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.
Major structural economic changes
Pakistan is facing a serious economic and balance of payment crisis, which requires major structural changes in addition to short term reliefs like the IMF package. In 1991 when our eastern neighbour (unfortunately our sworn enemy) India was engulfed in a serious Balance of Payment Crisis, a fiscal deficit of 8% of GDP and a current account deficit of 2.5% of GDP and rock bottom Forex Reserves under $6Billion, PM Narasimha Rao and FM Manmohan Singh, an economist of repute took over in June 1991. They changed course and undertook major structural changes and reforms in trade policy, industrial strategy to boost exports and strengthen their foreign exchange reserves, with austerity measures adopted from the very top and direct taxation measures. An IMF package of $2Billion was taken as a short-term relief.
We need to understand the gravity of the situation and serious consequences Pakistan faces. Irrespective of who has been at helm since 1958, with few exceptions, every successive government, including PTI, PMLN, PPP, Musharraf, Zia, Ayub etc., through their policy of patronizing real estate, infected by Conflicts of Interest, and relying on foreign debts, without investment in development of employment generating industry are collectively responsible. There was no emphasis on boosting exports and human resource development. We cannot afford to continue with our present policies, nor can this country bear luxurious lifestyle of its paid and elected elite, or allotment of state lands etc.
Absentee land holdings result in lower agriculture yields. State land should have been given to those who till the land, with soft term loans and a precondition that they must achieve a target within three years. Farm houses have been built on the periphery of Islamabad, where instead of growing fresh vegetables, fruit and dairy farms etc., palatial houses have emerged. Most of them are owned by retired paid civil and uniformed bureaucracy. Real estate land development schemes, where black money is parked, have replaced green agriculture pastures, boosting corruption and flight of capital by the affluent elite.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Noise pollution
Noise pollution has become a major concern as it causes great damage to the health of the citizens. Due to noise pollution students are unable to concentrate on studies and even suffer loss of sleep. It affects the working efficiency of adults and causes loss of hearing in elders.
I urge the authorities to enforce strict noise control laws in the capital. Factories which are responsible for producing too much noise should be located on the outskirts of the city. The use of loudspeakers should be prohibited after a certain time.
Furthermore, to reduce noise pollution in Pakistan, authorities also require public cooperation. Hence, the public should be made aware of the threats posed by noise pollution. Lastly, I hope the concerned authorities will take meaningful action against this issue which affects the whole population of Pakistan.
MURIUM SHAHBAZ
Kasur
Shab-e-Baraat
The word “Shab-e-Baraat” is derived from Arabic and Persian, where “Shab” means night, and “Baraat” means salvation or deliverance. So, the night of Shab-e-Baraat is considered a night of salvation or deliverance from sins. The night of Shab-e-Baraat is also known as “Night of Emancipation” because it is believed to be a night when the Almighty frees many people from Hellfire.
Some Muslims also believe that on this night, the names of those who are destined to die in the upcoming year are written in a book, and the names of those who will live for another year are also written. In some parts of the world, especially South Asia, Shab-e-Baraat is celebrated with special sweets and dishes, such as Halwa and Nihari. People also decorate their homes and streets with lights and candles.
Muslims who observe Shab-e-Baraat spend the night in worship and remembrance of the Creator. They perform special prayers, recite Quran and engage in supplication and Zikr (remembrance of Allah). Many Muslims also visit cemeteries and graves of their loved ones on this night to offer prayers for the departed souls.
The celebration of Shab-e-Baraat is not mandatory in Islam, but it is considered a virtuous act to observe it. It is also important to note that some Muslim scholars consider certain practices associated with Shab-e-Baraat to be un-Islamic, so there are different opinions on the celebration of this night among Muslims.
MUDASIR ABBASI
Karachi
