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.
Hoarding & smuggling must cease
You are absolutely right, Prime Minister. Unambiguously, hoarding & smuggling are two profoundly deep-rooted evils which are badly hurting the country’s economy. Ultimately, it is the inflation-battered poor masses who are having to bear the brunt of this menace. I couldn’t but agree with you, in toto, when you say that the campaign launched by your government against hoarding and smuggling will continue unabated. It must, because this is the only way how the derailed economy of the country can be brought back on track, and the gargantuan economic predicaments of the people can be resolved.
Secondly, your thoughts vis-à-vis the functioning of the government offices couldn’t be more apt. The performance of the government offices is not up to the mark. To be more specific, much remains to be desired in this realm. It’s true, if the performance of the government organizations improves markedly, complaints against other institutions too will diminish automatically. However, it must be clearly borne in mind that the attainment of this vital objective would be possible only if determined and serious efforts are made in this direction.
Yet another vital area that merits your prompt and undivided attention Prime Minister, is price control. As you are aware, the prices of items of daily consumption, in particular, have gone absolutely haywire. There is no government control whatsoever over the prices. The whole sellers and the retailers are raising the prices of all commodities indiscriminately, on daily a basis. There is dearth of interest and effort on the part of relevant authorities to keep a tab on them and control the prices. The people are having to pay very dearly for the immeasurable liberty that the whole sellers and retailers are blatantly enjoying because of lack of government’s control over them.
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
Fuel price hike
There is disappointment with regard to the latest surge in petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices which. The substantial hikes of Rs26.02 and Rs17.34 per litre in petrol and HSD, respectively, have placed a heavy burden on the common citizens, adding to their already rising cost of living.
This latest increase comes on top of an alarming upward trend in fuel prices, with Rs32.41 and Rs38.49 per litre increases observed in the last two fortnights since August 15. This cumulative increase, totalling Rs58.43 per litre for petrol and Rs5.83 per litre for HSD within just one month is a cause for great concern among the general public. What’s more, both petrol and diesel have become 20% more expensive since the caretaker government took office, further straining the economic conditions of the people.
However, it’s essential to note that this decision has led to a domino effect. The increased fuel costs have not only affected transportation prices but also raised the prices of essential goods, causing hardships for the average citizen.
I would like to point out that while there hasn’t been any change in the prices of kerosene and light diesel oil, the government has implemented an approximately 88 paisa per litre increase to accommodate the rising sale margins for petroleum dealers and marketing companies, which had already been approved by the Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet last week.
Additionally, it’s worth highlighting the existing tax structure on petroleum products, including the Rs60 per litre petroleum development levy (PDL) on petrol and Rs50 each on HSD and high octane blending component and 95RON petrol. The government also imposes customs duties ranging from Rs18-22 per litre on petrol and HSD, further contributing to the high cost of fuel.
RAHIM DAD
Turbat
Test case for Sindh Govt
The Ranipur incident where an influential pseudo Pir is accused of sexually molesting a minor ten-year old girl, who died because of torture, is a test case for Caretaker Sind Home Minister Retd Brig Harris Nawaz. The post-mortem has been carried out and despite this if police has failed to make concrete headway, the onus of responsibility lies on Home Minister, under whose administrative control is the Sindh police and other agencies tasked to enforce rule of law.
Incidents of street crimes have increased in Karachi, instead of decreasing. It is time for Harris Nawaz, who used to regularly appear on TV Talk Shows, to “Walk His Talk”, now that all law enforcement agencies in Sindh are under his control. Previously he used to blame political parties of either patronizing criminals or incompetence for similar crimes.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Heat is eating studies
Owing to shortage of electricity in government schools of Larkana, it’s very difficult for students and teachers to continue educational activities. Solar panels drop off repeatedly and for this reason students cannot concentrate fully on their studies. Unbearable shortage of electricity produces anxiety, restlessness and headache among students.
Electricity mechanism is not properly organized and the unbearable summer may cause huge loss to students and teachers as well. We, students, can’t expect from to the authorities installation of an air conditioner in schools, we only request that please arrange at least one fan in schools.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana (Sindh)
