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.
Reopening
of schools
On the recommendations of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) the government had taken the step to close the educational institutions all over the country for the safety of students, teachers and other supporting staff.
The NCOC on May 19 announced the reopening of educational institutions from tomorrow (May 24) in the districts where the positivity ratio of virus is less than 5%.
Whereas, the educational institutions in remaining districts will be reopened in a staggered manner from June 07.
However, the NCOC issued new precautionary measures to be followed in educational institutions and other operating sectors to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country.
I support the decision of NCOC to reopen the educational institutions in the districts that stand with less than 5% positivity ratio at first and we believe that the reopening of these institutions in other districts in a phased manner will help the government control the virus.
It should be the first priority of the schools’ management to make sure that the SOPs are being followed strictly/religiously against the virus.
Everyone in the country should follow the precautionary measures to help the government reduce the risk of the virus in the country.
MUHAMMAD BAKHTIYAR
Kech Turbat
Unwise decision
by PIA
The world’s commercial aviation industry is facing a crisis of increasing losses and partial grounding of their fleet because of travel restrictions imposed by COVID19.
Airlines all over the world have resorted to voluntary employee Furlough Schemes or Leave Without Pay and in some cases retrenchment of staff.
While States with a Welfare System are providing their citizens with basic medical cover and cash relief dole outs etc., there is no effective Welfare State Concept in Pakistan, although the Quaid promised that it will be a modern democratic welfare state.
While PIA has drastically reduced medical coverage etc for both retired and serving employees, it cannot be seen offering additional benefits to others, when its losses are at peak and flight operation drastically reduced.
In such times it is in bad taste for the PIA management to offer a flat 15% Discount on all domestic and international flights to all “Retired Personnel of Armed Forces and their Spouses”.
PIA is facing a multi-pronged crisis. It not only faces the backlash of COVID-19 travel restrictions but also a ban imposed on operation into European Union airspace and other countries after EASA has in writing stated that “Pakistan, as the State of Operator, is currently not capable to certify and oversee its operators and aircraft in accordance with applicable international standards”.
Even if COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed, PIA and all other Pakistani-registered airlines under the regulatory control of CAA will face this ban till such time Pakistan CAA submits to an extensive Safety Audit by ICAO and EASA, including the competence and capability of inspectors employed to perform their regulatory functions.
This verdict of lack of capability by CAA has been imposed by ICAO, after the Aviation Minister, PIA and CAA mishandled the unfortunate tragic crash of Pk8303, an A320 on May 22.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Unemployment in Pakistan
Unemployment is a serious issue which should be highlighted. Only in Pakistan, there are thousands of youths who are unemployed. Though, they have the will to work, but unfortunately, they are jobless.
There are numerous reasons behind unemployment: including over population, lack of skills, poor quality of education and many more.
But during the covid-19 pandemic, the situation has become the worst, when almost all sort of businesses were closed.
There were many who were left with no job, especially, in private sector, many of the employees lost their job because the industries were closed, and they had no income to pay their employees.
All of us know very well that unemployment has many consequences; an unemployed person has to endure many issues.
Such a person can go into depression and in some cases people have committed suicide. It is also a cause of domestic violence.
In the third world countries, unemployment has resulted into a high ratio of street crimes.
But this issue can be resolved. Government can play a vital role.
First of all, proper planning is needed. We should have a look at our education system and try to make it skill-oriented. Jobs should be given on merit. Agriculture sector should be developed.
And multi-national companies should be encouraged, so that they invest in Pakistan and this step can generate thousands of jobs.
FATEH KHAN
Islamabad
Debt of gratitude
Here are the Covid warriors to whom we owe a mountainous debt of gratitude. Think of them tonight, as you go to sleep and send out your heartfelt thanks to them. The nurse who cleans, maintains and takes care of thousands of patients every day.
The ward boy who cleans the bodies of the deceased and readies it for funerals. The ambulance driver, who waits patiently for hours at the hospital gate or at the crematorium grounds. The security guard at the hospital, who manages the arrival of vehicles. The manager of the crematorium.
The body handler at the crematorium, who is overworked, exhausted and underpaid. Our sanitation workers. The police constable at traffic signals, now also ensuring we are wearing masks. The delivery boys, working rain or shine. The local vegetable vendors who ensure we have fresh vegetables and fruits daily and bring them to our doorstep, if need be.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
