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Ukraine war
Almost eighteen months have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Till now, thousands have been killed on both sides. Zelenskyy is striving to retake all lost territory, even the Crimea that was annexed by Russia in 2014. So the most important question is how this war will end? Till now a lot of negotiations have been held yet without any result. President Vladimir Putin wants to prolong this war, as he doesn’t want to give up captured areas for political and strategic reasons. The solution we can see to end this war is that both Russia and Ukraine better compromise on the issue.
Russia sees Nato expansion to its borders as a direct threat and being a nuclear power it can think of using tactical nuclear weapons to achieve its objectives. But if Ukraine accepts some compromise with Russia and joins Nato, will Georgia also go for Nato membership and, if it does, will Russia again open a new front on Georgia the way it opened in 2008. There are a lot of new questions out in real world but also a lot of new opportunities!
Ali Mahmood Usmani
Islamabad
Whither medical allowance?
Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Pakistan) had its own pay scales since its inception and all serving and retired e employees were being provided medical facilities through approved medical stores.
Former federal government on coming into power very quietly had replaced PBC (Radio Pakistan) pay scales with the government scales in July 2022. The government scales entail provision of fixed medical allowance to the scales to the serving and retired employees. But the Radio Pakistan serving and retired employees are being denied the facility of medical allowance for the last one-year and a quarter and there are no indications of this facility being provided to a large number of Radio Pakistan’s serving and retired employees throughout the country.
Fortunately, the incumbent caretaker Federal Information Minister Murtaza Solangi some years back had served as PBC Director General. He is requested to kindly look into this important humanitarian matter on priority basis as the Radio Pakistan serving and retired employees direly need this facility addition to their salaries/pensions at the earliest possible, please. The worthy incumbent federal information is requested to kindly look into these matters and save serving and retired employees from impending financial crisis.
M Z RIFAT
Lahore
Suicide cases
Several issues have plagued our country yet most disheartening is rise in suicide cases. Committing suicide has become quite common and many people take their own lives for various reasons such as unemployment, depression, family pressures etc. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), every year more than 15,000 such cases are reported in Pakistan.
In my opinion the most significant problem is unemployment. Many people have taken their own lives because they were jobless and under pressure from their family members. Just a few months ago, one of my cousins committed suicide because he was unemployed and pressured by his family he took his own life. Therefore, higher authorities must take immediate action to address this issue.
ESSIYAN KHUDADAD
Karachi
Lahore’s polluted air
The problem of air pollution has been continuously growing in Lahore and many other cities of Punjab for a long time. But Lahore comes on top of the list of world’s most polluted cities for last many years. Thick smog engulfs residents in winter. The problem becomes worst for those residents who live in areas where some development work is going on or factories are located. Heavy exposure to hazardous air is causing serious health complications including asthma, lung damage, throat infections, stroke, heart problems etc. Poor air quality and smog are result of numerous factors that includes vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, fossil fuel-fired power plants and burning waste materials. Lahore’s air quality and smog problems are result of poor urban planning, poor solid waste management and near absence of mass public transportation. So in the absence of concerted efforts to deal with air pollution, people of Lahore will continue to breathe toxic air.
AYESHA ARIF
Via email
Freedom nexus
In the complex tapestry of global affairs, Pakistan stands unwavering in its commitment to a profound manifesto, one that champions the cause of Palestinians and all of humanity. Recent events, notably the distressing attacks on the revered Masjid al-Aqsa, a sacred sanctuary for the Muslim community, serve as a poignant reminder of the dire situation faced by our Palestinian brethren.
The relentless aerial bombardment on Gaza paints a grim portrait of an entire region engulfed in the flames of human suffering. Tragically, innocent lives are caught in the crossfire, their voices silenced by the cacophony of violence. The repercussions extend far beyond the confines of the Middle East. A pervasive cloud of fear and despair engulfs people, depriving them of the tranquillity they deserve.
The stark discrimination and hostility endured by Muslims is a stain on the conscience of our ostensibly modernised world. Kashmir and Palestine, two emblematic examples of protracted struggles for freedom, stand as testaments to the indomitable human spirit. The burdens borne by Muslims in this ostensibly enlightened age are deeply troubling.
In the face of such challenges, hope remains a guiding light. The international community bears a responsibility to rectify this situation, to harness the collective will of nations in the pursuit of a more equitable and just world and the collective voice of the people can transform these aspirations into actions, as we stand united in our resolve to demand justice for our brethren Kashmiris and Palestinians on the roads of change.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana, Sindh
Cotton crisis
In recent years, Pakistan’s cotton industry, once a profitable export, faces a crisis. While cotton serves as a significant income source for farmers and is essential for various products, including household items, the nation now grapples with a shortage.
This shortfall stems from a lack of modern farming technologies and effective pesticide management. Many countries, once recipients of high quality cotton seeds from Pakistan, have surpassed production levels by adopting innovative practices. To reverse this trend, Pakistan urgently needs to invest in modern technologies, agricultural practices and pesticide management to enhance productivity and reclaim its status as a leading cotton exporter.
TAHIRA WASHDIL
Via email
