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Good governance
Good governance is a prerequisite for the progress and prosperity of any country. Countries that are politically sound, economically viable and offer an investment-friendly environment enjoy prosperous status in the comity of nations. However, the countries facing chronic political instability, inconsistent economic policies and rampant corruption lag far behind in all walks of life. Unfortunately, Pakistan is one of them. Resultantly, Pakistan has been dearly suffering on socio-economical and developmental fronts.
Besides, politicisation of the state’s institutions i.e. the judiciary and bureaucracy and clashes among the institutions has become the order of the day. Thus, good governance demands pragmatic actions that range from fostering political stability, creating an investment-friendly environment and working towards self-sufficiency of governance over electoral cycles to strengthening the judiciary, setting up strong local governments and most importantly, empowering the ECP to ensure a transparent electoral process.
SUMAIR AHMED
Khuhra, Sindh
Pak energy landscape
AS Pakistan continues to struggle to overcome its economic challenges, one issue that has consistently proved to be a cause for concern is its energy crisis. For decades, Pakistan has failed to meet its energy demands, leaving millions without access to affordable and reliable electricity, as evident by the prevalence of load shedding.
The impact of this crisis is far-reaching and devastating. Power outages disrupt daily life, causing economic hardships and putting lives at risk. Businesses are often forced to operate at reduced capacity, resulting in decreased productivity and income, which in turn hinders economic growth and discourages investment. Similarly, hospitals and healthcare facilities are unable to function at full capacity or fail to properly function completely, putting thousands of lives at risk.
A major reason for Pakistan’s energy crisis is its rapidly growing population of over 200 million, which continually increases energy demand and leads to production shortfalls. Outdated power plants and insufficient government funds for new infrastructure exacerbate the issue, making Pakistan heavily reliant on imported energy. This dependency on imports, which make up over 40% of total consumption, leaves the country vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
However, this may not be as bleak as it appears. The current government has taken steps to address the situation, including the launch of several new power plants and initiatives to promote renewable energy sources. Nonetheless, more needs to be done.
Increased investment in renewable energy resources, such as wind and hydroelectric power, can help Pakistan reduce its reliance on imports while simultaneously paving the way for a more sustainable future. Moreover, the government can also invest in improving the power grids in order to prevent wasted energy during transmission while also increasing electricity access.
All citizens deserve access to reliable and affordable electricity, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this right is protected. We urge our leaders to take decisive action to address the energy crisis and work towards a brighter future for all Pakistanis.
Ahsan Sikandar
Lahor e
Better late than never
The government’s commitment to addressing the issue of out-of-school children, as highlighted in the report ‘PM vows to get 26m out-of-school children enrolled’ (May 9), is commendable. The declaration of an “education emergency” signifies a positive and forward-thinking step towards improving education in the country, echoing the sentiment expressed by Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Article 25-A of our Constitution, ratified in 2010, mandates “free and compulsory” education for all children aged five to sixteen. However, fourteen years later, we confront an urgent need to fulfil this promise, evident in the declaration of an education emergency.
Access to quality education is largely determined by parental income levels; families with higher incomes can afford better education for their children, while those facing financial constraints often have limited options, such as enrolment in government or low-fee private schools. Compounding this challenge is the fact that about 40 percent of the Pakistani population lives below the poverty line.
MOIN AHMED
Lahore
Box letter
Combating brain haemorrhage
In the intricate tapestry of our lives, there exists a threat that looms ominously – brain haemorrhage. This silent assailant, marked by the rupture of blood vessels within the brain, strikes without warning, leaving devastation in its wake. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, it is of utmost importance that we confront this adversary head-on. The statistics are sobering: every year, millions around the globe succumb to the ravages of brain haemorrhage, with Pakistan bearing a disproportionately heavy burden. But let us not succumb to despair. Instead, let us harness the power of knowledge and action. The symptoms of brain haemorrhage are often insidious, ranging from debilitating headaches to sudden weakness or loss of consciousness. However, through proactive measures such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, monitoring blood pressure regularly, and seeking prompt medical attention, we can mitigate the risk of this formidable foe. Likewise, we must recognize the importance of community engagement and awareness. By educating ourselves and our loved ones about the signs and symptoms of brain haemorrhage, we empower individuals to take control of their health and seek timely intervention when necessary.
MOHSIN HAYAT
Panjgur
