Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Austerity measures
NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s announcement of austerity measures is a commendable step towards reining in our national expenditure during Pakistan’s pressing economic challenges. Though this matter is a good step, it is only the first. However these measures are aimed at curbing unnecessary spending and include significant cuts to protocol privileges, such as unnecessary security vehicles and staffing, which are great steps to take in our journey of fiscal responsibility.
This act of financial prudence will bring significant relief to citizens for several reasons. It signals a broader shift among our public officials towards exercising caution in unnecessary expenditure. For too long, ordinary citizens have expressed dismay at officials spending precious funds on endeavours that seemingly lack meaningful benefits for the nation as a whole.
All in all, these cuts in travel costs are nothing but droplets in our budgetary ocean, but the larger implication of this announcement is in its message to all branches of the state. By restricting officials to economy class and limiting stays to five-star hotels, the government is sending a clear message: discretionary spending will be curtailed. Austerity measures will also address the pervasive issue of bureaucratic bloat on all fronts. The downfall of PIA is a constant reminder of the consequences of such excessive bureaucracy and the administrative inefficiency it can lead to.
We cannot afford to let such structural issues continue to plague our organizations and government agencies. Austerity measures must now be aimed at streamlining bureaucracy and eliminating inefficiencies. Seeking accountability wherever possible and reducing our bureaucratic bloat on a systemic level are necessary strategy steps to take in our journey toward fiscal sustainability. The country’s staggering economy demands the austerity measures not only at government but in private life as well.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Education crisis
Pakistan is embroiled in a pressing education crisis, where millions of children are denied access to schooling or face substandard learning conditions. Despite being a frequent topic of discussion, misconceptions persist, obscuring the harsh reality of the situation.
Alarmingly, as of the 2021–22 school year, an overwhelming 26.2 million Pakistani children remain unenrolled, underscoring the ongoing struggle for universal education. Additionally, a concerning 39% of school-aged children lack access to formal education, painting a distressing picture of widespread educational deprivation among Pakistan’s youth.
Various factors contribute to Pakistan’s educational predicament, including stark disparities in resource allocation. While education spending has seen a significant increase in recent years, nearly matching that of the defence forces, there is an urgent need to shift the focus from quantity to quality.
Persistently low learning outcomes pose a significant challenge, hindering students’ acquisition of fundamental literacy and numeracy skills. Moreover, the education system grapples with deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate facilities and a shortage of qualified teachers, perpetuating a cycle of underperformance exacerbated by a lack of accountability.
Efforts to address these challenges are underway, most notably through the National Education Policy 2021. However, implementation barriers persist, necessitating additional measures to ensure effective execution. Enrolment initiatives, such as the “Taleem Do” program, offer hope by targeting out-of-school children for inclusion. Similarly, technology-enhanced initiatives like “Roshan Taleem” aim to enhance learning experiences and bridge educational gaps.
Despite these endeavours, urgent attention is required to rectify Pakistan’s education deficit. Emphasizing learning objectives, dispelling myths and fostering cooperation are essential steps toward a brighter future. Strategic investment and innovative approach are critical to transforming the educational landscape, paving the way for inclusive and high-quality education in Pakistan. The path ahead demands unwavering commitment and collaborative action to ensure every child has access to education they deserve.
NOOR ARSHAD
Via email
Kudos to
Pak Observer
Even though I’m not a resident of Pakistan, I still read the online edition of Pakistan Observer, as it is the largest circulating daily in the whole of Pakistan.
Pakistan Observer also does not contain yellow journalism like other newspapers and it publishes news from every corner of the world, including India. If it is my destiny, I will someday visit Pakistan and visit the editorial office with a box full of sweets for the employees.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Box letter
Lawlessness
Unfortunately, the law and order situation in district Kashmore@Kandhkot has become worse. Every single day there are multiple reports of mobile snatching, bike snatching, robbery and kidnapping but the police have utterly failed to restore law and order. These crimes have rapidly increased and government teachers have become targets who go to attend school duties daily. Sadly, many teachers have become victim of these crimes but yesterday, a government school teacher, Allah Dino Rakhiyo Nindwani, lost his life at the hands of robbers. The life and prosperity of the common masses is at stake. People of this district have become so afraid that they are unable to go to their jobs even in broad daylight. If the lawlessness continued, people would be forced to migrate and teachers would be compelled to stay at home to save their life. It is earnestly requested to all the stakeholders and Police that the rule of law should be restored as soon as possible. So, the fear among the masses ends and once again the peace prevails in district Kashmore@Kandhkot.
NASIR ALI KHAN
Kashmore, Kandhkot
