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From pump to public
The recent announcement of a reduction in petrol and diesel prices has come as a breath of fresh air for the public, who have been struggling with rising inflation.
The government declared a reduction of over 15 rupees per liter in petrol prices and 7 rupees per liter in diesel prices, offering much-needed relief to the masses. However, the true benefit of this reduction will only be realized if the government ensures that the savings are directly passed on to the people.
One critical area that needs immediate attention is the public transport sector. Despite a significant drop of over 20 rupees per liter in petrol prices within the last fortnight, public transport fares remain unchanged. Transporters often eagerly raise fares whenever there is an increase in fuel prices, without waiting for official fare adjustments. However, they are slow to reduce fares when fuel prices drop, often citing various excuses.
For instance, transporters in Balochistan have been quick to increase fares whenever petrol prices rose. Yet, despite the recent reductions in petrol prices, the fares remain the same. This reluctance to lower fares even after a significant decrease in fuel costs highlights a persistent issue in ensuring that the benefits of reduced fuel prices are passed on to the public.
For the public to experience real relief, the government must issue revised fare schedules for public transport in the light of the reduced fuel prices and ensure strict enforcement. Just as increases in fuel prices lead to higher transportation costs and, consequently, overall inflation, the benefits of cheaper fuel should also be reflected in reduced transportation costs. This reduction should then translate into lower prices for essential goods, particularly food items, thereby providing genuine relief to the public.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Iconic image
The iconic image and Fan-Club of IK, who many, including a few educated people and the youth, has assumed the status of a Murshid, with almost a cult- like following. He himself is a victim of his Peerni Murshid wife and was publicly caught in the bitter squabble between his Murshid wife and his real sisters. This was witnessed in the court, where this superstitious gentleman was seen trying to calm his hysteric Murshid Peerni and his real sisters. This is the unfortunate reality.
IK has captivated minds and hearts of many people. There are a few who even consider him greater than MAJ which is shocking. There is no comparison between likes of great men like Allama Iqbal, MAJ and the so-called political leaders of today. They are all small pygmies compared to them. Despite all this IK has managed to have a following of many, who follow him blindly and consider him a Messiah, which he is not. Will sanity prevail and these cult like followers wake up, before irreparable damage is inflicted to Pakistan, already engulfed in an economic quagmire.
Tariq Malik
Lahore
Voting for NOTA candidates
The general elections have begun and according to media reports, a good number of politicians seeking our votes have criminal records or have been directly or indirectly involved in some anti-social activities.
Then, a huge number of them are using unacceptable words in their rallies and speeches. If one is threatening to kill the other, the other is calling the third person unpatriotic and the third one is calling the fourth one a buffoon, and so on. It seems that there is no place for decency in our country.
Yes, one must exercise the right to vote, but what if none of the candidates are worth voting for? The good thing is that, for the first time in a general election we now have the ‘None Of The Above’ (NOTA) option.
If the voters truly and honestly exercise their voting rights and if we actually get a lot of NOTA clicks, the political parties must ponder over what is really wrong with their candidates and then agencies such as the Election Commission and the Judiciary must step in to reform our electoral process. That would be a true reform.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Box letter
Education for all
Pakistan grapples with the challenge of providing universal access to quality education, as highlighted in an international report. This sobering reality casts a shadow over the implementation of Article 25-A of the Constitution, which guarantees compulsory education for every child as a fundamental right. With Pakistan ranking 113th out of 120 countries in terms of educational quality and access, urgent measures are imperative to bridge the gap between policy and practice. The establishment of fifty thousand schools annually is a pressing necessity, demanding significant investment and commitment from the state. However, the challenge transcends mere infrastructure; it encompasses the provision of trained teachers, adequate teaching materials, and essential educational facilities. Moreover, the alarming dropout rate among school children underscores the need for a multifaceted approach, including the establishment of primary and middle schools within accessible distances to prevent children from leaving school prematurely. The recent announcement by the Prime Minister of Pakistan to enroll over two million out-of-school children is a commendable step towards addressing this issue. By prioritizing education, the government aims to propel Pakistani society into the ranks of the most progressive in the world. However, this ambitious goal can only be realized through sustained efforts and effective implementation strategies.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
