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.
Private sector
In the late 2010s, many developing countries were on the path to growth and prosperity. But the beginning of the 2020s undid all the progress made by those countries, leaving them in more distress. The Covid-19 pandemic started a precipitous fall of economies around the world, pushing hundreds of thousands of people below the poverty line, creating food insecurity and widening the wealth inequality gaps in societies across the world.
In Pakistan, those employed in higher positions and who usually belong to the country’s elite class, enjoy a good amount of monthly pension, adding more burden on the state’s scant financial resources. But people from poor or lower-middle-income households hardly get any such opportunities. Public-sector organizations have a smooth pension mechanism and older people who have retired from these institutions get some amount every month. Pakistan’s labour force is mostly employed in the private sector which is notorious for not offering any incentives to employees.
No remuneration is paid for extra working hours by their workers which is to be checked by concerned authorities and labour courts. Most companies hire people on a contractual basis which means they are not entitled to post-retirement benefits. A few, however, offer a provident fund. But since there are no fixed-term deposits for people, they end up without money as soon as they are out of job.
The country cannot keep running like this. Employers that maintain provident funds should invest money in productive ventures so that people can benefit. Organizations like the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution must be expanded, and more workers should be included. The finance division has to sit together with representatives from the private sector to figure out a way to set up pension funds for people. It is also important to educate people about the available Islamic financial products in the market to convince them to take the route of savings.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Religion
and politics
Over the past decade, Pakistan has witnessed significant developments in the relationship between religion and politics. This article aims to provide an overview of the evolving dynamics of religion and politics in Pakistan from 2013 to 2023, highlighting challenges and their implications on the nation’s socio-political landscape.
Misuse of blasphemy laws has resulted in tragic incidents and raised concerns about infringement of freedom of expression. Acts of violence perpetrated by extremist groups have targeted not only religious minorities but also Muslims belonging to different sects. The government’s efforts to curb extremism and foster interfaith harmony have been met with mixed success.
Countering religious radicalization and fostering tolerance remain significant challenges for Pakistan’s political leadership. Promoting rights and inclusion of religious minorities has gained attention in recent years. Efforts to empower religious minority communities have included legislative measures such as the Hindu Marriage Act and the formation of the National Commission for Minorities. These steps aim to ensure the protection of minority rights and facilitate their participation in political and social spheres.
The country’s efforts to balance its relationship with regional powers, address transnational terrorism, and manage geopolitical interests have had an impact on its domestic politics. These external factors have shaped Pakistan’s approach to religious issues and its engagement with the global community.
The last decade has seen Pakistan grappling with the complex interplay between religion and politics. The evolving dynamics reflect both the aspirations of a religiously diverse population and the challenges of ensuring inclusivity, tolerance and democratic governance. As Pakistan moves forward, it must navigate the delicate balance between religious sensitivities and the principles of a pluralistic society to foster harmony, social progress and democratic values.
WALEED AKHTAR
Islamabad
Health and violence
The lives of people, especially health workers have been in danger since the last few years in Pakistan. According to US-based Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition, the number of violence cases against professionals expanded in Pakistan as compared to the last years. In 2021 seven cases of violence against health workers took place; additionally, in 2022 the cases grew up to 16.
According to the editorial, almost 90 percent of such cases occur in certain areas of the KP province, while some occur in Sindh and Balochistan. The reason why people don’t believe in their protectors, rather they believe in social media. People watch the hypothetical news and videos on media and take it real.
This issue needs serious attention because of its severity. The government requires using techniques to remove the misconception of people in order to save the lives of health workers who have an important role in dealing with health issues.
IMTIAZ JAVID
Awaran
Box letter
Organised beggary
In Pakistan, where unemployment, poverty and inflation rates are escalating, begging has become a convenient means of survival for many. According to the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), Pakistan is home to five to twenty-five million beggars, comprising 2.5 to 11 percent of the population. The begging mafia views begging as a profitable profession. They choose begging over other occupations due to its relative profitability, surpassing wages earned through domestic work or menial jobs. While child domestic workers earn meagre income, beggars can earn between Rs. 1000 and 10,000 per day. Current efforts to address this issue have proven insufficient. Police often adopt short-term strategies that do not provide lasting solutions. Furthermore, when bans are imposed on child beggars, other groups, such as the elderly, youth or transgender individuals, emerge in their place, highlighting the strong networks that support this criminal enterprise. To eradicate the curse of beggars it is crucial to compile comprehensive data on beggars through collaborative efforts between the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This data will enable us to identify and trace the real culprits behind this organized crime while facilitating the rehabilitation and employment of beggars. The media must raise public awareness to discourage begging. The government should impose a ban on giving money to beggars and introduce fines. Reactivating the existing Zakat system is crucial to ensure support reaches genuine and needy individuals in society.
SHAZEEL HASSAN
Karachi
