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.
Dire economic challenges
Pakistan faces multiple crises, involving the economy, political instability and shortage in essential basic food items. State revenues through direct taxation are at rock bottom and need to be increased, whatever it takes to do. This constitutes the biggest threat to our security along with extremism and terrorism. It is an established fact that smuggling is a serious criminal activity and under no circumstances should there be any tolerance for this. Smuggling of essential food items upsets the supply chain within the country, creates food shortage which results in price escalation, hunger and starvation.
It is a perfect recipe to spread discontent within the citizens, especially for those already living below the poverty line and the middle class. Media reports, quoting a businessman from Karachi, that they were assured in a meeting at Karachi, that not even a litre of smuggled Iranian gasoline would be allowed to reach the financial hub, has created confusion. This statement seems to be out of context, because smuggling needs to be eliminated from this country in its entirety, and under no circumstances should the state tolerate this illegality, whether it be smuggled Iranian fuel into Pakistan or smuggling of wheat, sugar etc out of Pakistan.
Given the dire Forex Reserves of Pakistan, there should be absolutely no tolerance for even a single US$, or any other hard currency, bought in the black-market from exchange companies, to be smuggled to Afghanistan, or any other country in the region. Any excess wheat or sugar stocks should be exported through regular channels to Afghanistan either through barter trade, or on payment in hard currency. We have had enough of this. Pakistan can no longer afford this. All those involved in smuggling, irrespective of their status or affiliation, must be prosecuted because this constitutes conspiracy against the state.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Elevated bills
In recent months, an unsettling trend has emerged, causing concern among many households: a sharp increase in electricity bills. As we flick the switch and watch our appliances come to life, we’re met with a disconcerting reality—the numbers on our electricity bills are climbing higher than ever before. This unanticipated surge has left many wondering: What exactly is behind this sudden rise in the cost of keeping the lights on? Various factors contribute to the complex landscape of energy pricing and understanding these intricacies is crucial for consumers to make informed decisions. I explore some of the key elements driving this phenomenon i.e. Supply and Demand Dynamics, Fluctuating Fuel Costs, Infrastructure Upgrades, Policy and Regulation, Technological Advancements.
As we navigate this period of heightened energy prices, it’s an opportune moment for communities, policymakers and industry stakeholders to engage in a meaningful dialogue. Together, we can work toward sustainable solutions that balance the needs of consumers, the environment and the economy.
In conclusion, the recent surge in electricity bills underscores the intricate web of factors influencing energy pricing. By staying informed, making conscious choices and advocating for transparency, we can collectively address this challenge and pave the way for a more affordable and sustainable energy future.
MARYAM AZHAR
Karachi
Traffic lights
Turbat, as a growing city, faces a significant issue i.e. lack of traffic lights. This problem poses a major challenge for the city’s residents who endure daily traffic-related problems. On any given day, the city witnesses more than a few accident cases due to the absence of traffic lights. Consequently, many citizens have suffered greatly, with some even losing their lives.
Turbat, being a developing city in Balochistan, urgently requires a solution to address this traffic lights deficiency. The government should step in to provide the necessary traffic lights to enhance safety and reduce accident occurrences. This measure holds the potential to significantly decrease accident rates and improve overall safety conditions in the city.
NOMAN ASLAM
Turbat
Petrol prices
Pakistan is a price-taker when it comes to oil. It meets almost 30% of its energy needs through imports and also relies heavily on petrol consumption for its tax revenue. Then the country has to adjust the rates when international prices begin to rise. The US is the world’s biggest producer of oil, having produced around 16.6 million barrels of oil on average per day. Saudi Arabia and Russia are at second and third place having produced around 11 and 10.9 million barrels of oil per day.
Saudi Arabia gives more affordable barrels than in the world. The exchange rate between the Pakistani Rupee and the US dollar also plays a role in determining the cost of petrol. If the Rupee depreciates against the US dollar, the cost of importing crude oil becomes more expensive, leading to an increase in the price of petrol.
The government of Pakistan imposes taxes and levies on petrol as a means of generating revenue. The taxes imposed on petrol can be a substantial portion of its retail price and increase in taxes can lead to an increase in the price of petrol. In conclusion, petrol prices are influenced by several factors including international crude oil prices, exchange rates, taxes, refining costs, distribution costs and government subsidies. Some of these factors are beyond our control, therefore it is essential to understand how they impact the price of petrol so that we can take less consumption of transportation
CHAHAT SANTWANI
Sukkur
Box letter
World Literacy Day
World Literacy Day is celebrated on 8 September every year. As a community, we see the impact of illiteracy every day affecting children in our school system, or with adults seeking employment. Illiteracy is a hidden shame that many children and adults carry privately, unable to develop the skills to properly decode the world around them. The theme for this year’s World Literacy Day is: Literacy for a world in transition. Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies. Being literate allows children and adults to develop the skills needed to become successful and contributing members of society.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
