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Nigehban package
Welcoming the month of Ramazan, government and private institutions usually set up distribution centres to offer monthly groceries to the needy. One such distribution drive was conducted last Ramazan in different districts of Punjab to distribute flour bags. But instead of providing some respite to the underprivileged, the flour distribution event turned into a death camp for dozens of people who received fatal injuries in stampedes at distribution points.
This time new Punjab government has started its ‘Nighehban Ramazan Package’ to deliver rations to the doorsteps of the needy people. This step will allow deserving people to receive the crucial help they need with dignity. The heart-wrenching images of last year’s chaotic event at flour centres are still fresh in people’s memories. The exercise of inviting underprivileged people and exploiting their vulnerabilities for photo-ops should be done away with. The drive will also be a test for the new CM, Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The holy month of Ramzan almost always sees a hike in the prices of essential commodities; this could well be attributed to a change in demand and supply. But this increase also causes inconvenience for the underprivileged who barely get by government-backed initiatives and charity drives conducted by the private sector become the only hope for these people. Last year, not only were government distribution centres mismanaged, but private companies also failed to manage the crowd during free ration distribution drives.
Further, the political instability here has turned the economic situation even worse. All charity drives should be mindful of people’s respect and dignity. The poor and people from lower-income households have already suffered a lot due to never-ending financial constraints. Prudent decisions by the government will help people avoid inconveniences. After two years of political confrontation, It is hoped that well-thought-out and timely decisions by the government will help people in need.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Suggestion for GB
The suggestion of conducting a plebiscite in Gilgit-Baltistan to allow its populace to exercise their fundamental right of self-determination is a matter clearly enshrined in United Nations resolutions. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s handling of GB’s limbo status has been lackluster, as evidenced by the last verdict issued by a seven-member bench of the Supreme Court in 2019.
Since then, the state has shown customary nonchalance towards GB, relegating this matter to the back burner. However, the honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, has recently brought this issue into the spotlight by recommending a due plebiscite under the recommendations of the UNCIP resolution. This development is heartening for the people of GB.
The CJP’s suggestion is timely, especially given India’s illegal nullification of the status of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Historically, Pakistan has often taken steps backward after taking one forward, maintaining GB’s limbo status since its accession to Pakistan in 1948.
The people of GB have only been granted Presidential orders, non-local committees, and executive orders, which serve to arbitrarily and unilaterally administer, or rather control, the region. The GB Assembly and dummy setups have proven toothless in addressing major issues and grievances of the region’s people.
With growing resentment and a sense of alienation and deprivation among the masses of GB, it is high time to consider CJP’s Plebiscite suggestion by those in charge of state affairs. This is the only democratic solution for the lingering issue of GB, accepted by all international organizations and institutions. It is time to act upon CJP’s recommendation in letter and spirit.
ZAHID ALI ZOHRI
Gilgit-Baltistan
Crime rate
in Pakistan
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the alarming increase in the crime rate in Pakistan. As a concerned citizen, I cannot overlook the growing sense of insecurity and fear pervading our communities.
Recent statistics paint a grim picture of the situation, with incidents of theft, robbery and violent crimes on the rise across the country. This surge in criminal activity not only threatens the safety and wellbeing of individuals but also undermines the social fabric and economic stability of our nation.
There are various factors contributing to this troubling trend, including socio-economic disparities, unemployment, inadequate law enforcement resources and a lack of effective crime prevention strategies.
SAWERA CHANDIO
Karachi
