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Politics of wealth
The political system in Pakistan is far from being fair and transparent. It is still in the tight grip of feudal lords and capitalistic tendencies. Those who possess power and resources can manipulate everything in their favour to win elections and the authority obtained through unfair electoral tactics is then misused to further their power and resources which only reinforce the flaws in our overall system.
Weaker segments of society who are always lured for change are shamelessly left to fend for themselves and nothing concrete is done once elections (local or general) pass. Development funds are embezzled and elected representatives misuse their power to intimidate and belittle their overt or covert opponents. People connected with power structure find themselves at ease in every aspect of life. They are never bothered to achieve their ends, whether by fair or unfair means.
Those who are proverbially non-political in their orientations are left insecure and helpless and system has nothing to do with their welfare. This leads them to nurture doubts on the overall political milieu and institutional machinery of the state. This manifestly serious flaw in the political system of Pakistan is making the mockery of all slogans of democracy and deepening the inequality between influential and non-influential segments of society.
If this fiasco goes on unchecked and effective accountability of each and everyone – irrespective of their position and power – is not ensured, no appreciable change in our fate can be guaranteed even after the passage of hundred years with same political environment and electoral practices.
SHAKEEL GHOURI
Digri, Mirpurkhas
Street crimes
Street crime is a broad term encompassing criminal offences occurring in public spaces. Nowadays, street crimes are commonplace in Pakistan, often happening in bustling business areas and along highways. These crimes include pick-pocketing, mobile and wallet snatching, car and auto theft at gunpoint, target killings and purse snatching from women. Street crimes profoundly impact our neighbourhoods and society, contributing to the deterioration of our communities, cities, and streets.
Nowadays every individual has its own story of mobile and wallet snatching. Most people have experienced street crimes. But police takes no action against these thieves and it has become a spreading menace for the citizens. No one’s life and their property is not safe nowadays. The major causes are unemployment, illiteracy, poverty but there are some other factors like lawlessness, fundamentalism, backwardness and double standard prevailing in society. Government should take serious steps to control these street crimes. For example sincere steps must be taken to solve the unemployment, provide education to poor peoples and police authorities need to be more alert in safeguarding citizens life liberty and pursuit of happiness to make Pakistan a peaceful country
AIMAN ZIAD
Islamabad
Garbage accumulation
Bheri, a small and bustling village in Sialkot, is grappling with the adverse effects of garbage accumulation and the absence of proper disposal systems. Upon entering the village, one is met with a sizable area of barren land that serves as a dumping ground for its residents’ waste. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the volume of trash accumulating on this land. This poses significant health and environmental risks, while also detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the village surroundings. The well-being of community members has been detrimentally affected by this situation, which has worsened due to the absence of an adequate garbage disposal mechanism.
Inadequate waste management has far-reaching effects. In addition to being unsightly and smelling bad, the trash buildup attracts vermin and puts locals’ health at risk. Furthermore, the water accumulated as a result of waste buildup attracts all sorts of pests like mice, mosquitoes etc., that can cause diseases such as dengue and malaria. The absence of an organized system for disposing of waste could also cause soil and water sources to become contaminated, further endangering Bheri’s environment and general standard of living. Along with this waste accumulation is also a serious cause of air pollution as it undergoes chemical reactions producing harmful gases once again putting the village and its residents at risk.
To tackle this challenge both the authorities and the residents need to work together to find solutions. The local governments should place efficient waste disposal plans, like routine trash collection services, recycling campaigns and educational initiatives to increase public awareness of appropriate waste management techniques. In order to create a more hygienic and sustainable environment, it would also be beneficial for the residents to actively participate in cleaning up the village, practice better garbage disposal techniques and encourage others to do the same.
AREEBA ANJUM
Via email
Box letter
Typhoid dilemma
I would like to draw the government’s attention to a serious issue causing multiple hardships for the citizens of Pakistan – typhoid. Typhoid has become a prevalent problem in the country, particularly in Balochistan, where a substantial number of deaths occur. Balochistan, with its sizable population, is grappling with typhoid extensively. Every year, millions of citizens are affected by this alarming problem. Unfortunately, the government has not taken any measures to address this issue. The incidence of typhoid is increasing annually, yet the government has failed to tackle this paramount issue. Regrettably, the impact of typhoid continues to spread in Balochistan with great force, affecting a large number of people. I urge the relevant authorities to address this matter as soon as possible.
MAHNOOR HUSSAIN
Karachi
