Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Make in Pakistan
The ‘Make in Pakistan’ initiative is a smart move by the government to attract leading international brands to do their sourcing in collaboration with Pakistan’s local enterprises. China was a sourcing hub for a greater chunk of these brands. They would manufacture in China and supply to the giant Asian consumer market. Pakistan’s initiative is an invitation to these big manufacturers and sellers to set up their offices in the country.
As an incentive, the brands that will source with local enterprises will get office space as well as finances from the Export Development Fund (EDF) in the initial six months. For Pakistan’s local industry, this would mean more workforce engagement and hence employability, as well as a boost the product of the local industries. Pakistan’s textile and apparel industrialists will arrange roadshows in international exhibitions in various cities across the world. These roadshows will help introduce the local industry to global retailers.
To bring the international brands to do sourcing from Pakistan will not be smooth sailing and in this preview, roadshows are the good way to go. Pakistan’s textile and apparel human resource is an attractive capital. To capitalise on it, the initiative is a good way to start. The physical presence of leading fashion brands in Pakistan will also make the rather small ratio of local consumers happy.
Consumers in urban centres are not only familiar with international fashionistas but also prefer buying from them. The initiative has been announced and incentivised. The first test for Pakistani enterprises is to attract global brands. Once that happens, the industry will evolve and modernise with time. The ‘Make in Pakistan’ initiative, though, should not turn us away from the ‘Made in Pakistan.’ While the former is essential to boost the economy, the latter is a journey of ownership and reputability.
JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Smog crisis
I am writing to highlight the pressing issue of escalating smog levels in Lahore. The recent surge in air pollution and the enveloping smog have become grave concerns for the city’s inhabitants.
The deteriorating air quality not only poses significant health hazards but also profoundly impacts the environment. It is imperative to pinpoint and tackle the sources responsible for this smog. Industrial emissions, vehicular pollution and crop burning stand out as potential contributors that demand immediate attention from the authorities.
This situation calls for urgent action to protect the health and wellbeing of Lahore’s residents. I implore the authorities to identify the root causes of the smg and swiftly implement sustainable solutions to ensure cleaner air in Lahore.
MARYAN MAHAR
Via email
Digital connection dynamics
In this digital age, human connections have undergone a profound shift, propelled by technological advancements. From handwritten letters to the digital landscape of social media, our means of communication have transformed significantly. Digital connectivity has obliterated geographical barriers, enabling seamless connections worldwide. Smartphone and the internet have made distance irrelevant, facilitating relationships without limitations of place. However, this virtual connectivity can sometimes veer towards superficiality, as the brevity of text messages and social media posts may mask genuine emotions and experiences. Additionally, the digital era has introduced a new visual language—emojis, memes and GIFs—expanding our expression beyond words. These aids add layers of meaning, enriching digital interactions across cultures and languages.
While social networking platforms have revolutionized relationship-building, concerns about privacy and mental health persist. The pursuit of online validation often intertwines with self-worth, fostering comparison and anxiety. Nonetheless, this digital evolution has opened avenues for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and community building. Online forums and interest-based groups foster a sense of belonging among individuals sharing common interests.
Navigating this digital landscape necessitates a balance between virtual convenience and authentic human interaction. It’s crucial to cherish in-person connections while leveraging digital platforms to complement and enhance relationships. The digital evolution of human connections signifies a transformative shift in how we relate. It combines convenience, accessibility and innovation with challenges of depth in communication. Embracing technology’s benefits while preserving genuine connections is vital, ensuring that the digital realm enriches rather than diminishes human relationships.
JUNAID MALIK
Sukkur
Box letter
Driving towards safety
The Sukkur bypass, lacking a service road, faces heightened accident risks and congestion. Every day, people are losing their loved ones in road accidents. Vehicles attempting direct highway entry or exit lead to unsafe manoeuvres, fostering collisions and traffic disruptions. Introducing a service road in Township not only offers safer access but also mitigates these issues. It will improve traffic management, reduce delays in emergency times and ensure swift assistance in critical situations. Integrating a service road into the Sukkur-Township infrastructure is pivotal for minimizing accidents, alleviating congestion, promoting economic activity and enhancing the safety and efficiency of the entire highway system.
MUNEER AHMED
Sukkur
