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Political initiatives
I write to highlight the commendable rise in young voter registration; about 56.86 million, as per recent data released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Despite this surge, the historical turnout of young voters in the past elections has been lacklustre, necessitating urgent measures to engage and mobilize this crucial demographic.
It is pivotal for media houses to launch awareness programs that resonate with the youth, addressing the factors contributing to low voter participation. Understanding these reasons, such as political apathy, lack of awareness and cynicism, is crucial in formulating effective strategies to boost young voter turnout.
I applaud the initiative taken by the Press Network of Pakistan with the PNP Young Voters Election Quiz Contest. Such endeavours align with the National Media Code of Conduct issued by the ECP, illustrating a proactive approach to fostering political awareness among university students.
The upcoming elections present an opportunity for young voters to play a significant role in shaping the nation’s future. Their perspectives and aspirations deserve representation in the democratic process. To enhance their involvement, media platforms should continue organizing informative events, leveraging social media and collaborating with educational institutions.
In conclusion, the youth’s potential impact on elections is undeniable and media initiatives like the PNP Young Voters Election Quiz Contest are pivotal in harnessing this potential. Let us collectively strive to ensure an informed and active young electorate for a stronger democratic future.
SYEDA SOPHIA BUKHARI
Rawalpindi
Institutional fraud
As we are aware, the floods and heavy rains severely impacted rural areas of Sindh in 2020. Consequently, many people were left homeless and without shelter, with some households suffering complete damage to their homes. In response, the Sindh government pledged assistance to those in need, promising to help them rebuild their houses. Subsequently, the Sindh government initiated the task by sending teams to assess the damage to homes. Following a successful survey, the government is now preparing to provide the first instalment of financial aid to eligible individuals.
However, it has come to light that certain fraudulent institutions and individuals are exploiting the situation. They are conducting unauthorized surveys in villages and demanding advance fees from the flood-affected people. Regrettably, some illiterate individuals are falling victim to these scams, complying with the demands and handing over their hard-earned money as advance payments.
This deceitful behaviour constitutes a significant fraud against innocent and needy villagers. Therefore, I urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action against these fake institutions and individuals. It is imperative that deserving individuals receive their rightful assistance without any obstruction.
ABDUL AHAD GHUNYO
Ghotki
Time tides
Time is crucial. It is often said, “punctuality of time is the golden rule of success in life.” Those who are as regular as clockwork consistently move forward in the right direction towards their intended destination. Punctuality means doing something at the expected or correct time, as time and tide wait for no man.
As the Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome, Seneca, described, “It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it.” This is why thriving nations and religions worldwide value time and strive to make good use of every minute, aligning their actions with the passage of time.
Looking around us, everything happens for a reason, and time is often the reason. The sun rises, stars shine, seasons change, rains come and people evolve, all in accordance with time. Failure to adhere to punctuality can result in chaos. For example, procrastinating today’s work until tomorrow, and tomorrow’s until the following day, fosters a procrastinating nature which is detrimental to achieving desired outcomes.
Punctuality holds particular significance for students. They must manage their time effectively, from studying and completing assignments to engaging in extracurricular activities and ensuring adequate rest. The responsibilities of the future are upon them, and failure to fulfil them in a timely manner may lead to unforeseen consequences.
TAHIR JAMALI
Nawabshah
Job crisis
Unemployment has emerged as a pressing concern in Pakistan, particularly affecting the educated population. Recent data reveals that the country’s unemployment rate stands at 8.6%, exacerbating the challenges faced by its citizens. A particularly worrisome trend is the high rate of unemployment among young individuals, forcing many to seek job opportunities abroad.
The government and relevant authorities must recognize the gravity of this issue and respond promptly to mitigate its impact. Creating a favourable environment for job creation should be a top priority. By generating more employment opportunities, especially for the educated youth, the government can address the root causes of unemployment. This can be achieved through sustained economic growth and the promotion of industries that match the skills and qualifications of the workforce.
In conclusion, the pressing issue of unemployment in Pakistan demands immediate attention. The government and administration must take proactive measures, such as creating employment opportunities, fostering collaboration with the private sector, attracting foreign investment and implementing targeted training programs, to alleviate the hardships faced by the educated youth and ensure a brighter future for the nation.
TALAL RAFIQ RIND
Turbat
Box letter
Fuel prices
The government has significantly hiked the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) effective from January 31 for the next fortnight. According to the authorities, the increase has been forced by the rise in these items’ prices in the international market, with Pakistan State Oil (PSO) paying a higher import premium. If we glance over the past few weeks, the price of petrol was down by $3 per barrel, while HSD was up by $2 per barrel. Petrol is used by small vehicles, rickshaws, motorcycles, etc., while HSD is used by heavy transport vehicles, so this increase will have a negative impact on transportation. Indeed, these are the most concerning factors contributing to inflation. HSD is used by trains, trucks, buses and others, which will also affect markets for items like vegetables and fruits. Additionally, the rupee has also gained slight strength against the dollar. Immediate action must be taken to solve this problem as soon as possible to prevent further inflation.
SHAHJAN BASHIR
Turbat
