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Electricity price
The rising costs, inflation, electricity bills, and the general cost-of-living crisis have worn down the common person. Day to day tragic incident of suicide by the poor men is a great challenge to those economics who claim indications regarding falling inflation but the ground realities are different. Electricity bills are a major contributor to rising depression and anxiety in a common man passing his life under the crushing weight of economic pressure.
There have been numerous reports across the country about efforts to meet IMF targets and ambitious government goals, leading electricity distribution companies to impose widespread, indiscriminate hikes in electricity costs. These increases are often applied without considering the actual consumption of those affected. Electricity bills have been a major contributor to this crisis.
There have been numerous reports across the country about efforts to meet IMF targets and ambitious government goals, leading electricity distribution companies to impose widespread, indiscriminate hikes in electricity costs. These increases are often applied without considering the actual consumption of those affected. This blanket approach seems designed to generate revenue rather than charge individuals based on their real usage.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
IPPs conversion
With the announced wind-up of five existing IPPs, another electricity entity is being planned for Pakistan; that means another horrendous experiment with the fate of the poor masses/consumers is being foisted on the purse of the people; we do not know what Pakistan’s electricity experts nurture the whole idea but to a common sense in the presence of the universe-bulky WAPDA having exclusive domain over power management/production/supervision there seems no logic to triplicate the same exercise of electricity production/distribution; thus the cash hungry federal government of Pakistan would be adding in existing list of its mis-administered departments another people’s-pockets-fleecing body; should the poorest country like ours enjoy the luxury of incurring expenditure into expenditure drawing money from the paled palms of the people? Common sense rejects it.
Already instituting IPPs in 1992 and again in 1994 the then governments had done gravest excess to the poor people of Pakistan. And the 1992 and 1994 experiments with national electricity have been seen enough by the people forcing them to raise justice-seeking defeaning cries in the streets inviting help from the upper Skies! Again common sense demands that production and distribution of national electricity be handed over back to the WAPDA whose very existential purpose is to govern power domain in Pakistan. No need of triplicating similar nature entities that shall be burden on people’s pockets, poorest of the poorest! About misadministration of public entities our national media have exposed worst service by the Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) in Pakistan. This gruesome lack has been reported via a recent PTA survey. When managerial capacity of public entities falls down then chaos replaces good administration. Lethargy and leisure are no compensation!
HAMEED SHAHEEN ALVI
Rawalpindi
Security crisis
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing security crisis in Pakistan. The recent surge in violence and instability poses significant risks to the safety and well-being of citizens as well as to the nation’s economic and social fabric.
The challenges stemming from terrorism, sectarian violence and criminal activities have reached alarming levels. It is imperative that the government implements a comprehensive strategy to address these issues effectively. Strengthening law enforcement, enhancing community engagement and promoting interfaith dialogue can be pivotal in restoring peace and security.
Moreover, the role of education in countering extremism cannot be overstated. Investing in education and vocational training for the youth can provide them with alternatives to violence and radicalization. I urge the government to prioritize these measures and collaborate with civil society organizations to create a safer environment for all. The path to stability requires a united front against the forces that threaten our collective future.
NADIL RAHEEM
Karachi
Appointment of Vice Chancellors
The recent controversy involving CM Punjab and Governor over appointments of Vice Chancellors was needless. None of our CM or Governors, of any province, are either qualified, or competent, to make this selection on merit. This should be left to an apolitical team of educationists and professors of various universities to make the choice, in best interest of education and the country.
Posts like VC should never be dumping grounds for retired civil or uniformed bureaucrats. The fate and destiny of Pakistan and its future generations depends on quality of education in science, mathematics, economics, medicine, engineering, IT/AI, liberal arts etc which is taught in our universities, colleges and schools. It is far too important a matter to be left at sole discretion of any Governor or CM.
These constitutional public office holders must realize this. The Committee of experts should recommend a list of three or two individuals, and CM/Governor should select any one of them. As it is the standard of education has declined in Pakistan, and many other countries that became independent after us, have made advances and kept abreast with technological advances.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
