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.
Technology and humans
Experts have been debating this topic for years. Also, technology has gone a long way to make human life easier. Regularly evolving technology has become an important part of our lives. Also, newer technologies are taking the market by storm and people are getting used to them in no time. Above all, technological advancement has led to growth and development of nations.
Although technology is a good thing, the negative aspects of it can’t be ignored. Technology also has two sides, one is good and the other is bad. Here are some negative aspects of technology that are discussed. Over the years technological advancement has caused a severe rise in pollution. Also, pollution has become a major cause of many health issues. Besides, it has cut off people from society rather than connecting them. Above all, it has taken away many jobs from the workers because a single machine can replace many workers. Also, machines can do work at a constant pace for several hours or days without stopping. Due to this, many workers lost their jobs that ultimately increased unemployment. Generally, we judge technology on the same scale but in reality, technology is divided into various types. This includes information technology, industrial technology, creative technology and many more. Today, everything we use in our daily lives is a gift of technology without which we cannot imagine our lives. Also, we cannot refuse the fact that it has caused severe damage to our surroundings.
JAWERIA AARA
Hyderabad, Sindh
First act — claim later
Keeping in mind, present socio-economic situation in Pakistan, it is necessary to alter customary behaviour in order to acquire positive results. Nowadays, people are crying over their plight – inflation, unemployment, poverty, hunger etc. In fact, they are mere commentator of their demands, demanding from government to do more for their betterment. But, when fulfilment of their responsibility as a responsible citizen is asked, ironically, silence always takes the place.
Similarly, our leaders and rulers too, act nothing and expect everything. For instance, there is no proper industrial set-up in the country, but it is still believed and proclaimed by leaders that coming days will bring progress and prosperity for the country. In reality, we could not still eliminate terrorism/extremism from society, but expecting foreign investment that will lead Pakistan to progress. It’s nothing but just illusion. People and leaders will have to be pragmatic in life and should give priority to practical steps. Its reward, obviously, comes later.
ASIF MEHMOOD
Attock, Punjab
Flour prices
After a high increase in inflation, the price of flour is being increased unbearably. The poor are already crying for deadly price-hike. The survival of poor is getting very tough and they are unable to meet their both ends meet. Government must go after hoarders and corrupt and avoid punishing the poor.
JUNAID KHAN BALOCH
Larkana, Sindh
Literacy rate
Pakistan’s literacy rate is 59.3%. The actual literacy rate is an alarming situation for policy and decision-makers. The country remains at the lowest as far as literacy rate in South Asia is concerned. The Maldives stands at the top 99.3%, Sri Lanka 92.6%, India 74.4%, Bangladesh 73.9%, Bhutan 64.4%, Nepal 64.7% and Afghanistan 38.2%. Pakistan is below all except Afghanistan. The current literacy rate of Pakistan shows that the significant proportion of the population is still illiterate. This can explain Pakistan’s low progress and development in the education sector. There is low enrolment rate in primary schools. And if students succeed in secondary education, they face a problem to enrol in higher education. Consequently, the unskilled and uneducated population increases that ultimately gives birth to other social problems like corruption, suicide bombing, terrorism and many more criminal acts. Individual with low literacy rate faces difficult to find jobs and they seek help from government or involves in criminal acts to make their both ends meet. Illiterate people fail to make a decision about socio-economic and political matters. Also, illiterate parents’ priorities for their kids are to work to support them to increase their income. They send their children for child labour that causes generational illiteracy and poverty. The government must focus on education and spend more funds on education sector as nation without education is nothing.
GUL SAHIBA
Sukkur, Sindh
