Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Post-COVID-19 financial priorities
Pakistan faces serious financial crunch with total debt exceeding gross revenues, inclusive of exports and tax collection. This COVID-19 pandemic has exposed our incapability to handle this crisis, with an inadequate health system and civic structure lacking funds and minimum emergency equipment to handle even a milder disaster, what to talk of pandemic.
We the people, the state and all other institutions, including security establishment, must understand that Pakistan is the only country we can call home. For far too long most of us have failed to give back to Pakistan what we owe it. If anybody has any doubt, just look at the humiliation Indian Muslims have to endure. Ever since late 70s and even before, there has been an escalation in non-development budget and subsidizing ostentatious lifestyle of paid civil or uniformed and elected public office holders, while budget allocation for health, education and provision of basic necessities, justice etc. has been slashed.
It is time, those who have been beneficiaries of state largess, must be seen cutting their expenditures and priority shift to welfare of people. The private business billionaires, land developers, including state-institution owned commercial ventures and foundations, must be seen to take a cut and pay all taxes due to them, so that sufficient funds are available to ensure that Jinnah’s vision of a modern democratic welfare state becomes a reality. Let us thank Almighty Allah SWT, Prophet PBUH and politicians led by Quaid, for a separate homeland. Why should those who having benefited most from vast opportunities in Pakistan, be allowed to hold public office after they have on oath pledged to “entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance to any state, which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen”.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Online classes
Due to COVID-19, educational institutions are closed, thus, it has become necessary for students to opt for online classes. Online classes are not that bad as are propagated by some people. They are very beneficial in self-disciplining. The students have time to balance their studies and personal life too. In a setting of the classroom, the students have to force their schedules around the timings of their class dates. However, the classes by the online method have made students plan out their schedules according to their personal preferences. It gives a person more time to interact with his classmates through online chatting.
Because it will help you in online class discussions, especially if you are a shy person, group discussions will be more useful too, and preparing projects will be more accessible. Although the other person might take a few hours to respond, the answer will be clear and precise. Moreover, it gives students more time to interact with their professors. The discussion that happens online allow the students to ask as many questions as possible from their tutor. And the answer would be precise. In traditional classrooms, the solution to one’s problems might be given in a hurry without any thought put into it. Navigating through the learning system management of your academic institution will help in nurturing your overall technical and computer skills. Online classes are also easier to opt for because you can sit in the comfort of your homes and learn. Even if it is 3 a.m, it will be easy for you to review the material online. These are only one of the many benefits of online classes during this time of crisis.
AYESHA SHAIKH
Karachi
Exit strategy
It was about four months ago when Coronavirus disease forced the world to go under lockdown. Countries like America, Italy and France have faced worst scenarios, even under lock down. The basic science behind lockdown was to curtail the spread of this disease, as being very contagious. Lockdown has left many people unemployed and even homeless.
Defeating the super economies of the world, Coronavirus is all set to be the permanent resident of this world. Experts believe that we need to accept it by changing our coping strategy. “Exit strategy” is being observed by many countries. Italy and Spain have decided to ease the lockdown in coming week. A slow but increasing hustle is seen on the roads. But this stage is very critical. It is more demanding in terms of precautionary measures. Much more care needs to be practised. If we put deaf ears to the warnings of our leadership, we will have to face unimaginable miseries.
MAMOONA SHAKOOR
Islamabad
Donate to change
The Coronavirus crisis has put a huge strain on most families, but the impact of this crisis has hit low-income families very hard. Before the pandemic, many of these families were already struggling to pay for rent, food and other basics. Now with the growing number of businesses laying off many low-wage employees, these families find themselves with zero income and a lot of uncertainty about when relief from the crisis will arrive.
This is a key time for the Muslim Ummah to demonstrate unity and come to the aid of those who need assistance. There are millions of people around the world in dire need of some of life’s most basic necessities such as food, water, clothing and shelter. As citizens of humanity, it is our moral responsibility to come to their aid and assistance.
MAHNOOR TANVIR
Islamabad
Importance
of sports
A sport is an activity that people of all ages engage in. It is said that over 20 million people formally participate in sports, while others participate informally. Many people play sports because it is motivating, exciting, challenging and allows people to test new ways. Physiologists have stressed the importance of intrinsic motivation in sports.
Most organised sports also have extrinsic factors. Handing out merchandise and other items to participants encourages participation while winners get appreciation by certificates and trophies. Another factor is pressure from society to become involved and to succeed in sports, as well as using sports as a measurement of self-worth.
FIDAK ZAHRA
Attock
