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Privilege blindness
When the privileged class dominate the social media with unsolicited “sermons” of Do’s and Don’ts whenever a heat wave strike the concerned region (don’t venture outside, take lot of water, carry umbrella, remain in AC etc) along with senseless jokes revolving this natural phenomenon; innumerable non-privileged hard-working souls are bravely negotiating these harsh conditions with head held high!
Can’t these “vulnerable” privileged lot see in their own eyes how despite the centigrade surpassing 40 degree, labourers are painting towering complexes by swinging on ropes or engaged in construction of buildings! Who are driving rickshaws autos E-vehicles and buses in these conditions! So that the privileged can enjoy luxuries right within the comforts of home, the gig workers are frantically rushing upon bikes with Himalayan load upon the shoulder to deliver the ordered items within astonishingly narrow time frame!
In contrast the privileged class do paint the town red revolving around the “heat” despite enjoying the luxury of adequate fan AC refrigerator and cold drinks! What a deluge of insensitivity heartlessness and obscenity! Actually the “educated” privileged class simply do not recognise any other “creatures” barring their own! No wonder why they religiously go over the moon revolving around say a mammoth lofty tower or glittering shopping mall; never mind if darkness of poverty and hunger continue to dominate over majority of their own fellow citizens!
This is the hallmark of a heartless society. And amidst such insensitivity, it is natural that the privileged class will continue to play the role of “victim” and have fun over the heat wave in social media!
Salute to the ocean of faceless poor unsung marginalised hardworking souls for building the infrastructure of the society through honest toil and perspiration without creating minimum fuss revolving vagaries of nature.
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
Potential sugar crisis
Following the wheat crisis that led to a significant increase in imports, there are now reports of preparations for the import of sugar. According to information, sugar mills are presenting additional reserves of sugar to the government, seeking permission to import sugar. This raises concerns that allowing sugar imports could lead to a sugar crisis similar to the one experienced in the past.
The decision to allow sugar imports is based on figures collected by the Economic Coordination Committee of the federal cabinet, gathered by the Ministry of Food Security. However, there are considerable flaws in this process. The government relies solely on the figures provided by sugar mills which are the fundamental players in sugar imports. While the Track and Trace System was introduced in 2020, it proved ineffective in the long run. Moreover, there is no system in place to verify the figures presented by sugar mills.
As a result, every year, allowing sugar imports leads to a shortage of sugar in the country. In recent years, a pattern has emerged where sugar is imported first, followed by significant spending on imports after a surplus is created. Last year, due to similar reasons, the price of sugar exceeded Rs. 200 per kilogram, which was previously priced at Rs. 85 per kilogram. The permission granted for sugar imports after the wheat crisis suggests that a sugar crisis may be imminent, following the pattern observed in previous years.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Box letter
GB education
I am writing to highlight a pressing issue affecting the educational prospects of students from Gilgit-Baltistan. The scarcity of educational institutions in the region compels these students to migrate to other provinces for higher education, imposing significant financial burdens on them. Unlike students from other regions, those from Gilgit-Baltistan receive no financial assistance from airlines, further exacerbating their challenges. It is crucial for the government to address this disparity and provide essential support to students from Gilgit-Baltistan. By offering financial assistance for travel, accommodation, and university fees, the government can alleviate the financial strain on these students and ensure equal access to education. I urge prompt action to address the challenges faced by students from Gilgit-Baltistan, ensuring they receive the necessary support to pursue their academic endeavours.
AQEELA MARYAM
Rawalpindi
