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IMF loans and load shedding
The IMF has completed its review of Pakistan and has approved the loan with the instructions to the Government of Pakistan to reduce inflation and increase electricity and gas rates for the public. On the other side, ADB, OPEC Funding, Islamic trade finance and Saudi Development Fund are providing loans for construction of new hydro-power stations in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s maximum power usage is 20,000 MW, while production capacity is 45,000 MW, for which the Government of Pakistan has to pay monthly fixed charges called capacity charges. So electricity in Pakistan will cost double because of the extra production capacity. But to justify keeping old power plants active beyond their contracts, govt had to create a fake load shedding issue.
Now the government was selling even less then 10,000 MW due to 8-hour load shedding across Pakistan. While the Government had to pay for 45,000 MW generation, this created an imbalance in payments coming in and payments going out, which is now called the Circular Debt.
And these international expert organizations should be forcing the government to fix this issue by ending contracts and payments to 25,000 MW old thermal power plants, but they are simply overlooking this issue and funding even more power plants on loans to increase this imbalance even further.
While the people of Pakistan have been suffering for many years with these fake load shedding. And during all this time a few politicians were minting in billions selling generators, diesel fuel, solar panels and ups batteries.
Unfortunately this vicious cycle to destroy the people of Pakistan will continue because IMF has agreed to give more loans.
SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER
Islamabad
Man in chains
An ignoble or upper class child, what makes difference between both of them. Does deeply entrenched barriers really matter in which people are segregated? And are treated likely. The lesser your caste, the least you get respect and dignity. Broadly speaking, no matter, what chains are that if it be religious, social or economic but to be honest, are made by man to bound other man. Everything comes under a classification since aeons. There is not any independent choice for lower class people.
The upper, greater and more powerful will dictate over them as always. And they are bound to obey no matter how horrible it can goes. Even today, in many countries, lets put aside religious and other differences of classes, confronts this menace. Some people are treated worst than ever only because they are black in colour. While, many others are charged with this chain; the ethnicity they belong, the language they speak and the culture they preserve even after hundreds of thousands of years of wars and destructions. Unequivocally, no one can deny the laws of nature.
Naturally, People who are imperialists and extend their power to other nations only by force to destroy their language, culture and thousand years old ethnicity they themselves begin to stay away from their own culture. And one of modern and related instance is Punjab in Pakistan. It goes rightly by, as you sow so shall you reap. There is no classification naturally in human beings. We have made everything and so are we responsible for the loss we bear today.
SAHIL AHMED DERO
Dokri
Holi festival
Holi was celebrated with zeal and fervour across the globe. Hindus in Pakistan also performed their rituals and were congratulated by the Government and other progressive minds. However, there is always a segment of society who disagree with non-Muslims holding their religious ceremonies freely.
Article 20-A of Pakistan’s Constitution permits all residents to profess their religion, construct religious institutions and perform rituals with liberty. The vision of Quaid also resembles with what the Constitution states. The Objective Resolution, included in 1973 Constitution, also grants religious freedom to all citizens of Pakistan. However, in practice, there exist myriad obstacles in ensuring religious freedom for minority groups.
The State should take bold steps. First, through TV, newspapers and social media, religious tolerance and coexistence should be promoted. Second, religious scholars and academics should be urged to proliferate the same and help in creating an inclusive society. This will not only ease the lives of minorities in Pakistan, but will also send a positive message about the country across the globe.
MUHAMMAD JUNAID
Mirpur AJK
Addressing community concerns
I am writing to shed light on a pressing issue that deeply concerns our community: the inefficiency, misconduct, and lack of responsiveness within our local law enforcement. Residents have expressed their frustration and dismay over these recurring issues, which have eroded trust and compromised the safety of our neighbourhoods.
It is imperative that our law enforcement agencies prioritize and allocate resources towards implementing much-needed reforms. Enhancing performance and ensuring accountability are paramount to restoring faith in our justice system and fostering a safer environment for all.
I urge our local authorities to heed this call for action and take swift measures to address these concerns. The well-being and security of our community depend on it.
SANAM GULL
Karachi
Box letter
Youth unrest
Pakistan’s youth face a challenging environment. Despite forming the majority, they are marginalized and their aspirations are dismissed. Older generations view them with disdain, labelling their impatience as a threat to society. This attitude must change. Youth participation in politics is crucial; their recent electoral impact demonstrates their potential. Denying them a voice only fuels unrest. Pakistan’s demographic landscape is shifting, and the state must adapt. Embracing youth involvement is essential for stability. Let’s recognize their rightful place in shaping our nation’s future and work towards a harmonious society.
GULZAR DILDAR
Turbat
