Economic Prosperity

The cover story on the policies of the World Bank to eradicate poverty and bring economic prosperity was logical. The story ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ highlighted the aim of the World Bank and the IMF to boost the economy in under-developed nations. Unfortunately, the fruits of their funding have not achieved much so far.

While economist and former VP of the World Bank, Javed Burki, terms the institution as a supporter of a large policy content, Dr Farrukh Iqbal and Dr Aadil Nakhoda of IBA question the World Bank’s contribution towards the development of poor countries.

The World Bank has always helped in improving access to quality education, addressing childhood stunting and malnutrition, strengthening health systems and services in the South Asian region. However, not much has been done when it comes to governance for reduction of poverty and growth as mere policies cannot bring about economic prosperity.

Lubna Taha,
Karachi, Pakistan

Rising Inflation

The increase in inflation has made people realize that the government will keep making promises to deflate the high cost of commodities, but nothing will be done to reduce inflation.

The cabinet members’ consistent justification of inflation in Pakistan through pointless reasons seems like an attempt to ridicule ordinary people. Of late, ministers and advisors have made several statements that reflect on their insensitivity towards the issue. A federal minister has advised the people to eat less to fight inflation. Another minister said that food prices had gone up due to the appreciation of the dollar. Recently, the chief minister of a province blamed the previous governments for inflation.

It may be recalled that in May, Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed his economic team to give special attention to controlling inflation, but five months have passed without any relief. Instead, prices of essential commodities continue to rise regularly. The government needs to seriously realize that inflation must be controlled and necessary measures adopted without further delay.

Hussain Siddiqui,
Islamabad, Pakistan

Dengue Again

Once again the mosquito with the dengue virus is back and people are more than afraid. Cases of dengue have been increasing for the last few years. Yet, the government has failed to take effective measures to prevent a high number of dengue cases.

Punjab recorded 92 more cases of dengue. The affected included the former governor of Punjab, Malik Rafique Rajwana, while a person passed away in Lahore due to dengue.

The rise in dengue cases is intensifying the situation. In addition, people must take care of cleanliness and avoid throwing garbage in public places. They should be more responsible and active in saving themselves from the dengue virus. The government should also initiate precautionary measures to bring safety against dengue.

Abdul Rahman Shahbeer,
Lahore, Pakistan

Building Image

The article ‘Improving Image’ by Sajad Jatoi discussed what the Taliban should do to make amends. The writer enlightens the Taliban to focus more on sports to maintain a better stand in the world as sports is one thing that is recognized all over the world.

The Afghans have made quite a wave in sports since 2004, but now it is difficult to say as to what will be the situation of sports in the country and what lies in store for them. However, it is clear that the return of the Taliban will affect the development of sporting activities positively. They must give sports an important consideration.

Aila Akram,
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Promoting Tourism

Acountry’s image and reputation is judged by its capacity to provide basic facilities to tourists. Pakistan is full of breathtaking tourist spots such as Neelum Valley, Deosai Plains, Siri Paye, Kumrat Valley, Naltar Valley, Babusar Top, Fairy Meadows, lush green mountains and so many other cultural, heritage, historical and archaeological sites.

For the PTI government, a good way to generate funds would be to promote tourism. The government needs to launch an advertising campaign on international media to show Pakistan’s beauty and invite people to visit and explore it. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) should launch an e-portal for visitors to facilitate bookings. This will bolster the country’s fragile economy and portray a soft image of Pakistan in the world.

Insaf Brohi,
Karachi, Pakistan

Modern Times

In the article ‘Beyond the Straitjacket’, the writer Taha Kehar has highlighted the experience of watching television soaps in the past years with what is presented now.

While it is true that watching television plays in the past used to be entertaining in its own way as everyone used to gather to watch their favourite shows, today the concept of binge-watching and over-the-top content, offers viewers more comfort as they can watch the shows whenever they want.

The writer also emphasizes the quality of the content as now, in most television plays, women are portrayed as the weaker gender who can forgive everyone. In short, they don’t have any self-respect. Hence, writers should explore aspects of social life that are seldom featured in television plays and avoid saas-bahu and jaadu-tona stuff.

Tehreem Bilal,
Islamabad, Pakistan