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Culture of respect
In our diverse society, comprising people of varying cultures, religions and races, different norms and values persist. Despite these differences, one fundamental aspect that transcends boundaries is respect. Across religions and cultures, the teaching of respecting others and their beliefs remains consistent.
Regrettably, our society is witnessing an increase in toxicity day by day. Extreme poverty often forces individuals into menial jobs to make ends meet. Tragically, we’ve heard numerous accounts of polio workers enduring humiliation and disrespect. It’s disheartening to witness parents not only refusing polio drops for their children but also subjecting workers to verbal abuse, adding to their pain. It’s imperative that we not only respect polio workers but also extend gratitude for their contribution to societal well-being. Moreover, we must extend this respect to all individuals performing essential but often undervalued jobs.
Educating our children is crucial in fostering a culture of respect. We must instil in them the understanding that no job is superior or inferior, it is our mindset that dictates such distinctions. While it’s primarily the responsibility of parents to impart these values, integrating activities into the curriculum can reinforce these teachings. Leading by example, wherein elders demonstrate respectful behaviour and intervene when witnessing disrespect is key to fostering a culture of respect among youth. By collectively embracing and promoting respect, our society can evolve into a more harmonious and inclusive place for all its members to thrive.
UMAMA RAJPUT
Sukkur, Sindh
Economic challenges
One thing is clear after elections held on February 8, 2024 that there wouldn’t be any change for the better.
The challenges that Pakistan is facing are severe and one of the biggest challenges that this new government facing is economic stability and how to deal with record high inflation. The second challenge is to bring down political temperature that’s already on the rise. Some other challenges are to deal with rise in militancy in the country. Living with a strong military has been another challenge for all governments in the past.
In a coalition government, the government cannot make quick decisions, so it is challenging to work in such a situation, there are no doubts about that. The biggest thing that government should focus on is state of economy and if this issue gets resolved then it will have a big positive impact on lives of the public. The government should formulate a comprehensive strategy to tackle all challenges within a particular timeframe.
But it’s unclear if new government will be able to push through much needed reforms. Many fear that coalition will be weak and unstable. At this moment, there seems to be no end to political instability and Pakistanis are increasingly frustrated with political class. People say unless Pakistan truly becomes a democratic country there will be no political stability. But some remain hopeful. People should be hopeful because hope is something that really keeps us going. PM Shehbaz Sharif will have to prove a lot to Pakistanis yearning for change.
RAFIA FAYYAZ
Gujrat
Boost trade
Pakistan is no doubt suffering from a series of challenges that stop the country from boosting its economy. But recently trading has been one of the fine challenges that obstruct the country’s economic growth. Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is the main stock exchange where trading takes place in Pakistan. According to reports, “As of January 2022, there are about 375 companies listed on the PSX with a total market capitalisation of PKR 7,756 billion (US$27 billion). Investors on the exchanges include 1,886 foreign institutional investors and 883 domestic institutional investors along with about 220,000 retail investors.
The country’s exports have been struggling to grow due to competition from other low-cost manufacturing countries, as well as issues such as high production costs, limited access to financing, and an overall lack of competitiveness.
It is to request Pakistan’s government that needs to focus on improving its export competitiveness, diversifying its export markets, and promoting investment in key sectors.
The government must also work towards creating a more stable and predictable business environment to attract foreign investment and encourage sustainable economic growth.
FARIS KHALIQ
Kech, Balochistan
Combating energy theft
The government’s crackdown on power and gas theft in Pakistan, initiated last September, has hit a roadblock, as evidenced by involvement of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) due to campaign’s lacklustre results. Despite efforts by utilities and provincial administrations, energy theft continues to persist, contributing significantly to country’s staggering circular debt, which now exceeds Rs5 trillion.
While the anti-theft campaign yielded some reduction in power theft and arrear bill recoveries, the figures pale in comparison to enormity of the problem.
Power and gas theft not only exacerbate the circular debt but also burden honest consumers with higher tariffs and budget subsidies. Eliminating energy theft is crucial to curbing the debt’s growth and alleviating financial strain on consumers. However, administrative measures alone are insufficient to address the pervasive issue of energy theft in Pakistan. A comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the root causes and systemic challenges that perpetuate this illegal activity.
One of the primary challenges in combating energy theft is lack of enforcement and accountability within the energy sector. Despite existing laws and regulations to penalise offenders, enforcement mechanisms are often weak and ineffective.
Corruption and collusion between utility officials and perpetrators of energy theft undermine government’s efforts to curb this illicit practice. Strengthening law enforcement agencies’ capacity to investigate and prosecute energy theft cases is essential to deterrence and accountability.
By tackling root causes and systemic challenges that perpetuate energy theft, Pakistan can work towards securing a sustainable energy future for all its citizens and alleviating financial burden on honest consumers.
Gulab Umid
Via email
