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-level PIA committee
The out going PM announced a high-level committee to work out restructuring, reformation and revival of PIA, consisting of politicians and bureaucrats etc. It seems destined to be a nonstarter as far as composition and choice of members is concerned. Such committees dominated by retired uniformed officers or politicians and ureaucrats have never delivered. Unlike other commercial activities, commercial aviation is a highly regulated industry, subject to oversight of CAA and regulatory authority of every country whose airspace the airline over-flies, apart from ICAO recommendations.
The political executive involvement should be limited to policy decision of restructuring and making the national airline break even or preferably profitable. There is an MAS model that can be adopted or that which Air India has followed. PIA and CAA both need reputable airline professionals of repute. The Federal Government must have the political will not to interfere in operation or selection of executives. Failing which, PIA will continue to bleed and the foreign airlines that have been facilitated to carry local ethnic traf-fic on international routes, which PIA used to carry previously, before the suicidal attack by PTI Minister for Aviation, will simultaneously bleed our depleting forex reserves when they remit their revenues to their countries. In the past both Saigol and Nur Khan enforced strict financial discipline and ensured that merit and transparency prevails in recruitment, postings, procurement and fleet planning. Corporate ethics, like Conflict of Interest, audit controls and Federal Government and PIA enforced transparencies. It goes to the credit of political executive at helm in 1972, which gave a free hand to both Saigol and Nur Khan. When NK wanted to appoint Enver Jamal, a veteran in commercial aviation from the days of Orient Airways, the Fed-eral Government objected because EJ’s family had a garment industry that supplied uniforms to PIA. EJ and his family had to disassociate from any commercial transactions with PIA and it was only after over 6 months, did the PM approve. ‘
The Open Skies policy initiated in 1992 was a blunder, which offered unfet-tered access to Gulf based airlines in violation of time-tested reciprocal traffic rights negotiated between two sovereign states, whilst safeguarding their own national aviation industry. Thereafter every management submitted an over ambitious Business Plan which was never implemented because of a host of factors, rang-ing from political interference, irregularities in fleet induction, leasing of aircrafts and pilferages in procure-ments of essential spares and an aviation policy which was detrimental to commercial interests of Pakistan based airlines.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
LAHORE
Heinous act
The recent vandalization of ome churches in Jaranwala near Faisalabad over alleged blasphemy is deeply shameful and concerning. We should know that it is important to respect the beliefs and sentiments of others. Vandalism and violence are never an acceptable response to any form of expression, even if it is deemed offensive. Minorities in Pakistan are far from safe. This is not the first time that such a devastating acts, be it vandalism, violence or mob lynching against minorities these acts have seemingly become day-to-day occur-rence.
It is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue and debate, rather than resorting to destructive actions that only serve to deepen divisions and further polarize society. Disagreements over religious matters should be addressed through peaceful means, such as open discussion, education and mutual understanding. Acts of vandalism not only damage physical structures but also erode the moral fabric of our society. Respecting religious diversity is an essential aspect of a harmonious and inclusive society. It is incumbent upon all of us to promote tolerance and empathy, even when faced with ideas that challenge our own beliefs. The govern-ment and local people collectively work on curbing extremism by fostering an environment of respect and dialogue, so that we can work towards finding common ground and nurturing a culture of coexistence. This is the land of cultural diversity, ethnic acceptance and much more from the beginning, so let’s pursue the way.
PEHLAJ KUMAR
Khairpur, Sindh
Seasonal outfit for lawyers
As I daily visit district courts for summer internship, I found one thing impeccably conventional: feeble and exhausted judges looking down from elevated seats, traditional and outdated practices of recording statements by handwriting, overwhelming noise damaging and discomforting lawyers’ mind and the list goes on.
There is another important but unrecognised factor that adds fuel to fire to already exhaust lawyer’s community and that is inconvenient lawyers’ attire. Lawyers’ attire in Pakistan adheres predominantly to Western style that is not climate-friendly considering the scorching heat in our country. The attire worn by lawyers only intensifies discomfort caused by the scorching heat, which consists of heavy black suit, formal shirt, and restrictive tie. The extremely hot and humid weather leaves lawyers suffocated and drained. Such inconvenient attire is stifling their ability to perform effectively.
It is imperative for legal fraternity to collectively revise dress code of legal professionals and embrace lighter, convenient and comfortable fabrics that can mitigate oppressive effects of weather.
SAMI ULLAH KAKAR
Quetta, Balochistan
A silent killer
Diabetes is rising at an alarming rate in Pakistan, with 30.8% of Pakistani population being affected by diabetes. Currently, number of affected persons has touched 33 million. The country remains among the top most countries in prevalence of diabetes while half of the population still remains undiagnosed due to various reasons.
Majority of undiagnosed cases hail from rural areas of the country due to lack of good healthcare facilities. Several other factors are responsible for spike in rate of diabetes while obesity remains the primary cause of diabetes. Diabetes is often called a silent killer and is responsible for the death of at least 1.5 million people every year throughout the world. Around 537 million adults across the globe have diabetes while it can predict to rise by 2030 and by the year of 2045. The growing figure is quite alarming and need immediate attention.
ZAIMAL ARIF
Turbat, Balochistan
Unemployment rate
Unemployment is ‘as usual’ discussed matter in Pakistan. It has been a great factor of low economy and joblessness and still a factor of great obstacles. Unemployment has forced a lot of residents to be involved in illegal activities that can be a gloomy picture for the state. Many well skilled intellectuals live with no jobs.
However, unemployment is not only a threat to public, but it also hurts our economy. Pakistan’s reported unemployment rate of 6.5%, ranking 24th in the world according to World of Statistics data, offers a glimpse into country’s economic landscape.
MUSLIM SAWALI
Awaran, Balochistan
Box
The monsoon challenge
Developing countries like Pakistan are at the forefront of
threats and most vulnerable from climate change. During last month, nearly 30 people have died in monsoon rains related incidents in Punjab and KP alone. Considering the present devastation and last year’s floods, one can only speculate the extent of the incoming destruction as we approach the monsoon season. Last year’s floods caused by monsoon rains in which at least 1700 lives were lost, nearly 50,000 people were displaced and damage to infrastructure and livestock still has lingering effects to this day. Provincial and district management authorities need to swiftly mobilise and ensure that drainage systems all over the country are in optimal condition and cleared of any pre-existing debris. While floods are caused by heavy rain, the speed and direction in which excess water is evacuated through drainage systems is a big part of the equation. Unclogging and reinforcing these systems will significantly reduce the risk of urban flooding, as it will decrease the likelihood of excess water collecting on land. The nonchalant approach against climate disasters Pakistan has adopted in the past needs to be discarded immediately as we approach the incoming flood season. Neglecting the present and dealing with the aftermath is an approach that fails to acknowledge the gravity of the situation at hand. By adopting appropriate anticipatory measures, we can hope to weather this storm and emerge resilient. We must heed the advisory issued by NDMA, as being proactive today will save us from dealing with the aftermath tomorrow.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
LAHORE
