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Innovative solution
Green energy is more than a buzzword for a world faced with climate catastrophes. In Pakistan, the use of solar energy has increased multifold over the past few years. However, we are less motivated by greener causes and more by high electricity costs coupled with long hours of electricity outages. The overall electricity crisis owes much to people unwilling to pay their bills, a problem more common in far-flung areas, especially in Balochistan and the KP provinces.
To address this, the Prime Minister has come up with an innovative solution to mitigate the losses incurred by non-payment of electricity bills by farmers owning tube-wells in Balochistan. 28,000 tube-wells in the province will be run on solar power.
This transition is expected to be completed in three months. Realizing the unwillingness to cooperate, the solar-run tube-well plan is a commendable initiative by the government. First, it will ensure that tubewells run throughout the day, protecting crops. Secondly, the government’s burden will be eased as the tube-wells will be disconnected from the electric grid.
Thirdly, it is a step towards cleaner, greener and renewable energy, carrying no harm to the environment. This step would be a good substitute for the government providing for its citizens and the latter reciprocating by paying taxes and bills. Hard situations definitely call for innovative and out-of-the-box solutions and solar-powered tube-wells are just that.
In the long run, this transition aims to bring uninterrupted agriculture and self-sustained models as the world, at large, heads in the same direction.
Apart from this, the theft in electricity with the connivance of power companies’ officials must be nabbed to get the desired results. Electrical transmission system must be upgraded to minimise line loses.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Drugs peddling
I am writing to bring your immediate attention to the growing concern of drug peddling in our community. This issue has endangered the lives of many individuals, particularly the youth and contributed to a significant decline in the overall safety and well-being of our neighbourhood.
Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable increase in suspicious activities, particularly around certain areas known for being hotspots for drug transactions. This rise in drug peddling has led to a surge in related crimes, including theft, vandalism and violent confrontations, posing a serious threat to our residents. As a concerned citizen, it is critical that we address the issue of drug peddling with urgency and diligence. Effective measures should include implementing more frequent and visible police patrols in high-risk areas to deter drug dealers and ensure resident safety. Additionally, organizing comprehensive educational programs and workshops can raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and empower community members to promptly report suspicious activities.
Furthermore, providing robust support and resources for rehabilitation centres is essential to help individuals struggling with addiction recover and reduce the demand for illegal drugs in our community. Ensuring that drug-related offences are met with strong legal consequences is essential to deter peddling and emphasize zero tolerance. Additionally, partnering with local schools to educate students about the dangers of drugs and implementing preventive measures such as counselling services and promoting healthy lifestyles are crucial steps. It is imperative that we come together as a community to effectively combat this issue.
I urge prompt action to address drug peddling in our neighbourhood and create a safer environment for all residents, particularly our younger generation.
SARFRAZ KHAN
Karachi
Appeal to FM: Fix DC rate anomaly!
Through the columns of your newspaper, I seek intervention of Finance Minister to address anomaly, for calculation of tax, on sale of property, especially where the DC rate is almost double existing market value. Although, it may sound strange, but this is the bitter reality in certain situations, like DS Mall, located on the entrance of DHA Lahore when you enter from Walton Road. I am a victim of one such anomaly. Either the FBR must buy this property from me at half the prevailing DC rate, or correct this gross injustice.
DC Rate generally suits real estate investors in posh localities like DHAs, Cantonments, CDA etc., where it is less than even a third of the existing market value. Bracketing all properties, for uniform evaluation of their price, just because they exist within a certain area, may suit the powerful real estate and land developers of this country, but not those who have invested in projects, which for some reasons were not successful. Whatever the circumstances, that may have contributed to failure of this well constructed plaza, either hesitancy of cantonment to give access to the main road, or bureaucratic hitches etc., citizens like me, must not be a victim of what amounts to a double jeopardy.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Box letter
Investment challenges
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working to convert nearly three dozen Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with Chinese companies into actual investments. He emphasized the importance of creating a business-friendly environment to attract both local and foreign investments, particularly focusing on relocating Chinese industries to Pakistan. The government is implementing policies such as establishing a one-stop shop for investments in Special Economic Zones and a business facilitation centre in Islamabad. However, Pakistan’s internal security challenges remain a significant concern for Chinese investors. The safety of their workers, highlighted by recent attacks, is a critical issue that must be addressed alongside business policies to restore investor confidence and attract Chinese investments.
MAHTAB NISAR
Kech
