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.
Electricity bills
The increasing price of electricity is essentially a governance and fiscal problem for which successive governments are to blame. On one hand, the ruling class have relied on heavy indirect taxes on fuels and power bills to pay for the state’s ballooning expenditure, instead of effectively taxing powerful lobbies like retailers, real estate and agriculture because of their political clout.
On the other hand, they’ve utterly failed to implement energy sector reforms to control growing theft and power and gas sector losses, and chosen instead to periodically increase prices to recover lost revenues from honest customers. It goes without saying that the surging fuel and energy costs are devastating the working-class and salaried households, as well as industry.
Besides, inflation, considered to be the most regressive tax on the poor-middle-income families, remains elevated at above 28pc. Fuel and food prices have hit the hardest as tens of millions of people strive to find some way to survive. Unable to cope with the rising cost of living that is exacerbating inequalities in society and many are ready to risk their lives to leave this country.
I make it clear to our leaders that no one can live in this country, if they can’t find some ways to spend their lives. In this contest and high inflation people are compelled to migrate into other countries.
TABISH FEROZ
Turbat
Asia Cup
The big clash between arch rivals India and Pakistan for the Asia Cup is on 2nd September and fans from both countries are all excited as the last time the two countries met in a 50 over clash was way back in 2019 in Manchester during the World Cup in England where India trounced Pakistan on the back of a brilliant hundred by Rohit Sharma.
The last three T20 clashes between both teams have been typical of an India-Pakistan humdinger and have gone till the last over but the last six 50 over matches since 2015 have been all one sided with India winning five and Pakistan winning the big one, the Champions trophy final. Fans from both countries wait for an India-Pakistan match as both teams don’t play regularly due to the political tension hence they wait for the Asia Cup which happens once every two years and the 50 over World Cup every two years. But sadly the 50 over matches as billed have not lived up to the high drama and tension in the last eight years.
One main reason for India’s dominance against Pakistan in the 50 over format in the last eight years is their superior batting where the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli have also scored big runs and given India the edge as compared to Pakistan’s batting. It was only in the 2017 Champions Trophy finals when Fakkar Zaman scored a big hundred and then M.Amir ripping out India’s top three led to the only win. Pakistan will be hoping that Babar Azam, the top batsman in one-day international cricket, will show up and hit those big runs, and allow other batsmen like Imam Ul Haq and Fakhar Zaman to play around him. In the upcoming two months, India and Pakistan are anticipated to play at least three 50-over matches—two in the Asia Cup, where both teams are hoping to defeat Nepal, and one in the World Cup.
Both countries’ fans are enthusiastic and they are hoping that the games will be competitive and not as one-sided as the previous six.
W JERRY DANIEL
Muscat, Oman
Pak javelin sensation
Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable achievements in javelin have truly put Pakistan on the map in the world of athletics. His silver medal at the World Athletics Championships is a historic milestone for the country. Despite facing challenges such as a year-long absence from international competitions due to injuries and a lack of opportunities to compete in top-level events like the Diamond League, Arshad has consistently proven his talent and potential.
It’s inspiring to see how Arshad’s dedication and perseverance have allowed him to excel on the international stage, even without the financial support of a sponsor. His success raises questions about what he could achieve with more consistent training opportunities and resources. The Athletics Federation of Pakistan plays a crucial role in arranging training camps for Arshad, but it’s essential that he receives the backing and support he deserves to fulfil his true potential.
SASSI NASIR ALI
Via email
BRICS and Pakistan
Multi-polarity is becoming the new order of the business in geo-politics and geo-economics as Global South tends to seek an alternative viable way to development- one not dictated by the monopoly of the US and its allies.
The recent events of the BRICS summit which all ended in Johannesburg on 22-24th August can be cited in this approach. The following summit comprising base members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Iran welcomed six new members this year including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran.
Having said that, this multilateral forum is of great significance if Pakistan were to join. Enormous opportunities can be leveraged through it. As member countries represent a remarkable portion of the global economy, increased trade and investment with the member countries could be the first and foremost aftermath if things are put right in place.
Secondly, BRICS always raised its voice on global issues, Pakistan being its member can amplify its stance in global discussions. Thirdly, membership could strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with other countries. But in the current scenario, getting membership is the major concern and for this purpose there is a dire need to formulate vivid objectives and policies.
SAIF UR REHMAN
Lahore
Memoirs of my stay in Chitral as a child
My late father Dr Syed Amir Ali Shah was working as an Assistant Civil Surgeon in District Headquarters Hospital Nowshera in the KP (formerly the NWFP) and he was transferred & promoted as an Agency Surgeon & a Royal Physician to the then Mehtar of Chitral in January 1958, stayed in Chital until December 1959. Chital & Darosh used to be Princely States. Spent one year at Darosh and one year at Chitral.
There was no electricity in Chitral and I remember I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Darosh and Chitral. I could speak Chitrali language as a native so as my two sisters. I can recall having visited Kafiristan with parents along with the families of Chitral Scouts and at that time this place was out of bound for all the visitors. My father had the privilege to be the first ever Medical Doctor & Surgeon to have been appointed in Chital.
My late father had great contribution of having successfully operated the mass population of Chitral suffering from Goiter. There were so many victims of Goiter which was due to the shortage of iodine in water. I would love to visit Chitral sometime between May to July this year to visit my old school, my old residence etc
My late father was transferred out of Chitral in December 1959 and it took us three days to reach Peshawar. We climbed the Lowari Top having a height of ten thousands two hundred and thirty feet at the back of local laborers who were wearing no winter clothing and they were wearing Chappals/Sandals made of rope and it was a great experience..
I still remember a few words in Chitrali language: Taa kitcha Asoos (How are you), Jaam (I am fine), Shaapik ayengey (Bring me Roti/Chapatai), Trup mata dit (Give me the Salt), Ukh mata dit (Give me water).
FEROZE JAHANGIR SHAH
Islamabad
Box letter
Child marriage
Child marriage is the only marriage where one of the parties or both are under the age of 18. It disproportionately affects the girl child. According to UNICEF report from 2018, around 18% of the girls in Pakistan are married before the age of 18 giving it lowest rate of child marriage in South Asia after Sri Lanka. In 2020, 119 cases of child marriages were reported in the country, of which 95% were of girls and 5% were of boys, according to a report. The culture of marrying girls in childhood is the top line issue in Pakistan. The impact of this issue is quite lasting because it leads to a host of problems in their future lives. Child marriage makes them engage in practical familiar household without sufficient mental maturity. The early-wed girls are pressed under great challenges of a difficult phase of life. The early-wed girls may suffer from diseases as they are pressed on many challenges and household chores. The rights of girls and boys are not given properly. After the early marriage, their lives are changed and they are being called an adult. Mostly, girls are not sent to schools or educational institutions after their marriage because they think that now it’s their time to manage the whole house and do all the housework. The Government of Pakistan should implement the laws related to child marriages completely at all levels so that child marriages can be prohibited. Child Marriage Bill must be enhanced and encouraged by law enforcing agencies. Girls and boys must be provided their basic rights so that they can be good citizens of Pakistan and can contribute to our beloved homeland.
NAVERA AARA
Hyderabad
