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Education for growth
Among many responsibilities a new government assumes, educational reforms and policy development remain pivotal pillars throughout their term. Improving educational standards and investing in vocational training programmes catalyse economic growth by increasing productivity and innovation, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all.
This phenomenon is evident in developed countries that invest in public interests and services.
It is absolutely critical for Pakistan to strengthen its core by building up its utilities — mainly the educational system. By implementing revised educational policies and improvement plans, we can create a secure foothold.
After all, knowledge is key to progress.
Maimona Zaheer
Rawalpindi
Austerity
trap
Pakistan’s reliance on consecutive IMF loan programmes has failed to yield meaningful progress in tackling pressing issues like inflation, climate change and infrastructure development.
Instead, the country has been burdened with a burgeoning debt and federal excise duties. Political instability and a lack of effective economic management are the primary culprits.
The absence of a robust framework for Positive Cash flow Investment has meant that inflation and structural challenges persist, requiring a self-sustaining investment approach rather than mere handouts or subsidies. Moreover, the IMF’s conditionality clauses have resulted in a cycle of austerity, perpetuating economic woes.
To break this cycle, Pakistan must prioritise political stability, achievable through constitutional reforms that ensure only qualified individuals with relevant expertise can participate in politics.
A skilled team of economists with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience is also essential for effective negotiations with the IMF, ensuring that conditions are not overly burdensome for middle class. Effective utilisation of borrowed funds in progressive and lucrative sectors is crucial for Pakistan to escape austerity trap and envision a brighter future.
Tahir Jamali
Nawabshah, Sindh
Artificial intelligence
A famous British mathematician and computer pioneer, Alan Mathison Turing, did the earliest work in the field of Artificial intelligence. Many tools like Chat-GPT, AI assistant etc was released by Open-Ai company in December 2022.
Large language module is also an AI tool that is trained by a large database, like Gemini.
Now-a-days AI is capable of generating image, text, audio and video, which are referred as generative AI. Generative AI is that which can generate new modules from old. AI is one of the best achievements for computer scientists. AI with machine learning and deep learning is entirely changing the world by making it efficient and powerful. The effects of AI can be seen in industries, factories, homes, educational institutions, business, banking and many other fields. We must be attentive to be informed regarding this field and we must know how to control them.
To become an AI expert, relevant technical education should be provided in all educational institutions for training students in this fields.
SHUKURULLAH AZEEM
Awaran, Balochistan
Federal
budget
The federal budget for 2024-2025 reflects the government’s commitment to fostering economic resilience, improving the quality of life for its citizens, and achieving sustainable development goals. As Pakistan navigates through economic challenges, this budget is seen as a step towards a more prosperous and equitable future for the nation.
The recent surge in electricity prices across Pakistan is becoming a source of immense strain for households and businesses alike.
Every passing day seems to bring another increase, pushing electricity bills to a point where they are becoming a significant burden on many families’ budgets. The recent announcement of an additional 10 rupees per unit for K-Electric consumers from June to September only exacerbates an already burdensome situation.
The rationale behind these increases often cites the rising costs of fuel and maintenance. However, it is imperative that government and regulatory bodies take a more balanced approach.
There must be transparency in how these costs are calculated and a concerted effort to explore alternative energy sources that could alleviate the dependency on expensive imported fuels. Investment in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, could offer long-term solutions that not only stabilize prices but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, there should be a robust framework to protect consumers from abrupt and steep hikes. Subsidies for low-income households and incentives for businesses adopting energy-efficient practices could be effective measures.
It is also crucial for the authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, including consumer rights groups, to ensure that the interests of the public are adequately represented.
MAHNOOR JAVED
Via email
