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PTI’s election play
Results show Imran as in-charge of the party, but the party in bad shape. The PTI has held intra-party polls as commanded by the Election Commission of Pakistan, and thus has retained the right to remain registered. The polls did see the Chairman replaced, as Imran Khan no longer retains that position, which he has held since the party was founded in 1996. With the consent and approval of Imran Khan of Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has been elected/selected unopposed.
The Party chief who always blew trumpet for free and fair elections in the country, could not display in his party’s elections. That is another weakness of the party, and not just because the PTI will be deprived of their input while determining the best candidates, The PTI lost a large number of office bearers because of the planned 9 May attacks. Apart from the loss of their organizing abilities, the party may also find itself deprived of them as candidates. The party has found itself turning to lawyers neglecting founding and loyal party workers.
While some PTI leaders have advocated for “Level Field Balancing,” the intra-party elections conducted by the PTI have faced criticism, even from neutral circles.
Institutions like Pildat have raised questions about the authenticity of this process. These developments indicate that the party might not be adequately prepared for a general election, especially considering the scheduled polling day on February 8.
There’s also a growing possibility that Mr. Khan might be behind bars on polling day, with ongoing trials against him. Though some cases may have reached a verdict by then, this situation would deprive the PTI of his significant voter appeal.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
AI’s impact
on jobs
In this era, heavily reliant on technology, there’s a common trend of dependence on digital technologies. Artificial intelligence has significantly influenced people to focus more on these technologies, encompassing various forms such as robotics, chatbot, GPT and numerous others. With their extensive use, there’s an increasing possibility of job displacement across various sectors, thereby impacting lives on a global scale.
Recent research shows an increase in the percentage of job replacement. Since 2000, AI has slowly phased out jobs in manufacturing sectors as well as others and many more are at risk. According to the World Economic Forum’s “The Future of Jobs Report 2020,” it has been expected that AI will successfully replace 85 million jobs globally by 2025.
Around 4,000 people lost their jobs in the technological sector due to AI in May and it is expected that it will replace jobs in the near future to a greater extent. According to PWC research, by mid-2030, one third of all employment will be at risk of being automated. The consequences of AI’s impact on jobs not only affect the jobs of individuals but also on the economy, society, mental health and the creative abilities of people.
IQRA KALHORO
Sukkur
Unemployment
Unemployment stands as a significant social and economic challenge, one that significantly impacts every individual, yet it’s often overlooked in Pakistan. Its consequences affect both the workforce and the national economy, presenting formidable challenges for citizens. Unemployment thrusts workers into financial hardship, straining families, relationships and communities, often leading to poverty.
The repercussions extend to the country’s economy, especially when unemployment surpasses 5 to 6 percent. Key drivers of growth become compromised as a significant portion of the population struggles to secure employment and maintain stability. Reduced consumer spending hampers business revenues, creating a domino effect by pressuring companies to increase the cost of goods.
Persistent since 1985, Pakistan’s unemployment rate remains at a concerning 7.80 percent. A robust assessment system is direly needed to identify the root causes of unemployment, aiming to alleviate the burden on individuals from middle-class families. I humbly urge the Prime Minister of Pakistan to swiftly introduce new reforms addressing this pressing issue.
MEENAL RASHEED
Lahore
Voices for women
I am writing to you about something close to my heart—women’s empowerment, or as I like to call it, the power of rising voices. I am writing this as a concerned member of our community who believes in the power of dialogue and media to shape perspectives.
Remember the time when Malala Yousafzai stood up for girls’ education? Her courage and determination sent ripples across the globe, reminding us of the immense power within each girl’s voice. This incident resonates deeply in the heart of the women’s empowerment movement. Malala’s story is a testament to how one voice, strong and unyielding, can challenge the status quo and inspire change.
But it’s not just about famous figures. Think about the #MeToo movement. Ordinary women from different walks of life shared their stories, breaking the silence that surrounded harassment. This collective voice became a powerful force, sparking conversations and pushing for much-needed changes in workplaces and societies worldwide.
Now, imagine the impact of millions of voices, not just speaking up, but also being heard and respected. We’re not just talking about women in powerful positions, but every woman, irrespective of her background, having the chance to make her voice heard. It’s about women shaping policies, breaking glass ceilings and creating a world where opportunities are not limited by gender.
NOOR UL AIN MANGI
Khairpur Mirs
Box letter
Smoking conundrum
Smoking, despite being a lethal habit, has ironically become a common choice for many individuals. In today’s society, it’s often associated with maturity and those who don’t smoke might be perceived as immature. Yet, cigarette packets conspicuously display warnings that smoking is harmful to health. Paradoxically, many economies heavily rely on the production of tobacco and nicotine. China stands as the largest supplier, accounting for around 44% of cigarettes, with the EU, Indonesia, Russia, and the U.S. contributing a combined 27% of the global supply. Despite being widely taught in educational institutions that smoking is the leading cause of lung and oral cancers, its production continues to surge. Understanding these facts should compel us to become responsible citizens, actively working to reduce the prevalence of this life-threatening habit within our society.
SAJJAD HUSSAIN
Sukkur, Sindh
