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Voice of the People

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Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.

Negotiations suspended

PTI founder Imran Khan’s breaking off of talks should not lead to an end of the process. The PTI’s demands the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, were accompanied by an ultimatum to end the talks if these conditions were not met. PTI has been an unwilling participant in these negotiations. Their reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue, evident not just in this instance but throughout their political history, suggests a troubling aversion to democratic norms of negotiation and compromise.

Talks of such national importance cannot and should not be held hostage to inflexible preconditions. Negotiations are inherently about compromise and finding a middle ground. Pakistan’s political and economic stability hangs in the balance and interruptions like this do nothing but exacerbate the uncertainty. A great deal of progress has already been made in these talks and derailing them now serves no one. The PTI must realise that its hardline approach might alienate it from the public and the broader political process. The government and allied forces must approach these discussions with a spirit of inclusivity, recognising that dialogue is the only path to long-term stability.

Irrespective of disagreements on specific demands, the criticality of these negotiations transcends party lines. Both sides must demonstrate a willingness to compromise for the greater good. History has shown that unyielding attitudes on either side have only worsened national crises, even derailment of the political system, leaving the people of Pakistan to suffer the consequences. Neither PTI nor the ruling alliance can afford to dig their heels in at this critical juncture. What is at stake is far greater than political wins or losses, it is the future of Pakistan. It is high time both sides prioritised the nation’s welfare over party agendas. At the same time, not only must there be a refraining from any continuation of harshness, but confidence-building measures should be carried out.

QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI

Lahore

A national emergency

Polluted water is a severe issue in Pakistan, affecting millions of people across the country. The main causes of water pollution in Pakistan include industrial waste, agricultural runoff, sewage and waste. A government report has revealed that 61% of the water in 29 Pakistani cities is contaminated. Urban centres like Karachi and Multan are among those facing severe health risks due to polluted water supplies.

The report presented by the Ministry of Water Resources in the National Assembly highlights that, in cities like Gilgit, Mirpurkhas and Shaheed Benazirabad, 100% of the drinking water is unsafe for consumption. Karachi’s water supply was found to be 93% contaminated, while 94% of Sultan’s water was polluted and 92% of Badin’s water was also deemed unsafe. Other cities in Pakistan with significant contamination levels include Bahawalpur (76%), Sargodha (83%), Faisalabad (59%), Sheikhupura (60%), Quetta and Loralai (both reporting 59%), Hyderabad (80%), Sukkur (67%) and Muzaffarabad (70%).

This report raises concerns over the safety of drinking water for millions of Pakistanis, with serious implications for both environmental and public health. The country faces growing challenges in this regard. Additionally, millions of people are suffering from waterborne diseases. In Karachi, 40% of children under the age of 5 are affected by waterborne diseases. According to reports, 250,000 cases of waterborne diseases are reported annually and 16,000 people die each year in Karachi due to waterborne diseases. Furthermore, 30% of hospital admissions in Karachi are due to waterborne illnesses.

NIDA AZEEM

Pidrak, Turbat

Food security

Food security is a critical issue that impacts millions of people worldwide, including Pakistan. With a population exceeding 220 million, Pakistan is facing a severe food security crisis. The country’s food system is under immense pressure due to various factors, including rapid population growth. One of the primary challenges in ensuring food security in Pakistan is the country’s limited agricultural productivity.

According to the World Food Program (WFP), approximately 60% of Pakistan’s population—around 120 million people—are food insecure (WFP, 2020). The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that Pakistan’s wheat yield is about 2.7 tons per hectare, compared to 4.5 tons per hectare in India and 6.5 tons per hectare in China.

Globally, 820 million people (1 in 9) suffer from hunger and two billion people (1 in 4) experience moderate or severe food insecurity. Additionally, 44% of children under the age of five are stunted. In response, 1.5 million people have received food assistance from the World Food Program.

SUMAIYA AZEEM

Kech

Political decay

We are witnessing a disturbing erosion of civil discourse in our country, where political debates have devolved into verbal abuse and physical attacks. What message are our politicians sending? That politics is inherently divisive, crude and violent? By engaging in personal attacks and physical confrontations, they risk normalizing a toxic culture that undermines democracy. Politics should focus on serving the people, not on scoring points through insults.

What are they telling the public—that politics can’t be conducted respectfully, without foul language or putting opponents down? Respectful conversation seems to be a thing of the past, as every disagreement escalates into baseless allegations and physical altercations. This issue extends beyond politics, with language often devolving into abuse, and frustrations reaching a boiling point. Does stirring controversy and making derogatory comments truly suit politicians?

The lack of decorum is troubling. Politicians must understand that their words have power, and they should strive to inspire, educate, and unite, rather than divide and offend.

AREEBA ALTAF

Sindh

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