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.
Afghanistan cricket match victory
The comprehensive defeat of Pakistan Cricket Team by Afghanistan should make us realize that the whole PCB structure and its working need to be overhauled and changed. This Gentleman’s Game has become a victim of the greed ever since Kerry Packer’s intrusion. There is absolutely no justification for politicization of sports in general and cricket in particular.
It is time that sports bodies, including Pakistan Olympic Committee, should no longer be organizations, to rehabilitate retired or serving, civil or uniformed bureaucracy, nor political cronies. A PCB Chairman should be apolitical, whose appointment and retaining that position, should be strictly based on performance. The PCB governing body must be completely changed, instead of same faces returning back, in what has become a Musical Chair game.
What was the compulsion of PCB to hire a Chief Coach, who is not available on the field for all events? There is no role for paid On-Line coaches in sports. A coach must be involved on the field during training sessions and pre or post-match briefings and strategy planning. Former cricketers with a tarnished record, implicating them in match fixing etc., should never have any role in managing affairs of PCB, in any capacity. PCB must exercise control over players who are offered handsome contracts, not to over exert themselves in foreign county/league contracts, especially when PSL has become a regular annual feature.
Lately we have seen too many injuries amongst our pace bowlers. It was a bad idea that sitting PM should become the patron, instead of a ceremonial individual like President. Unfortunately, the glamour of cricket, foreign tours, perks etc., and the financial budget of PCB instead of being an asset to improve the game, has become a liability. There is too much political interference and clout involved in selection of Chairman PCB. We have seen the manner in which Zaka Ashraf’s appointment took place, involving political party heads. Player power must be curtailed and professional discipline enforced. Perhaps PCB needs a person like Majid Khan, who apart from being a good batsman, was an educated person, who carried no baggage. There are many other professionals like him, who have some administrative experience.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Food shortage
Food shortage is a paramount and an alarming issue in Pakistan. It brought many hardships for citizens of the country.
That is increasing in Pakistan day by day. One of the major causes of food shortage is food wastage and improper use of food resources.
Food shortage is a serious muller that affects so many poor people. Government needs to take serious action against food shortages.
We should stop wasting food. It is merely not dangerous for people because it has many effects on the environment.
Together we can make a positive impact on food security. The relevant authorities have to look at a matter and solve this problem.
KIRANNAZ MURAD
Karachi
Significant transformation
Pakistan is on the verge of a significant transformation in its approach to provincial development projects, thanks to the decisive action taken by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The SIFC’s plan to allocate federal funds exclusively to highly critical provincial development projects is a commendable step toward financial responsibility and a more equitable system.
This strategic move signals a shift towards better resource allocation and shared responsibility, ultimately contributing to more efficient and sustainable development efforts. The decision to allocate federal funds only to the most crucial provincial development projects underscores the need for greater accountability and shared responsibility.
In essence, it encourages provinces to actively participate in financing and overseeing their development initiatives. Efficient resource allocation and financial sustainability are pivotal in Pakistan’s journey towards economic development. The SIFC’s approach aids in achieving these objectives by linking funds to projects that have high national significance. It streamlines the allocation process, preventing wasteful spending on less critical endeavours.
By selecting projects that deliver long-term advantages, it ensures that the financial investment pays off in the form of increased economic growth and improved living standards for the populace. By adhering to this strategy in the long run, Pakistan can enhance its resource allocation efficiency and improve the financial sustainability of its development projects. The road ahead looks promising, with the potential to create lasting positive impact on the nation’s growth and prosperity.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Box letter
Child marriage
I am writing to address a grave and concerning issue that continues to plague our society, and that is none other than child brides in Pakistan. Because of child marriage, our country continuously loses two million young girls who wanted to become doctors, teachers, engineers and more. Overall, in Pakistan, more than 19 million children have been married in childhood. The UNICEF estimates that around 4.6 million children were married before the age of 15 and 18.9 million children were married before they turned 18. Moreover, Pakistan is considered to have the sixth-highest number of child marriages in the world. Early marriage is interconnected with health issues, such as diabetes, hypotension, heart disease and many more. Recently, a girl from my own village lost her life during childbirth. She was married in childhood, and due to this, she couldn’t bear the pain and lost her life. Therefore, the higher authorities must take immediate action against child marriage and address this issue.
ESSIYAN KHUDADAD
Karachi
