- the plan to make a movie on an infamous drug queen and how it will glorify drug trafficking, besides which the case is still in the process of investigation. People say there are dozens of Pakistani women who have done good work that is both inspiring as well as teaching women that despite the male dominated society we live in, a lot can be achieved if one has the will and strength to carry on despite all the hurdles.
- the report that despite the government’s claims of austerity and tight fiscal discipline, the Finance Minister has actually asked parliament to give post facto approval for a record Rs3.684 trillion supplementary grants for expenditure overruns and reappropriation. Budget documents suggest that parliament would be required to approve more than four times higher supplementary grants later this month when compared to Rs895bn it regularised last year and this puts a question mark on the processes leading to budget estimates and expenditure.
- the report that sanitation vehicles under the ‘Suthra Punjab’ initiative have been left exposed in the open for the past eighteen months near the District Courts in Pindi, resulting in deterioration, while lack of security has resulted in theft of removable parts. People say many of the vehicles are now close to becoming unusable after remaining parked and unattended for so long and if, as authorities maintain, that the vehicles were surplus to requirements, why were they purchased?
- a practice which has unfortunately become normalised across Pakistan’s professional landscape which is a system that is exploiting Pakistan’s youth. People say many internships in Pakistan offer zero financial compensation, yet organisations extract full working hours from young interns and students from smaller cities bear transport, accommodation and meal costs themselves, as they have no legal protection. This creates a system where only privileged students can afford to gain experience, leaving those from middle and lower income families behind.
- the fact that Lahore’s renowned heritage sites are being neglected with one example being the Badshahi Mosque where the courtyard presents a desolate look with litter everywhere; the once pristine central pond lies empty and the majestic sandstone floor of the courtyard has chipped at many places. The authorities should take immediate steps to restore the glory of sites which are not only the pride of Lahore, but also a source of interest for visiting local and foreign tourists.
- the reality that social media has become a part of youngsters’ daily lives as it offers many benefits, including access to educational content, career opportunities, skill development and instant communication. People say while social media is a powerful tool, its benefits can only be fully realised when it is used responsibly. Parents, teachers and educational institutions should work together to promote digital literacy and encourage healthy online habits because balanced screen time can help young people to use social media productively.
- how frequent power outages during the scorching summer have left the public struggling in many areas of the country. People say they are forced to live without fans, cooling systems and adequate drinking water and this situation is particularly dangerous for elderly citizens, children and patients of heart related illnesses. Medical experts have warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke and even death, so this continued negligence of the authorities exposes the government’s apathy towards its own citizens. —
