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.
Pakistan economic crisis
While Pakistan suffers from an economic crisis which jeopardizes its status as an independent sovereign state, slave to international financial institutions to meet its development expenditure, Bangladesh, considered as a burden on West Pakistan in late 50s and 60s has managed to become the only country in the subcontinent with a balanced budget. We can either live in denial or learn some lessons, from the collective failures of those who have been at helm in this country.
From the 60s onwards, Pakistan’s economic policies and planning were outsourced to Pakistan origin dual-nationals working for international financial institutions. We even imported PMs who did not own a house in Pakistan, with powers to decide the fate of a country where they had no stakes. Instead of focusing on achieving self-sufficiency, by acquiring transfer of technology and investment in development of technological knowledge as was done by India, which preferred assistance from America in setting up IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) we chose to import finished products, both for civil and defence purposes. From a country self-sufficient in agriculture produce we today import basic food items, which we once exported.
We only have assembly plants for vehicles, electronic equipment and other luxury items, although Ghandara Motors was gifted in 1963. While countries like Singapore imposed heavy taxes on real estate earnings to encourage investment in the industry and other employment generating sectors, Pakistani investors and the state preferred investing in land development schemes, converting green agriculture belts into concrete jungles, for commercial profiteering.
Our imports exceed our exports, resulting in ever widening trade deficit, which has led to galloping inflation and transfer of money to foreign safe havens. Whilst BD has issues with corruption and political bickering, it has refused to experiment with technocrats, discouraged religious extremism, and instead made optimum utilization of skilled semi-literate labour to become second largest exporter of value-added garments.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Vacation
and weather
Winter vacation has been announced in Sindh while weather forecast tells a different story in Karachi that temperature would increase in coming days i.e. up to 17 to 25 degree Celsius which is definitely not so cold. Weather of Karachi is entirely different from other parts of the country and always influenced from Baluchistan and Siberia that if it is too cold there it effects Karachi as it is often said that wave of Quetta is blowing in Karachi.
Can winter vacations be announced on the basis of weather forecast so that the purpose of winter vacation be served or would we remain reactionary to declare winter vacation in the last ten days of December whether it is too cold or not. Proper strategy of winter vacation should be designed on the basis of weather forecast that in which period it would remain extremely cold and that period should be declared winter vacation, especially in Karachi.
FAISAL ANSAR
Karachi
Unsung hero of Police
The actual meaning of life is to survive for the sake of others. The glaring example of this is SSP Kashmore, who is standing like a rock for the people in the area under his jurisdiction. Day or night, fog or storm, he goes roaring ahead of the enemy to end their evil designs.
The ongoing operation in Kacha made a huge respect for Sindh Police, especially for Amjad Ali Sheikh, SSP, and his companions.
A few days ago, the most wanted and notorious criminals of Kacha Takar Sabzui and his companions were shot dead successfully by the police. For their performance, the government sanctioned 30 lac rupees for Mr Sheikh and his team. Not only this but public also honoured the police and laid flowers in every nook and corner of their entrance.
MASHOOQUE BAKHRANI
Kandhkot, Kashmore
Extraordinary OIC meeting
After 41 years meeting of foreign ministers of OIC (Organization of the Islamic Cooperation) members has held in Pakistan. It is extraordinary because of its noble cause.
As a result of a long war there are severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Although these crisis are only in a small region of the world but it is the responsibility of the whole world to help the war bitten Afghans. The best way to make world more peaceful is to show collective response in such crisis. Steps like trust fund and food support have been taken.
Although peaceful environment in Afghanistan is regional issue for Pakistan but Pakistan cannot alone fulfil the humanitarian needs. Involvement of the world organizations and leading powers is necessary and all the freezing funds must be released on humanitarian basis in Afghanistan. If Afghanistan will not able to cope with this situation, it is the failure of the world and an act of huge shame for the entire humanity.
USAMA ABDULLAH
Kasur
U Thackeray is not secular
Coronavirus only gets active during Christian and Muslim festivals like New Year, Easter, Bandra Feast, Christmas, Ramadan and Bakra Eid and not during Hindu festivals like Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehra and Deepavali. Shame on the Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray for not allowing Christians and Muslims to celebrate their festivals.
Also, shame on the Congress for merging with the Shiv Sena and making them win the elections, which we all know is a goonda party full of thugs. The year too Uddhav Thackeray is not allowing us to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Uddhav Thackeray was also against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Rome and meeting the Pope. He also does not want the Pope to visit India. What kind of a CM is he? He’s not secular.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
