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Microbes: Energy revolution
In today’s world, an undeniable problem confronts us—the shortage of energy sources, exemplified by the inevitable depletion of non-renewable fuels like coal and natural gas. The environmental repercussions and inherent unsustainability of these sources necessitate a viable alternative, and one solution stands out: microbes.
Micro-organisms, or microbes, offer incredible potential in the production of cost-effective material. Shifting from the extraction of raw material underground to cultivating them in large bioreactors, microbes can generate fuels such as ethanol, hydrogen, methane, lipids and butanol. These fuels can be burned for energy, or bacteria can be employed in microbial fuel cells for the direct conversion of biomass into electricity. Future applications may involve enhancing oil and natural gas efficiency through carbon isolation or aiding in their subsurface recovery.
Advancements in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering enable the customization of microbial biochemistry to meet specific requirements. Microbial factories can produce biofuels, biodegradable plastics and textiles, potentially synthesizing currently expensive or scarce compounds affordably. These processes have minimal environmental impact, emitting negligible greenhouse gases and utilizing renewable chemicals that absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to environmental health.
While the precise engineering of bacteria presents challenges, the benefits of large-scale microbial factories are immense. If implemented, these factories could efficiently produce various bio-fuels and raw material without harming the environment. Beyond environmental considerations, microbial factories offer economic advantages, making it potentially cheaper and easier to produce certain chemicals. This alternative to oil, gas and coal holds promise for a climate-friendly approach to manufacturing industrial inputs, providing a crucial countermeasure to our growing energy scarcity conundrum. As we explore these possibilities, the microbial realm emerges as a potent solution to our energy challenges.
DANIYAL MUBASHAR
Islamabad
Environment challenge
The environmental challenge is a serious issue that poses numerous challenges to the citizens of Pakistan. Pakistan has grappled with multiple hardships related to environmental issues and is facing an alarming situation in this regard. Environmental problems in Pakistan include air pollution, water pollution, climate change, desertification and flooding, presenting significant challenges for the residents of the country.
These issues have brought many hardships to the citizens of Pakistan. It is not only a problem specific to Pakistan, but the entire world is facing the consequences of these alarming effects. Unfortunately, the government has, at times, failed to effectively convey and address this paramount issue. Therefore, I urge the relevant authorities to take a closer look at this pressing problem and take immediate measures to curb its impact as soon as possible.
DRUSHUM NOOR
Karachi
Crucial step
To move towards prosperity, both countries—Pakistan and Iran—have made significant decisions regarding their relationship. They have opted for peace over altercation, a choice that is advantageous for both nations and serves as an example that conflicts can be resolved through dialogue.
This proactive approach prevents third parties from exacerbating the situation. I believe this strategy should be applied in every situation where Pakistan faces conflict. It is better to communicate than to witness the loss of innocent lives. Dialogue is a crucial aspect of communication, and by engaging in them, we collectively choose prosperity, peace and discipline.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Ready to talk
If too late, PTI founder Imran Khan’s latest statement that he is a politician who is “open for dialogue” and is “ready to talk”, can be called a cry over split milk. There is no doubt that dialogue between political parties who are the real stakeholders of the democratic system is essential for any democracy to flourish and thrive, but let us not forget that Imran Khan was the one whose reluctance to have a dialogue with his political opponents led to the present bad days for him and his party.
Time and again PML-N and PPP had asked the PTI to come to the talks table even when they were in the opposition. Shehbaz Sharif as leader of the opposition had shown his willingness to sign a charter of economy with the Imran-led PTI government but Imran had refused to even shake hands with his opponents, much less attended official briefings with his political opponents. The recent statement by Imran Khan is a far cry from the man who said he’would rather talk to terrorists than ‘thieves and looters’.
Imran Khan seems to be having other second thoughts as well, admitting that his biggest mistake was to accept a weak government. “Instead of a weak government, I should have held elections again. It would be better to sit in the opposition rather than a weak coalition government.” This is a different attitude from someone who was willing to go to any lengths to come to power and was even willing to give the former COAS another extension to save his premiership.
The list of Imran and the PTI’s past apathy regarding democracy and democratic norms is long but in the spirit of democracy, if the former prime minister can see the past as another country, perhaps whatever new government is elected can do the same and Pakistan can finally see a newer version of a charter of democracy. A promise to stick to democratic principles instead of trying to vie for the blue-eyed status in a hybrid system of politics.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Box letter
Cricket renaissance
Dear Mr Prime Minister,
I bring to your attention the recent resignation of Chairman Zaka Ashraf from the Pakistan Cricket Board on 21 January. Historically, non-professionals have been entrusted with leading this vital body for cricket in Pakistan? Media reports suggest the consideration of another non-professional for the role. With all due respect, such political appointments have adversely impacted the PCB and the state of cricket in our country. I sincerely recommend, with apologies, that for a positive change, you consider appointing a seasoned professional like the legendary Test Cricketer Mushtaq Muhammad as the next Chairman of the PCB. I am confident that such a decision would prove to be a propitious turn for Pakistan cricket.
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
