Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Punishment for power theft
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered disciplinary action and exemplary punishment for all officers involved in power theft. With a crackdown on power theft started by the caretaker government, and still underway, this was perhaps inevitability. Circular debt is not the only self-perpetuating problem that the power sector faces but there is power theft as well. Distribution companies drive up the tariffs, so that honest consumers end up paying for the power consumed by thieves.
Because of the higher tariffs, theft is incentivized, especially for commercial or industrial consumers, for whom the power price is a pass-through item to the end-consumer. That theft is not possible in the long term without the connivance of members of the staff of the distribution companies. A parallel problem is that this staff tempts the consumer off the path of rectitude, and shows the path to power theft. The step of punishing those involved in power theft should have been taken long before, much before it became a problem.
However, it has had to come only after the power sector became a bleeding wound rather than a profit centre as it is supposed to be. The energy being shown now is probably due to the fact that the government is about to go into talks with the IMF for the new programme it wants so badly, and the IMF has focused much attention on the power sector, because it sees it as potentially bringing down the entire financial structure of the government. However, for the time being, the power theft issue remains, and only by punishing the technical staff facilitating it will there be any progress on this painful issue. Line losses are also another ticklish problem for mounting energy crises which should be dealt on priority basis.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Tackling erosion of young talent
I am writing to express my concern over the negative impact of political instability on the youth of Pakistan The ongoing violence in the country’s politics is having a devastating impact on its most precious asset – its youth !
With frequent changes in leadership, corruption scandals and power struggles dominating the political narrative, Pakistan’s youth are increasingly frustrated and disillusioned, the lack of stability not only undermines their faith in government rather it hinders their ability to imagine a prosperous future in their country. The contribution is to pose major challenges to the socio-economic development of the country.
It is imperative that Pakistani leaders recognize the urgent need to address the root causes of political unrest and create an enabling environment for youth empowerment and opportunities. By enhancing stability, enhancing transparency and prioritizing the needs of its young generation, Pakistan can harness the potential of its youth as a catalyst for positive change and development it is permanent.
NITASHA
Karachi
Campaign Pledges
Well, provincial and federal governments have now been formed. People who had voted them or otherwise are waiting for materialization of their claims what they have made in their election campaign i.e. up to 300 units of electricity would be made of no charges and salaries would be doubled.
No doubt, these were very high claims and incomprehensible at that time and in fact, seem not feasible at present also but it is a test for both provincial and federal governments to recall their claims and take pragmatic efforts at least do something near to their claims.
FAISAL ANSAR
Karachi
Box letter
Street lights
I am writing to address a significant issue plaguing our locality at Street No. 2, Shakriyal, Rawalpindi – the persisting problem with street lighting. Despite lodging multiple complaints with the concerned authorities, we have yet to receive any response. This situation poses a significant risk to our lives as the roads remain poorly illuminated, increasing the likelihood of accidents. The malfunctioning street lights make it highly perilous for pedestrians to navigate the streets at night, instilling fear among residents who are hesitant to venture out after dark. Furthermore, the rising incidents of theft only exacerbate our concerns. I am reaching out to request urgent assistance and implore the relevant authorities to address this issue promptly for the safety and wellbeing of local citizens. Urgent maintenance of street lights is imperative.
NUKHBA ABBASI
Rawalpindi
