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.
Desperate people
Amidst country-wide protests against inflated electricity bills, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar passed a statement that can only be construed as ignorant. Calling the whole matter a ‘non-issue’ and terming unrest to be a ‘political tool’ for parties to secure votes invalidates the suffering of a citizenry which is already struggling to make both ends meet in this high-inflation environment.
Testimonies of the average individual will reveal that the masses are having to make tough financial decisions. The rising cost of electricity has manifested in protests in all major cities of the country. People have been burning their electricity bills in retaliation to multiple tariff adjustments. It is also being reported that their bills were higher than their rent, leaving them with grim future prospects; either they pay their bills, pay rent, send their children to school or sustain a nutritious lifestyle. The last month of August has been particularly stressful. Electricity bills increased by as much as 60% compared to July.
September will witness yet another increase of 30%, and this hike will remain in play until next year. Accordingly, any hopes for relief are thwarted keeping the statement of caretaker PM Kakar. Trivialising the plight of the masses, which is very much real, is not the right approach. Invalidating their burdens is not the right approach either. Any statement made should be empathetic of the financial hardships the masses are going through, instead of brushing it off as non-existent.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Fighting corruption
Corruption is one of the major issues of Pakistan. Corruption is the misuse of public property, position, power and authority for fulfilling selfish purposes to gain personal satisfaction. Corruption is the misuse of authority for personal gain of an individual or a group. Corruption is a crime and everyone should take proper steps to fight against it. Corruption has grown to such a level that it has given rise to criminal activities. It is a slow poison which kills the constitution, the society and the economy of developing nations. Until and unless, strict steps are taken, corruption cannot be removed from Pakistan. When a person starts doing corruption, he/she will start involving in deep corruption.
Corruption compromises the genuine rights of someone. Corruption degrades the economic and infrastructural growth of a country. It is not limited only to a specific sector and covers a wide range of offices, departments, sectors etc. Pakistan is the 140 least corrupt nation out of 180 countries, according to the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International. Police in Pakistan remain the top most corrupt institution, followed by tendering & contracting, judiciary and education, local media reported on Friday, citing a survey by the Transparency International’s Pakistan chapter.
We can stop corruption by exposing corrupt activities and risks, keep the public sector honest, transparent and accountable, stop dishonest practices and ensure public sector employees act in the public interest. Fighting corruption should be the topmost priority of the government so that rapid control can be ensured. In this way our country can get rid of this menace and can be a peaceful and economically sound country.
NAVERA AARA
Hyderabad
Winning streak
The Asia Cup has commenced once again, igniting a fresh wave of excitement and hope in the hearts of the people. The Pakistan cricket team, from the outset of the tournament until now, has garnered remarkable achievements, further fueling the anticipation for 2023 Asia Cup. The team has triumphed in all the matches played so far, showcasing their prowess against Nepal, Afghanistan, and India. This remarkable winning streak has not only brought joy to the nation but also erected a proud monument for our country on the cricketing landscape.
As the Asia Cup unfolds, it becomes increasingly suspenseful and exhilarating with each passing day, instilling a sense of competition and determination in all participating teams. Overall, I offer my heartfelt prayers to the Almighty for the continued success of Pakistan’s hardworking cricket team.
AMINA AMJID
Turbat
Call to action for salvation
Pakistan is collapsing. Dollar is not available even at Rs. 330. The rich are transferring their money abroad. For the time being, stop chasing business-men or business houses for corruption/other charges. Let them be not afraid of investing in the country rather than stash their money outside Pakistan.
It is true that corruption has to be routed out of the country (any country) but given the current situation that the country is in, the Government of Pakistan must have to promote home-grown business. This would have manifold dividends. For one, jobs will be created. The needs of the people could be supplied without importing items from abroad. Also, Pakistan could export any surplus it produces. This would in turn narrow the gap of balance of payment between countries it trade with thereby bolstering the rupee. This step would overall improve the Pakistan economy as a whole.
For the above to happen, the government must have to create a positive atmosphere for investment. No investor (foreign or domestic alike) would want to invest in a country where there is instability everywhere. Whether government or political parties or hardcore elements, it is the country which suffers if there is internal strife and terrorism in its backyard. The Pakistani government and establishment must have to address the elephant in the room instead of beating around the bush. Once Pakistan takes steps towards stability, investment among the country would grow and money would start coming in (instead of flying out) which would result in bolstering rupee.
UNZILA TAHIR HUDA
Karachi
Box letter
Medicine shortage crisis
The shortage of essential medicines in Pakistan has evolved into a pressing crisis, significantly impacting the well-being of its citizens. Pakistan’s struggle to ensure the availability of crucial medications reflects a broader failure to safeguard the health of its people. Recent reports have exposed severe shortages of medications, particularly those vital for treating cancer, hepatitis and various other serious illnesses. The scarcity of cancer medications has exacerbated the suffering of cancer patients, leading to a surge in the number of fatalities. This alarming situation necessitates immediate and comprehensive action by the Pakistani government to address the critical issue of medicine shortages.
TASLEEM MOHSIN
Turbat
