Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Addressing Balochistan’s urgent crisis
The critical deficiencies plaguing Balochistan’s infrastructure demand immediate attention. Despite its vast expanse as the largest province, Balochistan is mired in acute shortages of vital services like food and electricity. The provincial government’s inertia has only deepened the plight of its residents, amplifying the severity of the crisis. Urgent intervention from both provincial and federal authorities is essential to alleviate the suffering and prevent further escalation.
The gravity of Balochistan’s predicament necessitates a coordinated response from all levels of governance. It is not merely a provincial issue but a national concern that demands solidarity and decisive action. Addressing the root causes of these deficiencies, such as infrastructure development and resource allocation, requires a comprehensive strategy and sustained commitment. Failure to act swiftly and decisively risks exacerbating the already dire situation, further eroding the well-being and prospects of Balochistan’s populace.
MARWA HASAN
Via email
Unravelling Pak political stagnation
Pakistan’s journey towards progress is impeded by a relentless cycle of political infighting and power struggle. Each passing day, politicians engage in a blame game leaving governance and policy-making on the back-burner. The country’s institutions are constantly under fire, with accusations of manipulation and betrayal eroding trust in the political establishment.
This fixation on individuals rather than principles perpetuates a culture of instability, where the pursuit of power eclipses the needs of the nation. The transition of power becomes a battleground of accusations and counter-accusations, leading to a lack of accountability and progress. Historic agreements, once hailed as milestones, are now questioned, showcasing the transient nature of political alliances and the erosion of trust in governance.
Amidst this chaos, the people of Pakistan are left disillusioned, feeling sidelined by the self-serving agendas of their leaders. The focus on power struggles overshadows the collective vision for progress, leaving the populace yearning for stability and effective governance. It’s imperative for politicians to prioritize national interests over personal ambitions and work towards a unified agenda for the betterment of Pakistan. Only then can the country break free from the shackles of political discord and embark on a path of sustainable development.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Spirit of law
Our society is inundated with laws and regulations, meticulously documented and explained in voluminous legal texts. Each law is supported by judicial decisions that delineate its application. Legal practitioners’ offices are lined with books that not only assert their scholarly prowess but also detail every nuance of our legal system. Moreover, the constitution is subject to extensive interpretation, with numerous books and judicial decisions providing insight into every clause. Federal and provincial departments, staffed by countless employees, are tasked with implementing these laws for public welfare.
Witnessing rampant violations of laws, from electricity theft to traffic signal infractions, highlights a pervasive disregard for legal norms. This paradox invites us to reassess our relationship with the law. The spirit of freedom must reside within us. Without this intrinsic value, no legal system can function effectively.
Historically, our country has experimented with various legal and constitutional frameworks. The 1956 Constitution established a parliamentary system, but it was soon abrogated by Iskander Mirza. Subsequently, the 1962 Constitution introduced a presidential system, which also failed to sustain. Enacting a consensus constitution in 1973 aimed to address these issues, yet its spirit remains unfulfilled. Numerous amendments, such as infamous Eighth Amendment granting the President power to dissolve NA, were introduced and later repealed, illustrating instability and manipulation of our legal structures.
The persistent issue is not the absence of laws but the lack of a societal commitment to uphold them. For instance, electoral reforms aimed at preventing horse-trading by restricting members from voting against party lines rendered them powerless. Similarly, caretaker govt model, intended to ensure election transparency, has not achieved its objectives. These failures highlight a deeper problem: our collective disregard for the sanctity of the law.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Box letter
Beat the heat, stay cool
All of us are aware of the fact that every year during summer, the temperature keeps on rising to unexpected levels and with that increases the risk of illnesses and deaths caused due to heatwaves. We all need to take various precautions in order to stay safe and cool like staying hydrated and eating and drinking things which help our body to stay cool from inside, staying inside our house during the day time, wearing loose cotton clothing which fully covers our body, etc.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India