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Parachinar: Gaza of Pak
Parachinar, a region plagued by communal violence and tribal conflicts, has long been a symbol of neglect in Pakistan. Despite frequent mention in the news, a viable resolution to its ongoing crises remains elusive. The recent confrontation between rival tribes has further worsened peace and access to basic commodities. Public transportation disruptions have led to a severe shortage of medical supplies and essential goods, cutting the region off from the rest of the country. According to a national news report, at least 51 infants have tragically died due to the lack of medicines.
Kurram district in Parachinar mirrors the suffering of besieged regions like Gaza. The deaths of hundreds of locals and approximately three dozen children underscore the inflexibility of the ruling authorities. While tribal conflicts are deep-seated, successive governments have failed to provide lasting solutions. The Punjab government’s initiative to send medicines is commendable, but the federal and KP governments’ inaction is indefensible.
Urgent measures are needed to halt the ongoing violence and alleviate the suffering of Parachinar’s citizens. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure the supply of medicines and essential goods, while long-term solutions to tribal disputes should be prioritized. Pakistan is a homeland for all its people, and Parachinar’s residents deserve peace and justice.
MOHSIN MUMTAZ
Chiniot
Justice vs power corridors
A financial scandal at a university in the Ontario province in Canada destroyed my future, health, career and family. The University and the Ontario government destroyed my health through pressure and slow poisoning and are not allowing me to have healthcare in Pakistan and Canada. I struggled and continue to struggle in Canada and Pakistan to seek justice but power corridors, which include the government of Canada, the government of Ontario, controlled everything using their resources and influence.
This matter related to human rights is currently in the Supreme Court of Pakistan filed under Article 184(3) about the Fundamental Rights of the Constitution of Pakistan waiting for the hearing. However, the power corridors are trying their best to stop the proceeding. They are using the staff of the Supreme Court of Pakistan for this purpose.
The severity of the surveillance and health damages forced me to come to social media when the matter is filed with the Supreme Court. I am not left with much time and resources. As some of you previously asked how you can help me, I have made a video about the story.
This is my utmost request, please watch the video, for at least the first 13 minutes, and share it with your friends, relatives and colleagues on whatever social media you use. If you care about the children of a brother, please help by spreading the message.
Only then this matter will be heard by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. This matter belongs to all of you. If you know any media personnel, YouTubers, or social media activists, please share this message.
MUHAMMAD SHAFIQUE
Islamabad
Captive power generation
The debate over captive power generation in Pakistan continues to be mired in misconceptions, especially with claims that captive power plants operate at 72% efficiency, something which is practically not possible to sustain.
On the contrary, grid-connected RLNG plants, such as the government owned plants including Haveli Bahadur Shah Power Plant and Bhikki Power Plant, as well as the private power utility, K-Electric’s 900 MW BQPS-III, boast efficiencies of up to 62%, which are among the highest globally.
If captives truly possess such high efficiency, why have they consistently resisted efficiency audits under the National Energy Conservation Council Act (NECCA)? This raises concerns about the accuracy of the efficiency claims made by captive power plants.
To encourage only the most efficient plants, the government should consider increasing the gas prices for captive users than the RLNG rate. This would ensure that inefficient plants either improve or move to the grid, where they can access more consistent and sustainable energy.
The issue is not the inefficiency of the grid, but the distortions created by the preferential treatment given to captives. The time has come for the government to take a firm stand and level the playing field by adjusting gas pricing mechanisms.
TARIQ KHALIQUE
Karachi
