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Unlocking potential
I am writing to highlight the critical role of agricultural engineers in Pakistan and to draw the attention of authorities to the pressing issue of the unemployment of Agricultural Engineers.
Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and Sindh, with its diverse climatic conditions and fertile lands, holds immense potential for agricultural productivity. However, this potential remains to be tapped due to the failure to recruit and engage the technical human resources to tackle and resolve issues related to water, agriculture, floods, droughts and climate change.
Agricultural engineers play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of our irrigation and farming practices. They design and implement innovative solutions for irrigation, soil salinity management, post-harvest losses, drought and flood management and crop water productivity under changing climate scenarios.
Their expertise ensures that our agricultural and irrigation systems are resilient, environmentally friendly and capable of meeting the growing food demands of our population. In Sindh, where water scarcity and soil degradation are persistent issues, the contributions of agricultural engineers are indispensable.
Despite their importance, agricultural engineers in Sindh face significant challenges regarding employment. Recently, many graduates passed the written test for the position of Agriculture Extension Officer in the Agriculture, Supply and Prices Department. Unfortunately, the concerned department did not consider the Agricultural Engineering Degree relevant. The department lacks qualified Agriculture Extension Officers who can offer farmers extension services related to tractors, farm machinery, laser levelling, efficient irrigation methods, crop water requirements, farm solarization, flood management, climate change, precision agriculture and farm mechanization. Not considering these skilled professionals in Agriculture Extension in Sindh hinders the progress and development of our agricultural sector.
ENGR PROF DR ALTAF SIYAL
Tandojam
Mob lynching
Pakistan has increasingly witnessed horrifying acts of mob lynching, particularly fuelled by accusations of blasphemy, revealing a state powerless against these violent crowds.
These incidents occur with alarming frequency, displaying a lack of empathy and respect for human life. The prevalence of these mob lynching incidents is escalating daily, creating an urgent need for legal intervention and justice. In no other modern society do blasphemy-related attacks happen as frequently as in Pakistan.
Law enforcement agencies are tasked with maintaining order and protecting citizens. In Pakistan, these agencies often fail to control mobs effectively, which can be attributed to insufficient training, lack of resources, and, at times, hesitation to confront large, violent groups.
Additionally, there is often a lack of accountability within these agencies, which exacerbates the problem as officers may not face consequences for failing to act appropriately during these violent incidents. This lack of accountability creates a vicious cycle where law enforcement officials are neither motivated nor adequately equipped to handle mob situations, further emboldening the perpetrators.
Extremism has become entrenched in parts of Pakistani society. When individuals believe they are justified in punishing others for alleged blasphemy, it leads to a breakdown of legal order. Such vigilantism is not only unlawful but also fosters a culture of violence and intolerance. The psychological impact on communities and the perpetuation of fear and mistrust further destabilize society. Families and communities live in constant fear of being targeted by mobs, leading to a pervasive sense of insecurity and helplessness.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Box letter
Tax evasion
Tax evasion remains a significant issue in Pakistan, with recent revelations highlighting the severity and persistence of this problem. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s disclosure of annual tax evasion amounting to PKR 1,200 billion at Karachi Port, through import duties and taxes, underscores the critical flaws within the country’s tax system. In March of this year, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reported that tax evasion across various sectors amounted to PKR 5,800 billion annually. Additionally, tax litigation involves around PKR 2,700 billion, further complicating the revenue collection process. These figures illustrate the deep-rooted and longstanding nature of tax evasion in Pakistan, a challenge that successive governments have struggled to address effectively. Despite numerous claims and efforts by the government to curb tax evasion, a substantial portion of taxes continues to be evaded each year. In the new fiscal year’s budget, the government has introduced new taxes to increase revenue. However, there has been little to no action towards preventing tax evasion. This approach risks failing to improve the tax-to-GDP ratio to a satisfactory level.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
