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.
Economic corridor re-opened Pakistan and China are set to restore trade through the Khunjerab Pass which was closed in 2019 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This is big news for cash-strapped Pakistan, which has seen its forex reserves plummet to record low even after a persistent ban on imports. The extended closure of the pass, a vital transportation link for Pakistan, has already resulted in massive financial losses and even unemployment. Things are now getting back on schedule. Reopening is also a significant turning point for CPEC, whose lofty benefits have not kept up with the expected timeframe, thanks to home-grown uncertainties on political and economic fronts. Almost 10 years after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was established during the previous rule of the PMLN-led government. But it cannot be denied that CPEC has brought about improved connectivity between China’s western region and Pakistan’s deep sea port of Gwadar. The CPEC projects have realized a network of roads and other infrastructure projects that are being built with the help of Chinese investment and expertise. One will have to wait to see CPEC’s envisioned fruits for Pakistan in the shape of industrialisation, job opportunities, increase in trade and revenue boost for the government. One can, however, see that the project has already boosted economic activities in some remote areas. With time, the development of the Gwadar port and the CPEC project will enhance Pakistan’s strategic significance in the region as well. It will also further cement Pakistan’s relationship with China which in turn will help bring long-term economic benefits to the country. QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI Lahore
Good Friday
Good Friday is a great festival of Christians. It usually falls between 20 March and 23 April. This festival is observed to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Initially, it was called ‘God’s Friday’. In the Eastern Orthodox Churches, it is known as the ‘Great Friday’. On this day prayer and meditation take place at all churches. Good Friday is observed as a day of fasting, mourning, sorrow and prayer. JUBEL D’CRUZ Mumbai, India
SDGs and social corporate
Pakistan’s economic crisis is at its peak with inflation highest in urban areas. Whereas, the far-flung areas have their own set of unique problems. Take northern areas for example, where long power outages of more than twenty hours and strikes in Skardu are becoming a norm. Social conditions are already difficult for the inhabitants of such areas, but where the government is unable to provide any relief, the private sector has its own advantages. Real estate in Pakistan is seen as a pure business for profit. But it is not well known that it also takes part in providing a lot of social relief. Real estate companies are supportive of the SDGs and are willing to contribute. More social campaigns can take place if the potential of real estate companies is recognized in this field as well. TOOBA RIZVI Skardu Professional beggars
With a week of the holy month of Ramzan having past us by, which means just three weeks to go for Eid-ul-Fitr, hordes of beggars have started arriving in Karachi from all over Pakistan, thus increasing the already irritatingly high number in the city. Streets, markets, traffic signals and roundabouts, nothing is safe from these beggars, who, accompanied by underage children, keep poking one’s back and asking for money. Are these people eligible for our charity? This is a big question. Moreover, charity organisations have also mushroomed across the city and are minting money not only from the locals, but also from overseas Pakistanis, as they have tax exemption and their accounts are not even audited. All such activities end up depriving the real needy people, who will prefer to die of hunger than to beg. They are too self-respecting to present themselves physically at roadside eateries set up by certain charity organisations. It is up to us to find such people and come to their rescue with due decency. As things stand today, it is an open season to beg or to seek charity. Even the hospitals, which fleece their patients all the time, seek donations when they have enough money to be charitable to their heart’s content. And, only a part of the donations they receive actually goes towards providing some meagre relief to the needy patients, while the bulk is spent on infrastructure. Is there someone officially supposed to check the activities that take place in the name of charity? NADIL RAHIMBUKSH Islamabad
Petrol price hike & Pak economy
Pakistan’s economy is highly dependent on the price of crude oil in the international market. As an oil-importing country, any fluctuations in global crude prices have a significant impact on Pakistan’s economy. One of the most immediate effects is seen in petrol prices, which tend to rise with an increase in global oil prices. This increase in petrol prices has a ripple effect on the economy, as it leads to an overall rise in transportation costs for individuals and businesses alike. Moreover, as petrol is a crucial input for many industries, its price increase raises the production costs of goods and services that depend on it. This, in turn, can lead to inflation and a decrease in consumer purchasing power, ultimately affecting the overall economic growth of Pakistan. Additionally, Pakistan’s government is often compelled to adjust its budget to account for increased expenditure on fuel subsidies. This poses a challenge for the government, as it may have to cut down on spending in other sectors or generate additional revenue through taxes to maintain a balanced budget. Oil prices have a significant effect on the economy and the manufacturing sector is one of the most important sectors in Pakistan. Several small and medium-sized businesses are faced with increased costs of doing business and are finding it difficult to compete with larger firms in the market. This has led to job losses and many people have been forced to look for alternative ways to earn a living. As the government has struggled to manage the economic situation in the country, there is still no consensus among economists on how to tackle the problem and restore stability to the economy. MAHNOOR CHAUDHRY Islamabad
Box letter
Mobile snatching
I would like to draw the attention of the higher authorities concerned through your esteemed newspaper to the increasing number of incidents of mobile snatching in Karachi which is quite common there. The mobile snatchers are often found in the shape of bands so that they may snatch mobiles from the helpless people without hesitation and without any fear. The bands of mobile snatchers are often found on the main points of the roundabouts and in the bazaars and in buses. It is rather unfortunate that the police seem to be helpless (like the citizens) to catch the mobile-snatchers on the spot or even afterwards. I shall be highly obliged if you kindly publish this letter in the columns of your esteemed newspaper. I strongly hope that the higher authorities will take some earnest action to save the hapless citizens of the city from this trouble. MURIUM SHAHBAZ Via email
