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.
Petroleum crisis in Pakistan
I am writing to express my concern over the current petroleum situation in Pakistan. The country is facing an acute shortage of petroleum due to the dwindling oil reserves and political instability. As petroleum left in the country is only for 18-20 days, this has led to skyrocketing prices, causing significant hardship for the average citizen.
It is high time for the government to take serious measures to address the energy crisis in the country. One solution could be to invest in alternative and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. These sources can help reduce the country’s dependence on petroleum and provide a sustainable solution to the energy crisis.
Moreover, the government needs to ensure that the available petroleum resources are utilized efficiently and transparently. The petroleum sector must be managed effectively to reduce corruption and increase accountability.
The high petroleum prices have had a severe impact on the economy, which is already struggling with inflation and unemployment. The government needs to take immediate steps to provide relief to the people by reducing taxes on petroleum and other essential items.
In conclusion, the current petroleum crisis demands urgent attention from the government. We need a sustainable and long-term solution to overcome the energy crisis and achieve economic stability. It is time for the government to take decisive action to address this critical issue.
HADIA ANWAR
Lahore
About-turns and U-turns
If there is one statement or narrative that could win an award for the number of about-turns and U-turns, the PTI’s ‘foreign conspiracy’ would surely be a contestant. Imran Khan has now taken yet another U-turn on his ‘US conspiracy behind regime change operation’ narrative, an idea that was blindly followed by his supporters. In a recent interview with VoA e said he ‘now’ believed that it wasn’t the US that asked Pakistan [to oust him] but in fact former COAS Gen Bajwa who had told the Americans that Imran was anti-US.
This may just be the most blatant change in rhetoric yet from the PTI, which had used Imran’s ‘Absolutely Not’ phrase to whip up unprecedented frenzy against the alleged American plot to oust him. His previous narrative had also led to tension between the two countries besides excitement in his supporters. Naysayers can continue to point at the very glaring loopholes and about-turns in the PTI’s changing conspiracy narrative but the one thing the party has honed to perfection is the art of repeating something so often that it becomes a near-absolute truth, at least for its workers.
Now that the PTI Chairman has decided it is time to move on from the anti-US narrative, one may be sure that this is what his supporters will do as well. However, much of the foreign policy damage has had to be cleaned up by the present government. It may be too much to expect an apology for placing Pakistan’s foreign policy in such a sensitive position, but one hopes some lessons may be drawn from this. Unfortunately, it may be that the only lesson that may be sourced is that U-turns work very well for Imran Khan and his party, regardless of what cost they come at.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Intersex community
Transgender community in Pakistan has numerous difficulties to face. Without understanding their problems, people often avoid those who are identified as transgender as a taboo. They encounter challenges when trying to get basic human rights, employment, education, health services and social acceptance. They also face violence and social exploitation.
Due to lack of support from the family members, they’re more prone to develop psychological problems and sociality. They’re a small but growing group of people who face discrimination and whose identity is stigmatized. They’re being treated as second-class citizens by religious extremists, government officials and by fellow citizens. They’re one of the most marginalized communities in Pakistan
Transgenders are socially isolated and lack legal recognition as well. They live on the fringes of society. In spite of all the odds stacked up against them, they still find ways and means to earn for them through different sources. The media must draw attention to the precarious living situation of Pakistan’s transgender community on a bigger scale.
I hope raising awareness of this issue will encourage appropriate authorities to take action to improve the existing situation. Special attention should be paid to the protection and education of the members/individuals of this community to make them profitable for Pakistan. If they are suffering from any psychiatric disorder, healthcare professionals should be there to help them.
MAHAM TARIQ
Lahore
Services for old age people
There are many social issues in the society in which we are living, but one of them is disrespect of old age people. They had worked in the past for our tomorrow now in which we are living. They are mistreated in our society at many places, for example, at workplaces they are mishandled and also abused a lot. Many old women get abused in different places. People forget hard work that they have done for us.
They are also beaten and considered to be not important but, we forget they struggled for our bright future differently whether they are our workers, teachers or even parents. Some parents are also disrespected by their children. Children forget their struggles, hard work and efforts that they have made for them. Some cases also appear that a son has beaten his mother, or a boy has evicted his father from home.
Different news stories in our society about parents being disrespected. The Almighty and His Messenger (PBUH) also have told us about their values but unfortunately, children when become successful forget their parents’ efforts. There was a great increase in parents in old age homes in previous years. It was a western culture but now it has become common in our society also – children force their parents to live in old age homes due to different issues.
MARIYAM JUNAID
Lahore
Box letter
Loan apps
The SECP has warned the public to avoid any transactions with unapproved loan provider apps. A number of apps are using the name of licensed non-banking finance companies. Licensed non-banking finance companies can issue any app only after obtaining SECP approval. A list of licensed non-banking finance companies and digital lending apps can be obtained from the SECP website. People should verify their regulatory status before transacting with any lending institution. Law enforcement agencies have been informed to take legal action against the operators of these unlicensed apps.
AHSAN UL HAQ SHAIKH
Chunian
