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Economic crisis
As Pakistan’s farmers struggle with the fallout from this year’s crash in domestic wheat prices, the Punjab government’s plan for a glass-roof train between Islamabad and Murree highlights an economic disconnect. This failure to address significant challenges leaves Pakistan’s population burdened with stress, worsening food insecurity and economic hardship. The decision to import a large quantity of wheat was a colossal blunder, exacerbating the crisis. The provincial governments’ promise to buy wheat at four thousand rupees per maund fell through, causing prices to drop below three thousand rupees.
Pakistan faces an unprecedented economic slowdown and uncertain politics, compounded by a budget that lacks comprehensive tax collection. Reliance on borrowing from local banks to cover fiscal deficits has crowded out the private sector, with bank loan access already difficult due to high interest rates. Revitalizing the economy requires reforms in three key areas: equitable distribution of direct tax collection, reforming tax policies to reduce excessive borrowing, and long-term planning over short-term projects.
Pakistan’s powerful landowners avoid paying income tax, contributing to economic disparity and a lack of resources for entrepreneurs. The country’s debt burden, worsened by poorly planned projects like the glass train, threatens future stability. With trust between the government and the people already thin, economic policies are deepening the malaise. As monsoon rains approach, climate resilience should be prioritized over increasing debt through impractical ventures.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Discriminatory practices
at BCS
The Government of Balochistan Civil Secretariat (BCS) recently instituted a rigid entry policy, mandating that all employees wait until 10:30 am before gaining access. This regulation, enforced by security guards, is causing frustration among various department workers who are subject to strict adherence while others seem exempted.
The crux of the issue lies in the disparate treatment experienced by employees. While the Planning and Development Department and the Service and General Administration Department enjoy the privilege of unrestricted entry, others are left waiting in queues, subjected to meticulous card checks. The blatant disregard for fairness and equity in enforcing this policy is alarming and raises serious concerns about favouritism within the workplace.
Furthermore, reports have surfaced of certain individuals bypassing security checks altogether, further exacerbating feelings of injustice and inequality among staff members. Such preferential treatment undermines the principles of meritocracy and erodes employee morale.
In the light of these troubling revelations, it is imperative for Chief Minister Balochistan to intervene and address this matter promptly. It is the duty of the government to ensure a fair and conducive work environment for all employees, regardless of their departmental affiliations. Swift action must be taken to rectify this discriminatory practice and restore trust and equality within the Civil Secretariat.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Male chauvinism at its worst
In a recent program, televised by a private TV channel, there was a display of male chauvinism at its worst, when a so-called pseudo intellectual, in a sweeping statement, stated that 95% of all females are illiterate. Such men are no role models, and have no business in counselling others on morals and ethics, when they have no control over the vital link between their mental faculties, and the words that they utter. These men, to put it mildly, need counselling by a psychiatrist, and should never be allowed to give lectures to others. They have violated what Islam and all other religions like Christianity stress upon, which is respect for females in particular.
In the blind pursuit of ratings, private TV channels must not descend to such pits and lows. Males, females and transgenders are all human beings, who deserve respect and consideration and whose rights must not be violated. Giving such biased remarks, reveals the mindsets of those who uttered such nonsense and their incapacity to give sermons to others, or claim to be intellectuals, which they are not. They pollute minds of others. Such mentally handicapped individuals must not be given exposure and prominence.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Box letter
Polio crisis
The worst feeling is seeing children suffer from preventable conditions like polio. This year alone, Pakistan has recorded eight cases of wild poliovirus, surpassing last year’s total of six. The latest cases are from Karachi’s Keamari district and Killa Abdullah in Balochistan. Pakistan remains one of two countries where polio is still endemic, with cases rising due to parental refusal of vaccines fuelled by misinformation. Anti-vaccine propaganda remains a formidable barrier, with thousands of parents refusing to vaccinate their children. This issue has escalated in recent years, highlighting potential mishandling of public health priorities. Despite steps taken to combat polio, including support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, efforts are needed to change mindset and ensure every child receives crucial vaccinations. To change mindset, parents should be educated about vaccines at birth, and religious leaders and schools should promote vaccination. While current efforts like door-to-door campaigns are commendable, more comprehensive actions are necessary to eradicate polio from Pakistan.
MOIN AHMED AWAN
Kandhkot, Sindh
