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.
Saudi-Iran rapprochement
China stunned the whole world by brokering a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023. Though both the countries are potent Muslim nations in the international arena, fissures in their relations have had disharmony among the Muslim community in the world. The pact thus far seems to bring about a paradigm shift across the Middle East, South Asia and other Arab States. China deserves kudos for this to have materialized a long-coveted dream Pakistan was aspiring for. Through this bonhomie, China, Pakistan, Saudi and Iran will endeavour to drive economic growth by expanding scope of CPEC and other such projects.
Pakistan can and will benefit from amiable Saudi-Iran relations in a number of ways. Firstly, it can attract huge investment in the country from Saudi Arabia, Iran and China due to CPEC. In order to avoid any bottleneck in the pathway of the project, the beneficiaries will pour in investment in Pakistan so as to keep its economic circle going. Our ruling elite can exploit Iran’s energy resources to tackle energy crisis in Pakistan.
A breakthrough has to be seen in this regard in Pak-Iran relations by the creation of Mand-Pishin border that will offer so many projects including cheap electricity supply to Pakistan. Thirdly, Pakistan will be able enough to deal with security issues across Pak-Iran border. Some anti-Iran elements in Balochistan resort to terrorist malpractices in Iran to dampen our relations with our neighbour. Also, cross-border terrorism has inflicted huge damage to both the countries that prompted our ruling elite to fence our borders with Iran. Now that relations with our neighbour have been ameliorated, these terrorist practices will fade away.
What is an hour of need at this time is that this Saudi-Iran proximity can be marred by countries like the US and India which seems quite unhappy with the rapprochement. Hence, Pakistan, China, Saudi and Iran must be meticulous in this regard and do not allow cracks to take place again.
AAMIR ALI
Shikarpur
Inflation
at peak
Time and again, we have been reeling under skyrocketing inflation to have dealt a great blow to the life of the masses. Before acceding to thrones, our ruling elite utter tall claims to reorient economic circumstances of the country to heal our wounds; however, once they assume reigns of power, they take our grave concerns for granted. That’s the case in our country where the poor strata of our society is constantly being thrust into the throes of economic woes. From PTI to PDM-led governments, the tentacles of inflation have been deeply entrenched with little hope of prosperity. Everyone is testimony to the fact that the ongoing decade has seen inflation at its peak to be moving upward with the span of time.
One can best understand the gravity of inflation from the fact that by diligently working round the clock, our proletariat find it extremely difficult to earn square meals for their children. The situation in villages is even worse where there are scant earning resources coupled with shabby infrastructure. Homes which are run by two to three wage-earners hardly eat hand to mouth, which is quite contrary to the old days when households were better run by only one breadwinner.
The current IMF deal boasts to be the savior of the country, but it disregards the looming economic crisis ahead in the shape of high inflation. The deal undoubtedly turns out to be fruitful for the country as it has saved us from economic default, yet the poor will bear the deadly brunt of rising prices.
AAMIR ALI
Shikarpur
Unavailability of items at utility stores
Unbearably, a good number of poor people standing in long queues for daily use commodities like flour, oil and sugar at utility stores in several parts of the country owing to high level inflation, economic challenges that push out every individual in a critical condition. However, there is no availability of items at utility stores is another dilemma for the middle class and poor people who are unable to facilitate themselves to recover financial gaps.
Fortunately, utility stores play a very supportive role to supply daily use commodities at low rates compared to the market. Regrettably, it is forcing the poor people to stand for a long period with empty hands by emotionally depressing them due to unavailability of items. It is the responsibility of the government to set up more utility stores including daily commodities to ensure the availability of the items in order to facilitate the poor people.
FARAH NAZ
Turbat kech
Career counselling
Career counselling is a right way that helps young people to determine their right career path. Unfortunately, the education system of Pakistan lacks career counselling that has adverse effects on students and young people’s career. Young people are facing difficulties in making a proper decision for their career. Furthermore, there are many graduate students who are unsure about their career goals after the completion of their education, they lack sufficient resources, guidance, support and career counselling.
Lack of career counselling creates difficulties for young people to find a job, which is also a result of lack of skills as students might get degrees which are not related to their due interest. However, students are still struggling in making decisions for their future. Particularly, lack of career counselling makes students deprived of various career options of their interests. I myself faced this issue, after doing my Pre-medical, I completed my graduation degree in Chemistry, but later I found I am more interested in Fine Art.
There are many students and young people who are struggling with their career decisions. Mostly young people are struggling in finding jobs who are unemployed as they were not guided before from counsellors. Therefore, in each school and university, students should be given certain information and guidance regarding careers. Training should be required for the students that could help them to make a right decision. Ultimately, career counselling enhances the chances of success for students and for young people.
MAHEEN SHAMIM
Kech
Box letter
Tomato’s price rise
When it comes to cooking essentials, potatoes, tomatoes and onions are considered important and when any of these face skyrocketing price hikes, it surely disturbs the monthly budget of every Indian household. In the past, onions made us cry, and this time tomatoes have made it sour for us. The shortage of tomatoes has been attributed to the irregular weather that has ravaged India during this year’s season for tomatoes, including unseasonable high rainfall in recent months which devastated the growing crops and fuelled a deadly fungal disease. Experts point out that unfavourable weather conditions, including heavy rains and heat-waves in key tomato-growing areas have significantly impacted the tomato production, leading to a five-fold price increase this year.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
