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Health: Critical condition
Pakistan’s health infrastructure is in a state of crisis, with rural areas lacking basic medical facilities and urban hospitals overcrowded and under-resourced. Despite significant budget allocations, the healthcare system remains inadequate to meet the population’s needs.
With only 0.8 doctors per 1,000 people and outdated equipment in public hospitals, the situation has reached a tipping point. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these vulnerabilities, leaving millions without timely access to healthcare and highlighting the urgent need for reform.
To address this, the government must prioritize increased funding for healthcare, build and upgrade facilities in underserved areas and provide incentives to retain healthcare professionals. Collaboration with international organizations to introduce technologies like telemedicine can help bridge the gaps in service delivery. Immediate action is essential to prevent further deterioration and ensure Pakistan’s healthcare system can meet the needs of its people.
MUHAMMAD ZUBAIR
Vehari
Fading humanity
Through the columns of your newspaper, I wish to share my thoughts on the harsh behaviour of people toward one another. Recently, I came across a column by Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, where he recounted a horrifying road incident and the public’s reaction on the spot. Reading this deeply disturbed me for many days because, as someone who steps out of the house daily, it made me question our priorities as a society.
Dr. Ramesh expressed sadness at how people did not stop their cars to help but were instead busy capturing the incident on their phones. This growing indifference and cruelty toward others is alarming. Is it really acceptable for people to record suffering but not extend a hand to help? Where are the compassionate souls like Abdul Sattar Edhi? Everyone seems to think, “This is not my problem,” but where is our humanity? Does it truly need an affiliation to act? People have become emotionless. They comment and tweet on social media, but when action is required, they vanish.
We urgently need to reflect on our purpose and change this mindset. Let’s stop ignoring others in need and start helping wherever we can. A small act of kindness can save lives and restore humanity in our society.
ANOOSHA KHALID
Karachi
Politics
without end
Everyone retires eventually. Sportsmen typically retire early in their lives, followed by soldiers, mine workers, and truck drivers. Then come white-collar professionals, who retire around the age of sixty after playing a long innings. However, there is one category of individuals that doesn’t retire, even at an advanced age—they are politicians. In politics, faces rarely change, and the concept of retirement is virtually non-existent. Unlike other professions, politics allows a career spanning sixty to seventy years, often without making any significant positive contribution to society.
If politicians embraced the idea of voluntary retirement, it would benefit them in several ways. Firstly, they could speak the truth without being bound by party lines. Secondly, retirement would give them the opportunity to reflect on their mistakes and shortcomings during their active careers. Thirdly, they could confront the reality of their waning popularity by experiencing the people’s cold response to a retired politician. Finally, they could write memoirs to guide future generations or set the historical record straight.
A shining example of voluntary retirement is Nelson Mandela, who stepped down after serving a single five-year term as South Africa’s president. Despite his immense popularity and global stature, he chose to retire, demonstrating the value of passing the torch and setting an example for future leaders. Politicians in Pakistan could learn from this precedent and embrace retirement as an opportunity to leave a legacy of integrity and service.
In Pakistan, very few politicians document their life experiences for the benefit of others or to preserve history. This tradition needs to change, and retirement is essential to foster such a culture. Considering these advantages, it is suggested that a retirement age of seventy years be fixed for politicians, with no provisions for a waiver. Such a measure could help dispel the disappointment that hangs over the political scene.
FARRUKH SHAHAB
Lahore
