Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Need to disseminate
It has become the mind of common people that in public sector organisations one cannot get his work done without greasing palm of government officials or private agents who worksfor them and are often seen outside their offices especially where much public dealing is involved such as KDA, Excise & Taxation, Foreign Office etc.
For instance, common people are often seen asking outside Foreign Office that how their documents could be attested which depicts that they are unaware about the procedure to get the documents attested and as a result they fall prey to agents who await for such clients and take them the other way to get their work done.
Five fingers are not alike and there must be some officials who would work honestly. Such public sector organisations need to disseminate their transparent working mechanism through print and electronic media so that the commoners get their work done hassle free and without greasing palms of anyone.
FAISAL ANSAR
Karachi
Economic crisis in Pakistan
Economy carries weight in the development of a country. Owing to economic crisis all over the globe it has affected lots of countries but Pakistan is suffering excessively. Economic crisis has given birth to inflation and unemployment as well. According to the World Bank Pakistan’s economy will grow only 2% in the current fiscal year and small growth in GDP will reflect damages caused by massive floods.
Inflation has stolen the peace of the country, especially in the time of flood even middle class families were not able to fulfil basic necessities. Moreover, due to massive inflation people have fired their employees which has caused unemployment. Due to unemployment people are directed towards street crimes like robbery, snatching, etc.
In a nutshell, economic crisis has not only affected the GDP of the country but also generated lots of problems which are being faced by the public. “The years of the economic depression have been years of political reaction, and that is why the economic crisis has generated a world peace crisis.” — Arthur Henderson.
MOAZAM RASHEED
Larkana, Sindh
COVID-19
has not yet gone away
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities around the world, it is more important than ever to take steps to protect ourselves and others from the infection. Hence, it is of prime importance to take measures to keep ourselves and others safe against the deadly virus. This includes wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing our hands frequently, and following guidelines from public health agencies.
COVID-19 has not yet gone away. It is here to stay just like tuberculosis, jaundice and AIDs.That is why it is essential to take precautionary measures. As the saying goes, ‘precaution is better than cure.’People should continue to follow measures to reduce their risk of getting infected with Covid-19 by wearing well-fitting masks, following hand hygiene and physical distancing, improving ventilation of indoor spaces, avoiding crowded spaces and getting vaccinated.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Making the move from rural to urban by choice
Pakistan’s government’s focus on the development of larger cities has left many villages across the country wallowing in neglect. In a country with a population of over 200 million people, at least 62 million are living in rural areas and are largely ignored by government initiatives. The lack of infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and even clean water, has made life difficult for rural citizens.
There is also a lack of healthcare facilities, education opportunities, and job opportunities, leading to the growing inequality between rural and urban areas. Without basic services and resources, many rural citizens are unable to access even the most basic needs. This has resulted in increased poverty and deprivation in rural areas, while urban centers continue to benefit from government resources and initiatives. This inequality must be addressed if Pakistan is to achieve sustainable development and progress.
This has resulted in a growing gap between the rich and the poor, with the majority of people living in poverty and lacking access to basic services. The government has failed to address the underlying causes of these issues, such as inequality, corruption, and lack of investment in rural areas. This has led to a decline in the quality of life for many people and has resulted in a widening of the poverty gap.
TARIQ NASIR
Turbat
Is vaping without nicotine safe?
Nicotine-free vapes are popular among teenagers as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes. This myth is based on the assumption that most cigarette harm comes from a burning plant. Early research on practice safety shows that vaping, the act of vaporising a liquid to inhale, comes with risks.
The liquid used in most vapes or electronic cigarettes is made of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavours and other chemicals. Both glycerin and glycol can irritate the upper airways, leading to persistent coughing. The battery-powered gadgets feature a glowing tip and a heating element that turns liquid and flavourings into a cloud of vapour that users inhale. A US study suggests that e-cigarette liquids sweetened with spices like vanilla and cinnamon may harm the lungs even when they do not have nicotine.
Other research shows that the heating and vaporisation of e-liquid chemicals make them highly toxic to lung cells. Heating these chemicals can also trigger the release of carcinogens. Many nicotine-free vape devices look cool and high-tech. Teens use these vapes just to look cool in front of their friends and to be socially accepted. They ignore the possibility that these nicotine-free vapes may have painful or dangerous side effects.
TOOBA EMAN
Karachi