Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
One percent elite
The elite capture compel people to work long hours, unpaid or with very least wage by and large. But what else destitute and helpless can do to thrive. So to sustain and live they must obey orders. Swayed by politicians when elections are due, yet politicians are wooing elites for power!
Our country with countless blessings like natural reserves, marvellous geo-strategic location, huge population to name a few yet unwavering ills and evils are lingering over its head. What else best reason could be to define than capitalistic politics. Democracy is solely in name as crony capitalism prevails here.
The rich are becoming more rich while masses are further pushed towards sheer poverty, haplessness and diseases. People are reeling from tough times. They are leaving the country for good but this too does not make any sense to our ruling elite. In fact, nothing makes sense to them not human sufferings and reputation of the country. In short, a country that lacks self confidence in defending its own interests will never be able to achieve any great purpose on global front.
SAHIL AHMED DERO
Dokri, Sindh
Feudal
democracy
Pakistan has long been plagued by spectre of feudalism, an entrenched system reminiscent of dictatorship, depriving people of their fundamental rights. Feudal lords operate with impunity, stifling dissent and shaping society according to their whims. These feudal overlords, unaligned with any particular political party, wield significant influence, yet fail to advocate for people’s rights in Parliament. Instead, they perpetuate underdevelopment, exemplified by neglected regions like Kashmore district.
In such areas, the feudal nexus maintains a stranglehold, subverting governance and perpetuating lawlessness. Local inhabitants are subjected to oppression, with law enforcement often serving the interests of these feudal elites. To foster democratic growth, a concerted effort is needed to dismantle feudal influence. This includes measures such as restricting party-switching for a substantial period, ensuring transparency in parliamentary voting, and prohibiting government officials above a certain rank from serving in their home districts.
Strengthening democracy in Pakistan demands collective action from all political parties committed to serving the populace. It’s imperative to unite against feudalism, the primary impediment to democratic progress of the nation.
TALAL RAFIQ RIND
Turbat, Balochistan
Dacoit’s rule
The province of Sindh has been facing an issue of bandit rule intermittently. There have been multiple reasons behind bandit-culture but one of the main reasons is said to be the sordid nexus among police, dacoits and tribal chiefs. Otherwise how advanced weapons are reaching their hideouts? Moreover, this all needs a quick and joint operation against them to restore peace and people’s faith in these areas of katcha. Adversely, the police have turned a blind eye to all this so far. Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative business market for kidnappers. Non-strict action against them has strengthened them and consequently, after kidnapping they post videos on social media while hostages are tortured.
The police fiasco in these areas has raised serious question over their credibility, although having numerical supremacy and modern detective technology tools. The dacoits have left no stone unturned to siege these areas. However, military and police joint cooperation is need of the time and imperative to ensure authority of state is not challenged and to restore back normalcy.
HYDER ABBASI
Larkana, Sindh
Policy rate
Rising inflation rates and depleting reserves were among extraordinary economic difficulties Pakistan faced during leadership of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government. Inflation peaked in May 2023 at 38%, indicating how serious the situation was. Dar imposed harsh import restrictions in an attempt to prevent a sovereign default because the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) reserves were only $3.9 billion, not even enough to pay a month’s worth of imports.
In response to rising inflation, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) summoned an emergency meeting in June 2023, deciding to increase policy interest rate by 100 basis points to 22%. The MPC aimed to curb inflation and achieve a medium-term target of 5-7% by the end of FY25. Throughout the fiscal year 2024, the SBP kept the policy rate at 22%, which effectively controlled inflation but at the cost of economic growth. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate decreased slightly, from 23.1% in February 2024 to 20.7% in March 2024, although the private sector’s trust in the banking system was severely damaged. The private sector’s borrowing fell dramatically from Rs264 billion in the first nine months of FY23 to barely Rs35 billion in FY24, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan. Furthermore, the FY22 GDP growth was 6% due to the private sector borrowing as much as Rs1, 330 billion during that year. This reduction in borrowing of private sector, coupled due to high interest rate and political uncertainty, which has hampered economic growth. In order to stimulate economy, banks should begin lending to private sector.
HAMZA MUNIR
Mardan, KP
Strengthening rule of law
Upholding rule of law is paramount for Pakistan’s progress, necessitating an independent judiciary to prevent abuse of power by executive and legislative branches. This ensures equal treatment under the law for all citizens, irrespective of their status.The consistent enforcement of laws is crucial for societal well-being, holding both weak and powerful accountable. Unfortunately, powerful elites often act with impunity, intimidating officials and undermining justice. Regrettably, perpetrators of abuse seldom face consequences, while honest officials face retribution.
This highlights urgent need for unwavering commitment to rule of law at all levels of government. Ethical leadership is vital for fostering good governance, ensuring accountability and justice. It is imperative for authorities to uphold principles of justice and integrity, fostering a fair and equitable society. To maintain rule of law, a fair and transparent legal system must be established. Laws should be clear and applied consistently, enabling citizens to seek redress efficiently. Additionally, an accessible legal system is necessary to address grievances promptly and affordably.
Pakistan’s Constitution serves as supreme law, guaranteeing equal treatment and protecting citizens’ rights. It is the state’s duty to ensure effective implementation of these provisions, upholding rule of law in letter and in spirit. Only through ethical governance and steadfast commitment to justice can Pakistan achieve a fair and just society for all.
GULAB UMID
Turbat, Balochistan
