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Challenge of employment
Employment generation will remain a major challenge before the PML government in its new term. There are no easy ways out, given the swelling numbers of young job seekers, and the changing nature of the economy that requires fewer workers, thanks to rapid technological advancement. Technological innovations should be to reduce the workload of people, and not to create hurdles for their livelihood.
To industrialise agriculture production, the government should consider more public and cooperative investment to create more jobs and ease the load on farmers. It has to bring on board the private and public sectors, labour unions, States and political parties to design a growth model with job creation at its centre.
Experienced and qualified persons are fleeing towards other countries due to unemployment and low paid salaries. This is a great loss to our country. Recent global experiences suggest that economic growth without employment growth can cause social and political upheavals. This is not a problem that can be explained away, and an honest account of the problem will be a good starting point for mitigating measures.
Private enterprises are providing jobs to youngsters but these are exploiting their workers regarding remuneration and working hours and leaves. Even on public declared holidays are not being granted to their employees which is to be noticed. Government should monitor and regulate their affairs to safeguard the benefits and privileges of the employed.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
More loyal than the King
The bold and visionary move by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to seek peace and end the Ukraine war is a critical step toward addressing the devastation this conflict has caused to Europe’s economy, high inflation and energy shortfalls. The war has deprived basic facilities such as health, education and employment for the youth, disrupting the common man’s household budget.
The United States had been eyeing this conflict since 2013-2014, when the first civil strife began. US diplomat Victoria Nuland, claiming her Polish heritage, intervened to resolve the Ukraine issue and installed her own ally as the Prime Minister of Ukraine to further US interests. To salvage its crumbling capitalism and superpower status, the US has thrust this war upon Russia.
Meanwhile, the US and its allies profit from the conflict, while ordinary people suffer through no fault of their own. The European Parliament, serving as a puppet, has unleashed attacks on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his sensible advice on achieving world peace and protecting humanity from these war-mongering profiteers.
ALI ASHRAF KHAN
Karachi
Stop this misogyny
It’s unacceptable for anyone, especially on television, to make derogatory remarks about a specific gender. What message was the speaker trying to send about women? If similar comments were directed towards men, I would oppose that too. There are better ways to make a point.
If 95% of women are illiterate, why should that concern you? Why resort to such disrespectful language about any gender? I’m particularly surprised that the host, being a woman, didn’t challenge or seek justification. When a girl interrupted and demanded an apology, the response was equally inappropriate: ‘Mera kasoor hai, Meri bachi jahil hai.’ Is such a comment suitable for television?
What would his family think of this statement? Have you considered your conduct civilized? There are respectful ways to communicate; he could have chosen otherwise. In the future, no one should be allowed to degrade any gender—women, men or transgender—especially on television. Mind your own business.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Tiktok impact
I am writing to express my thoughts on the profound impact TikTok has had on society since its launch. This social media platform has not only revolutionized the way we consume and create content but has also brought about significant cultural, economic and social changes.
First and foremost, TikTok has democratized content creation. With its easy-to-use interface and powerful editing tools, anyone with a Smartphone can produce high-quality videos. This has empowered a new generation of creators, many of whom have gained massive followings and, in some cases, have turned content creation into a full-time career. The platform’s algorithm, which promotes content based on engagement rather than follower count, has further levelled the playing field, allowing unknown creators to achieve viral success overnight.
Economically, TikTok has created new opportunities for brands and businesses. The platform’s unique format encourages creative advertising and has led to innovative marketing strategies. Brands collaborate with popular TikTok influencers to reach younger audience in authentic and engaging ways. This has transformed influencer marketing and has opened up new revenue streams for both brands and content creators.
Culturally, TikTok has become a melting pot of global trends. It has popularized new music, dance styles and even slang, often transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. The App has also given rise to micro-communities where users can connect over shared interests, from niche hobbies to social causes. This has fostered a sense of global interconnectedness, especially among younger users who are more likely to engage with international content.
However, the impact of TikTok is not without its challenges. The platform has faced criticism over data privacy concerns, the spread of misinformation and its potential effects on mental health.
SARFRAZ KHAN
Karachi
Silent suffering
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue in many Pakistani or desi households. This term broadly refers to the intimate context in which one partner is abused by another, involving both men and women. However, in Pakistani society, it mostly affects women. As reported by the HRCP in 2020, over 90% of Pakistani women have faced domestic violence in their lifetime. It is the least discussed issue; nobody wants to talk about it, and those who do often take no action. This has been happening in households for centuries. Is there an end to it?
A woman gets married to a man and starts her lifelong relationship with him, without realizing that she is being increasingly neglected. In our desi households, the man of the family is always considered right, and the woman has no right to speak. When she tries to do so, it often leads to a huge clash between husband and wife, and then she is beaten until she can’t breathe anymore. Despite this, she is not allowed to express her anger. She has to get up, gather herself, and return to the household chores. This is a common transition in our Pakistani households
Moreover, a woman who suffers in silence and smiles outwardly is considered a strong woman. Her silence and inability to stand up for herself for the sake of the family’s pride actually cause her significant mental distress. She loses interest in everything, and her children suffer alongside her. Children are traumatized by seeing their father beat their mother while she does not stand up for herself. This situation causes many mental disorders in children, which are also not discussed in our households. In desi households, seeking therapy is often considered detrimental to the family’s reputation.
RUBAB SAEED
Karachi
Urgent solution
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country, yet it lacks the resources to support over 240 million people. We must reduce the fertility rate to ensure a better quality of life for future generations. The UNFPA predicts our population could reach 263 million by 2030. Can we feed, clothe, educate, and house this many people? The answer is clear.
As we observe World Population Day, both the state and civil society must pledge to address this issue. Learning from countries like Turkiye, Iran, and Bangladesh, which have successfully managed family planning, can guide us. The states commitment at all levels and the support of community leaders are crucial for success.
GULZAR DILDAR
Turbat
