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.
Political instability
Political instability has profoundly impacted Pakistan’s economic growth over the years. Frequent changes in leadership, civil unrest and a volatile security situation have created an environment of uncertainty that discourages foreign investment and hampers domestic economic activities.
The country’s political landscape, characterized by power struggle and corruption allegations, often leads to policy inconsistency and delayed decision-making, further impacting investor confidence. This instability also diverts government attention and resources from implementing long-term economic reforms, hindering efforts to address poverty, unemployment and infrastructure development.
Moreover, the security challenges associated with political instability have detrimental effects on trade and commerce. Frequent protests, strikes and demonstrations disrupt daily business operations, causing supply chain disruptions and increasing business costs. The prevalence of terrorism and internal conflicts deters foreign investors and tourists and requires significant government spending on security measures, diverting funds from essential sectors like education and healthcare.
RAKHSHI AFTAB
Karachi
Addressing insanitary
There are insanitary conditions in our area. Piles of garbage are present at various places. Sewerage lines are broken, gutters are choked and stinking water is standing. These insanitary conditions are affecting people’s health. People are suffering from various diseases. This isn’t the first time that the gutters are overflowing almost all the time all over Karachi.
The standing stinking water has become a breeding place for mosquitoes. A lot of people are suffering from malaria and their health is deteriorating day by day. The concerned officials and departments should look into the matter so that people can live in hygienic conditions.
ASMA HANIF
Karachi Pakistan
Over moon
This month marks the 54th anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon, where Neil Armstrong uttered those immortal words – “this is a small step for a man, but a giant leap for mankind”. Although no man has landed on the Moon since 1972, when the US Apollo missions ceased, the US, Russia and China have sent many unmanned probes to the lunar orbit and to the Moon itself in the five intervening decades.
With the successful landing by the Chandrayaan-3 (literally lunar spacecraft) probe, India has become only the fourth country to send a robotic probe to the Moon. Significantly, it landed on the Moon’s largely unexplored South Pole, a first by any country.
The successful landing was significant from another perspective – a previous attempt by India’s Chandrayaan-2 ended in a crash landing in 2019. This space probe has landed at an opportune moment since recent research suggests that the lunar poles might contain trace amounts of water, which will be essential if human settlements are to be built on the Moon. The US indeed has a plan to make this a reality in the next decade through its manned spaceflight program Artemis. Several private companies in US are also planning cargo missions to Moon.
W JERRY DANIEL
Muscat, Oman
Garbage collection
As a concerned resident of the Johar town area of Lahore city, I am writing this to highlight the issue of poor garbage collection system in the area. Johar town is a large part of the Lahore city which is home to more than 200 commercial buildings, several universities, thousands of residents and also hosts the famous Emporium Mall and the Expo Centre.
But majority of the residential parts of the area are pretty much full of garbage. There is lack of waste bins and regular collection of garbage is totally absent in majority places. The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) should put more effort to get the place cleaned.
The large piles of garbage here and there cause a nasty smell all over the place with lots of potential for airborne diseases. The situation usually worsens after the heavy rain as seen recently (during the monsoon season) in the city.
The importance of garbage collection cannot be overstated as this is very important for our environment too. This garbage when not collected and recycled is often burnt by people causing large amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. In my opinion the quality of life for the people living and visiting this area can be exponentially increased if regular and effective garbage collection is ensured here.
RAMIZ ARIF
Lahore
Box letter
Child begging
Child begging is a rising issue in the country, especially Balochistan which is the largest province in Pakistan in terms of landmass but with a smaller population. Begging is common here due to the Balochistan government’s failure to provide education and job opportunities for Baloch individuals. Poverty drives many Baloch people to beg, but with the right support, they can work instead. Poverty is increasing in Balochistan, with about half of the province’s population struggling below the poverty line. Additionally, 13 percent of people can’t access three meals a day, and 43 percent of food is wasted. This leads to Baloch people resorting to begging for food. We urge Balochistan govt to take benevolent steps to help Baloch. Creating income-generating opportunities and supporting needy can help alleviate this issue
ADEEL KHUDABAKSH
Kech
