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Unjust fuel price adjustment
Pakistan is currently grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis, one that has severely strained the lives of its citizens. Amidst this turmoil, the government’s recent decision to introduce a fuel price adjustment in gas bills has ignited widespread outrage and disbelief. This policy, reminiscent of the controversial adjustments previously imposed on electricity bills, lacks any legitimate justification and represents a glaring example of the exploitation of the public.
Unlike electricity billing, where fuel costs have a somewhat justifiable connection due to the reliance on fossil fuels for power generation, gas billing should not be subject to the same logic. Natural gas, primarily used for heating and cooking, has no inherent connection to global fuel price fluctuations. Yet, in a move that many see as driven by desperation and greed, the government has imposed this additional burden on the public.
As winter approaches, the demand for gas will naturally increase, particularly in a country where electricity consumption tends to decline during the colder months. This seasonal shift means that the impact of this adjustment will be felt even more acutely by households already struggling to make ends meet. The timing of this decision suggests a calculated move to extract more revenue at a time when gas usage is expected to soar, further straining the resources of ordinary Pakistanis.
This scheme can only be described as extortionate, a deliberate attempt to squeeze more money out of an already overburdened populace. It reveals a government that appears more interested in finding new ways to impose financial hardships on its citizens than in addressing the underlying issues that have led to the current economic crisis.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Strengthening Judiciary
“Justice delayed is justice denied”—a phrase that resonates deeply within Pakistan’s judicial system, where delays in delivering justice have become an unfortunate norm. For countless individuals accused of serious crimes, the path to a final verdict is often a long, arduous journey through decades of legal battles, only to be exonerated and released with their lives irreparably altered. The staggering backlog of cases underscores a crisis that demands immediate attention. Recent data reveals that Pakistan’s courts are burdened with millions of unresolved cases, while the Supreme Court alone reported an unprecedented backlog of over 59,000 cases as of mid-July 2024. In response to this alarming situation, the government has made a decisive move by proposing an increase in the number of Supreme Court judges from 17 to 23.
This initiative, introduced through the Supreme Court (Judges’ Strength) Amendment Bill by Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, aims to amend the 1997 law to address the mounting case backlog. The bill asserts that an increase in judicial capacity is not just beneficial but essential, given the overwhelming number of pending cases. Expanding the judiciary would alleviate the crushing workload on current judges, ensuring more timely hearings and quicker resolutions of cases that have long awaited justice.
Moreover, the bill emphasizes the growing complexity of modern legal challenges, such as cybercrime, environmental law and international trade disputes which require specialized knowledge. By appointing judges with expertise in these areas, the judiciary can enhance the accuracy and depth of its rulings, bringing greater clarity and fairness to complex legal matters. This proposal is grounded in the practical realities of Pakistan’s judicial system and its passage through Parliament should be seen as a crucial step toward revitalizing the nation’s justice system.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Population growth crisis
I am writing to express deep concern about the alarming rate of population growth in Karachi, which has surpassed 20 million and is increasing by 3.5% annually. This rapid expansion is exerting immense pressure on the city’s resources, infrastructure, and services.
The consequences of unchecked population growth are far-reaching, resulting in overburdened infrastructure, inadequate housing, a strained healthcare system and insufficient educational facilities. These pressing challenges demand immediate attention and effective solutions.
To address these issues, I urge the authorities to take swift action: develop and implement sustainable infrastructure expansion plans, increase affordable housing options, enhance healthcare services and facilities and expand educational infrastructure and resources. Effective governance and strategic planning are crucial to mitigating the effects of rapid population growth. Therefore, I request for a comprehensive population census, collaboration with stakeholders to develop a population management plan and the allocation of necessary resources and funding. Karachi’s future depends on proactive measures to address these challenges.
HAJIRA HALEEM
Via email
