While some industrial stakeholders have expressed concerns, this decision prioritises the broader interests of the public and businesses. The shift away from captive power gas usage is not an abrupt measure but part of a carefully planned structural benchmark within the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. This step aligns with both the IMF and World Bank’s recommendations, developed after thorough analysis of Pakistan’s energy sector. By directing gas supplies to the most efficient generators and transitioning industries to the national electricity grid, the government can enhance energy efficiency and help reduce the national power tariff by approximately Rs2 per unit. This expected benefit is significant and would surpass the savings achieved through recent IPP contract terminations. Such measures will particularly benefit household consumers, who bear the brunt of high electricity tariffs.
TANZEEL KHANZADA
Karachi
Promised
relief?
With government’s successful passage of the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, it is perhaps time to shift focus to addressing pressing issues faced by people. These challenges are multifaceted, including soaring commodity prices, inflated utility bills, steep transport fares, costly medicines, expensive medical treatment and rising fuel prices. Boasting about reduced inflation or a bullish stock market does little to ease the burdens of ordinary citizens.
One bittersweet piece of news circulating is the rising price of gold. While this might seem positive, it highlights a harsh reality: many people are selling their family gold, often saved for their daughters’ weddings, just to survive. People now wonder if the promises of change will ever materialize into tangible relief.
SAMEEN SHAKEEL
Karachi
Failure to expand tax base
The federal government’s failure to expand its tax net and curb tax evasion has led to a decline in the tax-to-GDP ratio, which dropped to 8.77% during the fiscal year 2023-24, down from 9.22% in 2021-22. This alarming decrease underscores the growing financial strain on Pakistan’s economy, with experts warning that continued reliance on the salaried class to meet revenue targets is unsustainable.
There is an urgent need for collective responsibility to expedite measures against tax evasion, particularly in the tobacco sector, which remains a significant source of revenue leakage. The affordability of cheap, illicit cigarettes significantly contributes to this issue, making prevention efforts increasingly challenging. With strong enforcement of anti-smuggling laws and transparent monitoring, these risks can be minimised.
USAMA G RASOOL
Karachi
Water scarcity
Gwadar is known for its stunning views and its potential as a trade zone in Asia. However, the city is facing a serious issue of water shortage for its residents. Clean water is essential for everyone, and without it, daily life becomes very difficult. The people of Gwadar are struggling with this water crisis. It is hard to imagine how the residents manage to live without enough clean water. This situation affects their health and their ability to work and thrive in their community. It is important for local government to take action and find solutions to this water problem. If nothing is done, the situation may become worse in future. As Gwadar grows and more people come to the city, having a reliable water supply must be a priority.
AMAN MEERAN
Gwadar, Balochistan
Broken streets, broken mind
I am writing to share a concern deeply affecting Karachi’s youth: the broken, neglected streets of our city and their toll on mental health. Every day, young students and professionals, including myself, navigate roads riddled with potholes, debris and chaos. It’s not just physically draining, it’s also mentally exhausting.
Studies show that living in poorly maintained environments directly impacts mental health, increasing anxiety and frustration. For many of us, daily commutes feel like a battle with the risk of accidents, enduring delays, and facing constant stress. It’s disheartening to feel trapped in a city that seems indifferent to our struggles. As a young person striving to succeed in an already challenging environment, I urge concerned authorities to prioritise repairing Karachi’s streets. Not just for safety but also for mental health and well being of the very generation that represents the city’s future.
ZUNAIRA FATIMA
Karachi
