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.
Unveiling realities
The government’s decision to raise the prices of electricity, gas and petrol has stirred debate about its apparent merciless attitude. This approach, ostensibly driven by the stipulations of the IMF, has raised questions about the necessity of such measures. The central inquiry revolves around whether increasing electricity and gas rates are truly the only viable course to augment financial resources.
However, a deeper examination uncovers a multifaceted scenario where a confluence of factors plays a role. Data presented in the National Assembly indicates a staggering five hundred billion rupees worth of electricity was stolen within a mere 15 months. Moreover, a significant portion of public taxes is channelled into providing free electricity, gas, and petrol to influential segments of the population.
The amalgamation of these factors has led to a scenario where the government’s tough stance could be construed as an effort to address systemic issues rather than sheer indifference. By curbing energy theft and revisiting subsidy distribution, not only could the prices of these essential commodities be mitigated, but also the broader impact on manufacturing costs and transportation expenses could be alleviated, offering a potential solution to the inflationary surge that has gripped the nation.
AHSAN UL HAQ
Chunian
Inflation and poverty
I am writing this letter to express my deep concern about the escalating inflation rate in Pakistan, a challenge that has not only affected the financial stability of households but also dampened economic growth prospects in our nation. The relentless increase in essential goods and services prices has placed an unprecedented burden on the common citizens. The rapid surge in food, fuel and housing costs has eroded the purchasing power of the average Pakistani, making it increasingly difficult to make both ends meet.
This inflationary trend has disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities, pushing them further into financial distress. While certain external factors, such as global oil prices, may contribute, it’s imperative to assess domestic factors like supply chain disruptions, fiscal mismanagement and monetary policy decisions that may exacerbate the situation. A comprehensive and coordinated effort is required to stabilize prices and provide relief to the citizens.
Additionally, this persistent inflation threatens the business environment, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to plan for the future. The uncertainty surrounding costs impedes investment, pivotal for job creation and sustainable economic growth. I urge the government to take swift action through prudent fiscal policies, targeted subsidies for the most vulnerable and reforms to improve agricultural productivity and supply chain efficiency.
FIZZA NAQVI
Lahore
No trepidations about railways
A recent terrible train accident occurred near Nawabshah which killed over 30 passengers of Hazara Express, but it’s not the first time we have heard about train misfortunes because every time there have been various issues with our trains sometimes railway tracks were not ready properly and sometimes that there was a problem in the engine of a train. My question is for our government: why do these problems always happen with us?
And the current situation of our trains is like that people are scared of sitting in trains that it might create problems during travel and so far 250 people have died on the stretch between Khanpur and Karachi and that is so embarrassing that the department which gives Pakistan a good payoff is in sand and nobody is ready to take out but they stole the gold inside it. The report says in 2021 railway department requested 30bn for the rehabilitation of 470km long track between Khanpur and Kotri where the recent accident occurred.
As you can see, the reason given by the government related to this incident is that the breakage of the railway line and hot axle issue. This is normal for them that people who are even not strengthening the infrastructure of railways so why they will puzzle out this issue like that it will never be going to happen again.
NOOR MUSTAFA
Hyderabad
Economy plans by PM
The caretaker of PM Anwarul Haq Kakar has set some enthusiastic economic targets for his government. For instance, it wants to raise the tax to GDP ratio from below 9pc to 13pc and boost exports from $28bn to $80bn. In the next few days, maybe we will hear some more ambitious plans by our PM. Recently, our present PM said confidently, “We are here for an allocated time and don’t have a perpetual mandate” adding more “so utmost dusty_ maybe it is for a month, two, three or whatever the allocated time is”. He added these words confidently and also spoke that now they will not demonstrate not through their words but through their actions.
Certainly, it should not be surprising that the ministers are setting big targets for themselves that are difficult to achieve even in years let alone a few months. It is encouraging that the PM is promising to accomplish the international commitment that was made by the previous government, and ensure financial discipline during the interim period. Indeed, the tax and the exports targets of the government are crucial for the country to achieve in the shortest possible time. We expect more from the caretaker PM and hope to see his actions immediately in the country.
TABISH FEROZ
Turbat
Box letter
Poor drainage systems
The rainy season has become a scourge due to poor drainage systems in our towns and cities. In fact, it would not be unfair to say that in many places, there is no drainage system. This deficiency creates a lot of problems for the people, particularly commuters.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
