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14-day window
The temporary opening of the Pakistan-China border at Khunjerab Pass for trade activities marks a significant and positive development, providing a 14-day window for transportation vehicles, drivers and cargo to pass between the two countries. This move is crucial for fostering economic ties and facilitating cross-border trade. Both nations agreed to keep Khunjerab Pass operational year-round. Traditionally, the pass remained closed for four months during winter, hindering trade between the two countries.
The decision to temporarily open the pass during this period demonstrates a commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and maintaining connectivity even in challenging weather conditions. The border protocol agreement between Pakistan and China, allowing trade and travel between April and November, underscores the significance of this temporary opening. The economic opportunities arising from increased trade activities during the winter months can have a positive impact on the local economies of both regions. This influx of goods signifies the immediate impact of the decision, allowing for the smooth flow of trade between the two nations.
The customs officials already stationed at Sost dry port for the clearance of imported and exported consignments. It’s evident that the necessary infrastructure and regulatory measures are in place to ensure the efficient handling of trade operations during this period. The temporary opening of Khunjerab Pass for trade activities not only aligns with the commitment to year-round operation but also highlights the resilience and determination of both nations to overcome seasonal challenges.
This positive development holds the potential to boost economic cooperation, create opportunities for businesses and strengthen the bond between Pakistan and China. As trade activities thrive during this 14-day window, it sets a positive precedent for future collaborations and reinforces the significance of the Pakistan-China economic corridor.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Electric
frailty
The recent explosion at the Guddu Thermal Power Plant plunged parts of Pakistan into darkness, highlighting the precariousness of Pakistan’s energy infrastructure. The blast, attributed to technical fault(s) exacerbated by dense fog, underscores the imperative need for robust preventive measures and consistent infrastructure maintenance to avert such crises in the future.
Technical faults, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions like dense fog, pose a significant risk to the stability of the power grid.
The dependence of multiple provinces on a single power source such as Guddu amplifies the risk, emphasising the pressing need for diversification and decentralisation of energy sources to mitigate future vulnerabilities. The response from fire-fighting and technical teams in controlling the blaze and commencing repair work demonstrated commendable preparedness.
However, the aftermath exposed the fragility of the power grid, raising concerns about the system’s resilience in the face of similar emergencies. Such occurrences not only disrupt daily life but also cripple crucial services, jeopardising industries, healthcare facilities and overall socio-economic stability. To prevent future catastrophes, a comprehensive investigation by authorities into the root causes is imperative. Identifying the underlying issues and implementing stringent preventive measures is crucial to avert similar incidents.
The imperative also lies in diversifying energy sources and ensuring redundancies within the system to minimise the domino effect of a single-point failure.
Immediate action, encompassing thorough investigations, infrastructure upgrades and diversification of energy sources, is paramount to fortify the system against potential future calamities and ensure uninterrupted power supply for the nation’s progress.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Challenges of unplanned urbanization
I am writing to draw attention of all stakeholders to the pressing issue of unplanned urbanization in Pakistan, a challenge that poses a significant threat to the well-being of our cities and their inhabitants. The rapid and unregulated growth of urban areas in our country has given rise to a multitude of problems that demand urgent attention and strategic solutions.
One of the primary consequences of unplanned urbanization is the strain it places on essential infrastructure. Roads, water supply systems, sewage networks and public services struggle to keep pace with the burgeoning population in these urban areas.
As a result, citizens often face daily challenges such as traffic congestion, inadequate waste management and limited access to clean water, which compromise their quality of life.
Furthermore, the haphazard expansion of cities has led to the proliferation of informal settlements and slums. The lack of proper planning has resulted in these areas lacking basic amenities, such as proper sanitation and healthcare facilities. This not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of the residents but also exacerbates social inequalities within our society.
Uncontrolled urbanization also poses a severe environmental threat. The depletion of green spaces, increased pollution levels and the encroachment on natural habitats contribute to ecological degradation.
Addressing these environmental concerns is not just a matter of preserving our natural heritage but also vital for sustaining the health and resilience of our urban communities.
M SHAMIM UDDIN
Jacobabad
Box letter
Junk food
I am writing to address a pressing concern regarding the widespread consumption of junk food in Pakistan which has become a significant cause for the challenges our country faces today. It poses a paramount threat to health, surpassing even drugs and typhoid due to its diverse detrimental effects on our well-being, such as diabetes, respiratory issues, digestive enzyme complications and more. The prevalence of junk food in Pakistan holds a substantial global presence, leading to the loss of millions of lives annually. Unfortunately, the government’s response to this critical issue has been inadequate, resulting in many individuals falling victim to this alarming trend. Therefore, I earnestly implore the government to promptly and decisively address this matter.
ASMA BALOCH
Faisalabad
