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Northern energy scarcity
Traversing to Pakistan’s Northern areas from Islamabad, the most formidable challenge encountered is the electricity situation. Despite the age of Artificial Intelligence, we’re grappling with a mere 2 to 3 hours of daily power supply.
In this brief window, one must strategically manage necessities like food preparation, mobile and laptop charging and water storage for washroom use. This dilemma hampers daily routines, posing a significant issue, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan during the winter season. I urge the federal government to address this critical matter as the top priority.
IRFAN ALI MANGI
Khairpur Mir’s
Lawyring
in Pakistan
Just came across a post on Facebook where one friend asked a junior lawyer through message that where are you? He replied I’m in court. The asking guy says that whenever i ask you, you’re in court but despite that you didn’t have money. Although it was a joke but there is a lesson in it. Let’s look and understand that lesson: Why do juniors don’t have money? If we talk about the very common problem of Pakistan, specifically Karachi that you are not paid in your internship days.
In Pakistan when a student completes his bachelors of law, he needs to join a law firm or chamber to work there as intern to learn about the court practices, so first he faces the issue of getting a senior, it is very difficult for a young graduate to have a senior to work with when he is gonna be the first generation lawyer. The first generation lawyer has much difficult path to come across, he doesn’t have any family member working as advocate so that he could easily get access to a chamber. So it is where his disappointment starts in joining law practice as field.
Secondly, if he gets the chance to join a senior through his reference he mustn’t hope to be paid in his initial years as medical students get mandatory stipend in their internship . It is the second time when he is disappointed. He again starts feeling that this field has no future, I might have jumped in a wrong ship.
Thirdly, he faces the hurdles in learning process of court, when he after some efforts or sources get in a law firm or chamber, he is left at the scheme and work of that senior, majority of the seniors do not give chance to a junior to learn, they just keep them busy in getting adjournment, dates, certified copies and other miscellaneous stuff. It is third time when he feels the same disappointment.
Lastly what happens, he went into stress and depression as he has to arrange his expenditures on daily basis, learn and understand the practice of courts so that he could be able to start his own independent practice, and to support his family.
SANAULLAH KALWAR
Karachi
Democratic resilience!
In democracies, potential issues such as corruption pose significant threats, where dishonest practices undermine transparency and accountability. Voter suppression, involving tactics like gerrymandering or restrictive voter laws, can manipulate and limit voter participation.
Media manipulation further exacerbates challenges by distorting information, thereby influencing public opinion and eroding the foundations of informed decision-making. The erosion of civil liberties, coupled with excessive surveillance and censorship, weakens the democratic fabric, leaving citizens vulnerable to abuses of power.
Moreover, the weakening of the rule of law creates an environment where influential individuals can escape accountability, perpetuating a cycle of impunity. Economic inequality, if left unaddressed, fosters unequal political influence, leading to a distortion of democratic principles. Manipulation of electoral systems can compromise the integrity of elections, casting doubt on the very foundations of representative governance.
To safeguard democracy, constant vigilance is paramount. Civic engagement becomes a linchpin in preserving democratic values, as an informed and active citizenry is essential for holding leaders accountable. A commitment to fairness must underpin every facet of democratic processes, from elections to policy formulation. It is imperative to address corruption through robust legal frameworks, ensuring that those who betray public trust face consequences. Efforts to combat voter suppression should focus on ensuring equal access to the ballot box for all citizens. Stricter regulations against gerrymandering and measures to protect against restrictive voter laws are essential.
ABDUL QUDOOS
Ghotki
Joblessness dilemma
Unemployment is an economic phenomenon that occurs when a nation’s finances services have become a victim. It is a paramount prevalent matter that has gripped the country from all sides. It creates many adversities for the intellectual person who is well qualified. This has brought multiple hardships for the graduated person to get a job. Unemployment appears to be a very solemn matter and that is concocting joblessness of all country’s entrepreneurs.
The government has not adequately addressed this alarming matter. Unemployment makes people depressed about jobs which are the rights of every individual. In Pakistan, millions of individuals are deprived of opportunities due to unemployment. I earnestly implore the government to look into this matter as soon as possible.
MAHNAZ AMAN
Karachi
Box letter
Cotton woes
Cotton is crucial for Pakistan, providing fiber, food and fuel. However, our farmers face significant challenges. Insects and diseases annually attack the cotton crop, causing substantial losses. About 150 types of bugs plague our cotton, making it difficult to increase production. The main culprits are Jassid, whitefly, and thrips—causing significant damage to our cotton. Additionally, the cotton mealybug, which extracts sap from leaves, fruits and twigs, poses a threat. Something must be done. Unfortunately, our cotton production lags far behind other countries. Excessive pesticide use has worsened the situation, especially in Sindh province. To reverse this trend, farmers can consider using less water and fertilizer and maintaining regular leaf cleaning. Smart strategies are needed to address bugs and diseases, ensuring the prosperity of Pakistan’s cotton industry.
MAHDRAFSH FIDA
Turbat
