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.
High inflation
It should be a matter of huge embarrassment for a country that calls itself an agricultural economy to have soaring food inflation resulting in rampant poverty compounded misery, especially among downtrodden segments of society.
The devastating floods last year played havoc with the country, pushing millions of people into abject poverty and increasing the poverty rate to 35.7%, according to the World Bank. The food cycle, from farm to the table, stands disrupted. The country is struggling to make even food grain available to the masses with wheat flour being either unavailable or beyond the buying power of the people.
Footages and images in mainstream media showing poor running after and fighting over flour bags with money in their hands have left the entire nation dejected. There have also been saddening and disturbing reports on social media of people getting killed in stampedes while trying to get a hand on a flour bag to feed their hungry children and family members. And yet we continue to call ourselves an agricultural country.
As has always been the case, the leadership across the political divide is busy spewing venom against each other, adding more toxicity to the horribly murky environment. It rightly seems that apathy on the part of our politicians is at its peak and the lust for power seems to be the only thing that matters to them.
It is quite unfortunate that both government and opposition parties have miserably failed to provide food items at reasonable rates and other basic amenities of life to the poor segments of society. They, the politicians, continue to claim that all their actions are meant to alleviate the sufferings of the masses, but all their actions continue to add to the woes of the masses.
ALISHBA ABDUL MALIK
Lahore
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, Punjab
Dowry is a social evil
Through column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw attention of concerned authorities and general public at large about demerits of dowry, which is inflicting untold miseries on women folk. The dowry is a stigma in our society yet this evil is increasing day by day. It is an insult to women and matter of shame for men. Divorce cases are increasing rapidly due to dowry issues, which has ruined lives of millions of women.
It has become a society where a poor person can neither improve his life nor that of his daughter due to this social evil. Greed has reached such heights that marriages have become a matter of transaction for people. Collecting dowry worth millions from girls and providing them with a roof in return yet there is no guarantee that they will be happy. Women are torture physically as well as mentally over this issue. Parents think that only a handsome dowry can ensure happiness of their daughters. They face humiliations, miseries and incur huge debts simply because of this evil practice of dowry. Parents think that their daughter will not get respect at her in-law’s house if she is not given a handsome dowry but that is totally wrong. We live in an enlightened era yet sons are auctioned and sold off to highest bidder. Mass awareness and government level help is needed to eradicate this practice.
AMNA KALEEM
Mian Channu, Punjab
Counterfeit medicines
Counterfeit medicines are a serious problem in Pakistan that can have harmful effects on human health. These fake drugs are often made with inferior ingredients and may not contain active ingredient needed to treat a particular condition. This can lead to ineffective treatment and can even worsen a person’s condition. Counterfeit medicines also pose a significant financial burden on individuals and families, as they may spend money on fake drugs that do not work. In addition, these fake drugs can also damage reputation of pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan, making it harder for legitimate companies to do business.
The government and relevant authorities should take urgent steps to combat the sale and distribution of counterfeit medicines in Pakistan.
This can include strengthening regulations, increasing inspections and increasing penalties for those found guilty of selling fake drugs. The public can also play a role in preventing the spread of counterfeit medicines by only purchasing drugs from reputable sources and reporting any suspected fake drugs to the authorities. It is need of the hour that we all come together to fight this problem to protect health and well being of the citizens of Pakistan.
IFRAH AMEER
Via email
New social system needed
The social system of this country suffers from drawbacks, as all of the country’s opportunities have been restricted to just 1% of its population, that solely include the prerogative class. Capitalist enmity targets centre of the country, government, to abide by demands. Upper elite class occupy ministerial positions to evade taxes, if, they are incarcerated to pay, it is very low to crucify their deeds. Poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer. The natural apocalypse devastated 2/3rd of the country and yet Pakistan isn’t capable of tackling any unprecedented tribulation. Responsible authorities and institutions should recuperate helpless masses that deserve better treatment.
SAJID ALI NAICH
Khairpur Nathan Shah, Sindh
Letters
Awareness about cyber crimes
Cyber crimes have become a major menace and the victims are none other than us. Internet has fast spread in today’s world. Everything is digital nowadays, from work-from-home or attending courses and seminars online.
This digital trend has also provided a new opportunity to hackers. They’re lurking at every corner, waiting to pounce on someone’s email or bank account. Cyber crimes have now gotten out of hand. We urgently want stringent cyber regulations and public knowledge of numerous sorts of cyber crimes.
If individuals are aware of their actions, then chances of being hacked are reduced. In addition, robust cyber law and enforcement are required to ensure that such offenders are punished and that victims get proper justice.
ISMARA TARIQ
Chakwal, Punjab
Box letter
Advantages of recycling
Recycling is a process that converts waste materials into useful items. Recycling has become quite important considering today’s environmental degradation especially in Pakistan. These include air pollution, greenhouse effects and global warming. There are many waste materials that can be recycled including newspapers, magazines, mixed papers, glass bottles, jars, rigid plastic products, metal containers and aluminium cans etc. Recycling helps to conserve energy, reduce pollution and save our environment. Pakistan Waste Management Authority and Lahore Waste Management Authority should be further stimulated to take all possible steps to increase recycling process to save our environment.
KIRAN MALIK
Khushab, Punjab
