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Gas tariff hike
The recent decision by the caretaker government to increase gas tariffs has sent ripples of concern through Pakistan’s industrial circles, painting a grim picture of potential consequences. Industrial bodies are raising the alarm, warning of possible industrial closures, a surge in unemployment and a hit to the export market if the decision isn’t promptly reversed.
The surge in energy prices is putting the country at a disadvantage in the global market. If production costs continue to skyrocket, the textile and apparel sectors could be on the brink of collapse, dealing a severe blow to an economy already facing its fair share of challenges. The skyrocketing energy prices not only jeopardize the survival of local industries but also put Pakistan at risk of losing ground to competitors like India, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
The high production costs make it increasingly challenging for Pakistani products to remain competitive in international markets. This, in turn, could result in a significant drop in exports, amplifying the economic challenges faced by the country. The constant increases in petroleum, electricity and gas tariffs have made running an industry an unprofitable venture. The business community finds itself in despair as the caretaker government fails to breathe life back into the engine of the national economy.
There is an urgent need for a re-evaluation of gas prices and a quest for affordable energy alternatives. The current trajectory, if unchecked, could threaten the stability of Pakistan’s economy causing a spike in unemployment and a slowdown in industrial activities. Ignoring the concerns of the industrial and business community could set off a storm with consequences not only for industries but for entire economic landscape of country.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Post-election confusion
The election results announced but a chaotic situation developed after these elections in the country. Unexpected election results always cause doubts about the electioneering process and the Election Commission itself. Instead of solving the problems at the national level as the people expected, elections have caused further confusion and loss of public faith in the democratic system. The political confusion after the elections did not produce any clear winner, therefore, Nawaz Sharif withdrew from the seat of the prime minister since he didn’t want to be the PM of a coalition government.
The elections threw up a large independent group. Many among them will opt to join the winning parties to be in the government. Unfortunately, when the wheeling and dealing between various political parties goes on to secure their future, what seems ignored is the welfare of the common man. The lower segment of society is facing a hard time with prices of various utilities shooting up day by day. A favour the new government could do is to have a small number of ministers and advisers and reduce the public money spent on the huge bureaucracy. Many departments are simply unneeded and deserve to be slashed or can be merged with other departments. An other critical issue relating to election is, that instead of making polling stations according to the postal code as usual, these were spread haphazardly without considering the distance the voters had to travel to vote as a result turnout remained between 40-50 in most areas. Aged and weak persons could not exercise their right of voting. The ECP and political parties should take consideration of this troublesome situation before election.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
PPP’s presence vital
For a cohesive and representative government, it is imperative that the PPP is included in the cabinet. Bilawal Bhutto has refrained from pursuing the premiership due to a perceived low mandate, but it remains crucial for the PPP to actively participate and advocate for the interests of the people who have steadfastly supported them. It accentuates the significance of PPP’s involvement at the cabinet level. The party’s historical support base, especially from regions like Sindh and Balochistan, merits representation in the decision-making arena.
The PPP, with its seasoned experience, becomes a conduit for channelling the aspirations and concerns of diverse communities across Pakistan. PPP has not disappointed people much, especially in Sindh. Why have people chosen representatives from Sindh multiple times? They have chosen them because they have expectations from them, and their decision of not being part of the federal cabinet has disappointed people. So, it’s important for them to rectify their decision as soon as possible. After all, they have to be part of the federal cabinet
AREEBA ALTAF KANASRO
Larkana (Sindh)
Children’s rights
Child labour is a global issue that prevents children from fulfilling their potential. Child labour is a violation of children’s rights – the work can harm them mentally or physically, expose them to hazardous situations or stop them from going to school. Many of them never go to school or drop out of school because they are required to work to earn a living for their families or have to work to survive themselves. Millions of children are regarded as being trapped in modern slavery in Pakistan about eight million children are working in different occupations and two third of them are employed full time.
The fundamental rights of child as survival, education, protection and development are grossly violated by child labour. The root cause of child labour is extreme poverty which forces the parents to employ their children for some extra money for daily living. The urgent plea is for policymakers to enact measures aimed at eradicating poverty and empowering children with the gift of education, sparing them from the tragic fate of a shattered future.
KHADIJAH NOOR
Quetta
Box letter
Child labour
Child labour has a major issue that has continued where they get worked forcefully on the streets to earn money. It might be a difficult task for adults to maintain a good living. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, you can find a huge population of young people who can be seen doing various duties of unnecessary activities. It is the time to maintain education, but due to inflation and unemployment they are remaining off. The government has failed to solve this serious matter which has increased in every area of Pakistan. Tell 2020 to 2024 the child labour is being rapidly growing. Regrettably the matter has been overlooked. Despite that, children have been treated like animals, which caused a stretch in their minds. In Pakistan, most of the areas, like Sindh, Karachi, Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan a huge population can be found from work. The government has to take an action against child labour immediately. The matter needs a look.
ULFAT NAZEER AHMED
Karachi
