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Privatization of SOEs
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to put profitable State-Owned Enterprises up for sale may reflect a shift in orientation. The primary argument for the privatization of SOEs was that they were draining the public exchequer, particularly those that were running at a loss, as taxpayers were bearing the burden of these losses. The issue with loss-making SOEs wasn’t solely inefficiency resulting from the state’s mishandling of business affairs, but also that some of these enterprises were providing essential services, which necessitated their operation even if losses were incurred. The theory goes that loss-making SOEs might make a profit if they were placed in private hands, while profitable SOEs would make greater profits. If state finances are parlous enough to need an end to the bleeding of loss-making SOEs, why does the state want to forgo the revenue in the shape of profits from profitable SOEs? For a start, they would be easier to sell, for two reasons. For one, they would not be encumbered with the debt needed to cover losses, and for another, the new owner would need to do nothing different to make a profit. In other words, they would be easier to sell. This gives the impression that government finances are beyond merely needing to stop the bleeding caused by losses. If the money is used just to make ends meet, that is only something temporary. That has been the fate of all previous privatization proceeds. They were used to meet debt servicing obligations, but that has not made the debt servicing obligations go away. The ballooning debts indicate a need for innovative use of privatization proceeds beyond debt payments. The government should explore public-private partnerships for all enterprises, not just those slated for privatization. It must realize that selling off all SOEs leaves no assets for debt repayment in long run. QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI Lahore
Issues faced by GB students
With due respect I want to talk about a serious issue which makes life of thousands of students who belongs from Gilgit-Baltistan challenging. Due to less resources of higher education and universities in the area the students have to migrate in other provinces of Pakistan where government facilitate the state and this gives a very tough time to students hostels universities expenses are too much costly and the airlines also don’t give any compensation to the students so the government should have to facilitate the students they should have to compensate at different areas like for travelling, hostels university bills etc this Action will make life’s off thousands of students easier. Looking forward for your prompt response AQEELA MARYAM Rawalpindi
Khawaja Asif fiery speech
There is no doubt that Khawaja Asif referred to some bitter facts, which may not be to the likening of a few. History cannot be changed, nor modified to suit any individual’s perspective. Nations learn from history. However, I have one reservation that no member of NA, including Khawaja Asif, Omar Ayub, Gohar AK Patel, mentioned the torment and humiliation that Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was subjected to. FJ was unanimously called Madre Millat. She never held any political post during lifetime of Quaid-e-Azam, except taking care of her terminally ill elder brother. FJ, her brother and a few doctors, who took care of MAJ, were aware of the severity of his ailment. They were also aware that if this secret became known to his political adversaries in the Congress and Lord Mountbatten, the very achievement of Pakistan could have been at stake. Yet, she became a victim of being blamed as a traitor and an agent. It is a fact that she died under mysterious circumstances, and no investigations were allowed to unearth the circumstances of her death, nor were her close relatives allowed to view her dead body. This tendency of self-projection by a few must also cease. State-funded hospitals, airports, welfare schemes must only be named after MAJ, Allama Iqbal or FJ and nobody else. There are many others who have served this country well, and made a place for themselves in hearts and memories of citizens. Personally speaking, I hold ZAB in high esteem for his legacy of 1973 Constitution and Nuclear Defence Deterrence capability, yet I believe his picture should not adorn our currency, nor should anyone else. MALIK TARIQ ALI Lahore
Box letter
Dengue crisis
Dengue, a highly harmful disease prevalent in Turbat, is caused by a combination of mosquito bites and environmental pollution. The virus, transmitted through mosquito vectors, manifests in two distinct forms: mild dengue fever and hemorrhagic fever. Mild cases typically present with symptoms such as the development of rashes, alongside muscle and joint pain. Hemorrhagic fever, on the other hand, can lead to severe bleeding, sudden drops in blood pressure and ultimately, fatalities if left untreated. However, there is hope for recovery through the administration of appropriate medication and the implementation of effective awareness campaigns. It is imperative that authorities take urgent action to address this pressing issue. Measures such as mosquito control programs, waste management improvements and public education campaigns should be prioritized to mitigate the spread of dengue virus in Turbat. Furthermore, investments in healthcare infrastructure and access to medical resources are crucial to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of affected individuals. Only through concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives can we effectively combat the scourge of dengue in our community. AHMED ALI Quetta
