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Tackling fiscal deficit
According to a report by the Ministry of Finance, Pakistan’s budget deficit during the first nine months of the current fiscal year has exceeded Rs. 3.9 trillion, constituting 3.7% of GDP. During this period, total government revenue remained at Rs. 9.78 trillion, while expenditure soared to Rs. 13.682 trillion. The multiple factors contributing to fiscal losses include unchecked increases in government spending and economic policies based on a cycle of borrowing.
From July to March, approximately Rs. 5.517 trillion were spent on interest payments alone, while government expenditure also witnessed a 44.6% increase. The World Bank had previously cautioned that fiscal losses could escalate due to rising federal expenditures, as under the NFC Award, provinces are entitled to 46% of revenues, leaving the federal government with only 54%, whereas the estimated federal expenditure was pegged at 67%. In such circumstances, controlling economic challenges without resorting to austerity measures seems unlikely.
To curb the budget deficit, the government must reduce its expenses. One major contributor to fiscal losses is the non-development budget. To increase revenue, the government must focus on promoting industrial and export sectors and reducing expenditure. In this regard, an inevitable increase in tariffs and taxes, including transmission losses and net taxes, seems imminent.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Migraine treatments
Current acute migraine treatments offer various options, but their effectiveness varies. This study examines office-based therapies for adults, focusing on acetaminophen, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, ASA, naproxen sodium, and diclofenac potassium), and triptans (including almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan) as primary treatments. Combinations of NSAIDs and triptans, dihydroergotamine, non-opioid combination analgesics (such as acetaminophen, ASA, and caffeine), and certain anti-emetics (like metoclopramide, domperidone, and prochlorperazine) are additional options.
Opioid-containing analgesics might be useful in specific cases but are not recommended routinely. When choosing a treatment, clinicians consider factors like headache intensity, nausea, vomiting, disability level, previous medication responses, headache recurrence history, and contraindications. Treatment strategies include options for mild to moderate attacks, severe attacks requiring triptans, refractory cases, and patients with vasoconstricting drug contraindications. The study also addresses treating migraines during pregnancy, lactation, and chronic migraine, emphasizing personalized therapy and avoiding medication overuse.
NABIA HASNAT
Gujwanrala
Aligarh slumbers again
Sitting in the mosque, I found myself disheartened as the Moulvi’s words echoed through the sacred space. He spoke of Muslims as the chosen ones, destined for paradise despite the trials and tribulations faced globally. However, this proclamation clashed with the reality I witnessed.
A lady nearby had just married off her daughter against her will, citing religious justifications. It was a stark reminder of how religious beliefs could be manipulated to justify injustices.
Later, at home, my grandmother served biryani, a dish steeped in tradition. As she reminded me of the Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah of eating with fingers, I couldn’t help but question the significance of such rituals amidst the pressing issue of hunger. I challenged the tradition, emphasizing the importance of addressing real-world problems before delving into religious customs.
Reflecting on history, I recalled the Aligarh Movement, spearheaded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan amidst British imperialism. Khan’s vision was to blend Western education with Islamic teachings to uplift Muslims socio-economically.
He founded the Muhammadan Anglo Oriental College in 1875, facing opposition from religious extremists. Despite challenges, his unwavering commitment laid the groundwork for Muslim empowerment.
The Aligarh Movement taught us the importance of integrating worldly pursuits with religious teachings for societal progress. It emphasized the need to prioritize tangible solutions over mere rituals. Failure to do so perpetuates our plight. As long as Aligarh remains stagnant, our future remains uncertain.
AYESHA RAUF
Multan
Box letter
Gas crisis
Pakistan’s strategic significance in South Asia, coupled with its abundant natural resources, underscores the country’s pivotal role in the region. With vast reserves of natural gas, notably in Sui (Balochistan) and other areas, Pakistan’s economy has long benefited from this vital resource. However, the persistent challenge of gas shortage has escalated, placing significant financial strain on its citizens. Initially, the populace grappled with gas shortage, but now faces the added burden of soaring charges for limited or low-pressure gas supply. This exacerbates the financial woes of communities, particularly impacting low-income households and the elderly, jeopardizing their safety and well-being. Beyond the domestic sphere, the repercussions extend to Pakistan’s economy, where many industrial units reliant on natural gas face imminent closure due to shortage or inflated prices. This looming threat contributes to unemployment and economic instability, exacerbating the country’s socio-economic challenges. Furthermore, the reliance on gas cylinders as an alternative exacerbates safety concerns, leading to tragic accidents resulting in injuries and loss of life. Urgent intervention is imperative from authorities to mitigate these issues. This includes prioritizing pipeline maintenance, exploring new gas reservoirs to alleviate shortages and providing assistance to vulnerable segments of society such as the lower middle class and those living below the poverty line.
KASHAF ASHRAF
Tando Adam
