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Imperiled farmers
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the persistently low grain prices that are adversely affecting our farming community. The current situation is not only threatening the livelihood of our farmers but also jeopardizing the future of agriculture in our region.
Despite the tireless efforts of our farmers to produce high-quality grains, they are facing financial hardships due to the depressed market prices. Market prices have declined to even Rs 3k per 40kg wheat. These low prices do not reflect the true value of their hard work, dedi-cation and the significant investment they make in their farms.
It is imperative for policymakers, agricultural organizations and stakeholders to come to-gether and find sustainable solutions to address this pressing issue. Immediate action is needed to ensure fair pricing mechanisms, provide financial support and promote market ac-cess for our farmers. I urge our policymakers to prioritize the well-being of our farmers and take decisive ac-tions to ensure transparent pricing policy during these challenging times. Our farmers are the backbone of our economy and food security, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their success and prosperity.
HAMMAD LASHARI
Lahore
The plight
of Kashmore
The way that power politics have been destroying the Kashmore district’s environment for the past few years is quite alarming. People’s lives have been wrecked by feudalism, making it more difficult for the majority of the district’s residents to live there. With an estimated population of 1.089 million, Kashmore is one of Sindh’s most populated districts. But among the many problems its citizens face are robberies, kidnappings, corrup-tion, illiteracy etc. In addition, kidnapping and robbery have become commonplace bandit practices in the district’s Kacha area. The district’s general population is being ruthlessly looted, kidnapped and even killed by them, which is causing an intolerable and ongoing con-dition of anxiety. Reportedly, three to five citizens are taken away each day from Taluka Kandhkot. If we look at the ratio of the district, the numbers would be astounding and flabbergasting. Hence, the district is going through a really tough time, and as a result, many people are leaving their hometowns and migrating to urban cities. It would be quite challenging for them to leave be-hind their homes and start anew in a different city, but, bearing in mind the conditions of the district, they are left with only one great option. Moreover, it is an irony of fate that the concerned authorities and leading rulers are mere bystanders while bandits dictate the course of events in Kashmore. Corruption thrives as feu-dalists siphon funds from the treasury. The powerless police force leaves citizens living in constant fear. The district urgently requires serious attention from the provincial government to safeguard the lives of its people.
NASRULLAH KHADIM
Kandhkot
Matrix mindset
In today’s era, the majority of young people are bound by the “matrix” mindset, where socie-tal norms and expectations limit their willingness to step out of their comfort zones and pur-sue unique paths in life. This mindset is not limited to specific countries like India, Bangla-desh, Nepal and Pakistan, but is a widespread issue that hinders personal and societal devel-opment. The prevailing belief that success is solely achieved through a traditional educational path, followed by a lifetime of working for someone else, has led to a lack of innovation and a deteriorated mindset in these societies. It is crucial to recognize the importance of education while also emphasizing the acquisi-tion of practical skills. In today’s digital world, individuals should continue their education while also learning skills that can provide independence in the event of job loss. This shift in mindset, from solely valuing traditional education to also valuing practical skills, can em-power individuals to navigate an ever-changing job market and foster innovation.
SHAHMEER BALOCH
Karachi
The situation is getting worse
The situation in Katcha Sindh is getting worse day by day as the motorway passes by the main Katcha area from Kashmore. Passengers travelling by road from Islamabad to Sukkur, Larkana or any other place in Sindh are experiencing disruptions due to it. People are worried about their safety because the freeway passes through the Katcha district, where police and robbers are engaged in combat.
All the lights, border lines and speed cameras are broken on the motorway, especially in the Kashmore area. Travellers are quite concerned about this since it is trapping a lot of folks. Moreover, daily challenges to security are growing. Once more, bandits are proliferating on roads, highways and motorways to obstruct traffic.
AREEBA KANASRO
Larkana
SA unites
In the intricate fabric of South Asian geopolitics, historical tensions often overshadow col-laborative efforts, but one issue emerges as a unifying force: climate change. As the region grapples with devastating floods in Pakistan and erratic monsoons in India, the reality of cli-mate change’s borderless impact becomes undeniable. Climate change in South Asia is not a distant threat but a pressing reality, affecting millions through rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise. Urgent collective action is imperative, transcending tradi-tional regional politics for solidarity and cooperation. Historical rivalries, like the Indo-Pakistani conflict, have hindered South Asia’s climate ac-tion, yet as climate impacts worsen, unity becomes paramount. Despite SAARC’s inactivity since 2016, recent signs of regional cooperation emerge, notably the effective Indus Waters Treaty. Climate justice is key, as South Asia, though a minor emitter, faces disproportionate impacts, highlighting the urgency for inclusive responses prioritizing vulnerable communi-ties.
Noor ul Saba
Rawalpindi
