Basic Needs or Major Problems??

Pakistan; the second largest Islamic populated country of the world, is a developing country, trying hard for the betterment for its people. With four provinces: Balochistan; Khaber Pakhtoonkhwa; Sindh & Punjab; it is striving to fulfill the needs of all these separate areas, but the general needs of all are the basic ones. The major problems of Pakistan are Poverty and Education. In addition to this Power cut-down is increasing & people are bound to live under poverty line. All these issues are inter-linked. Improvement in education can reduce poverty and then the food and shelter needs can be met accordingly.

The Government of Pakistan is trying to overcome these issues with the help of international support. USAID is working in the Health sector while ADB is running programmes to reduce Poverty. Many Pakistani organizations are also operational in these areas. A brief introduction of the major problems of Pakistan is as follows;

Poverty:

Pakistan is a semi industrial and agricultural territory. Most of the population of it is living in rural areas. More than 50 percent of the whole population is living under the poverty line with daily income of less than US$ 1.25. The population is growing day by day but on the contrary the economic opportunities are lessening resulting in increasing poverty instead of reduction. The poor are becoming poorer and rich richer. The middle class which is considered the backbone of a country is diminishing slowly which is not a good sign.

The solution to this problem is giving prospects to the unemployed class without discrimination. The Govt. of Pakistan is working in this particular area by providing internships to the freshly graduates to gain experience for their career growth. But the government cannot deal with this crisis on its own so that is why different non-governmental organizations are also helping people regarding this issue. For example Fiza Social Welfare Organization is building houses for the poor and the local poor unemployed persons are involved in the process to provide them with economic prospects. Other organizations are also trying to beat this dilemma. Linked to poverty is the problem of Education, which should be given full attention.

Education:

Education and poverty are inter-linked, if the education mounts up, poverty will automatically starts decreasing. The total Adult Literacy Rate in Pakistan is 54% (Male 66.25%, Female 41.75%) – (Pakistan’s Ministry Of Education). The main problem is placed in the rural areas where there are very few schools and if there are any, teachers are not available, because of the unavailability of life’s basic needs there, and no teacher goes there. This results in the raise of poverty. The Government of Pakistan is opening free schools for the poor in the most unprivileged areas. The Prime Minister of Pakistan said,  “Literacy, for sure, is the lifeline of any developed country and there is, thus, no denial to the fact that it alone is pivotal to human progress, most important key to development, and so vital for poverty alleviation.”

Fiza Social Welfare Organization has opened a school in a village of Multan for the poor children and the thing that distinguishes it from the other schools is that besides the regular studies it trains children with different skills. We have more land and with donations we can build more schools like that.

 I believe if these two problems and basic needs are fulfilled Pakistan will turn out to be a better and a prosperous counrty.

Akleema Zaineb

10U0344

PAKISTAN'S ENERGY CRISIS

The load shedding-driven sleepless nights and disrupted daily routines of last summer are still haunting the people as the weather turns hot. The situation has not improved since last year; indeed all the signs are that it is getting worse. Credit goes to brave Pakistanis for surviving through the winter despite 10-hour power and gas load shedding. But in the upcoming summer when the mercury is going to consistently hover round 40°C, occasionally rising to 50°C in some places, a power crisis of a similar order is going to prove unbearable. Last summer the national media reported tragic deaths due to heatstroke and dehydration. The energy crisis in winter forced thousands of industries to shut down operations, affecting industrial production and the livelihoods of thousands of families.

Considering the indispensability of energy — since 1947, per capita electricity dependence in Pakistan has grown 82-fold — the current state of affairs can be regarded as a ‘national crisis’. The quickest and pragmatic solution — multi-gig watt capacity addition based on local coal and hydropower — will require at least 2-3 years (5-7 years for hydropower) provided that bold and concerted steps are taken on a war footing. Assuming optimistically that this will happen, we still have to devise ways in the interim to meet the electricity deficit in the country which has soared to over 40 per cent. The challenge now is how to survive this summer and how to stop the crisis from getting worse. The solution lies in a collective national effort. Two key elements of a possible solution are: Categorical change in the pattern of energy consumption and change in lifestyles. The current energy consumption trends in Pakistan are extremely inefficient, whether it be in the domestic, industrial, trade or commercial sectors. With minimal effort, well over ten per cent of national electricity can be saved by applying only the first level of energy conservation that is a change in attitude. It is simple, instant and effective and all it requires is a stop to using energy unnecessarily. Leaving lights and home appliances on even when they are not being used is a common practice in our society. Similarly, many businesses such as shops dealing in cloth and garments, jewellery, cosmetics, home appliances and electronics are usually extravagantly lit. It is commonly observed that shops that could do with two or three 40-watt tube lights to meet the desired level of luminance use as many as 15 to 20 tubes. Not only does this increase power consumption, it also generates heat and makes the environment uncomfortable. A further economy of 10-15 per cent can be achieved by introducing the second level of energy-conservation practices, especially in industry. Collectively, just through conservation, more than half of the electricity deficit can be met. However to do that, public education is essential. With the help of effective electronic and print media campaigns the government can quickly educate the masses. The second part of the solution is a change in lifestyles. It would begin with the acknowledgement that the country is facing a national disaster and every citizen has to pitch in to overcome it. The nation has to draw a clear line between necessities (lighting, fans, TVs, computers, etc) and luxuries (air conditioners, microwaves, etc). There is not enough electricity to meet both requirements. We will have to compromise on luxurious lifestyles in order to meet the necessities. Markets and commercial places can substantially reduce their power consumption by changing their working hours. An early start and early end to capitalize on daylight as much as possible should be recommended rather than having opening hours from afternoon until late at night. Air-conditioning, usually a sign of a luxurious lifestyle, needs to be dropped. Bearing in mind that a typical domestic AC consumes far more electricity in one hour than a fan does over 24 hours, air conditioning should not be allowed except for sensitive applications such as hospitals and research centres. The choice is between using ACs for a few hours and then doing without electricity in peak summer months or avoiding ACs and other luxury gadgets but having round-the-clock electricity available to meet fundamental needs. Any such policy should be made at the highest level and its implementation should also begin there because charity starts at home. The common man would only be convinced of the looming crisis when he sees the ruling elite practice what it preaches. The ruling class should lead by example in matters of power conservation. If it does so the common man will follow suit. It is time for the elite to take energy-saving initiatives like abandoning the use of central air conditioning, travelling by special flights and irrelevant use of official transport. These recommendations are neither impractical nor a step backward, as some sections may perceive them to be. If implemented they can not only avoid the collapse of a bankrupt energy infrastructure but also ensure progress. Even those who have access to easy money and can afford different gadgets such as generators to offset reduced power supply will still feel the heat one way or the other. The bottom line is, in order to safely get through the current energy crisis the nation has to differentiate between its necessities and its luxuries. If load shedding is still unavoidable despite all these measures, Wapda/KESC should organize the cuts in a sensible way to cause minimum discomfort. Load shedding schedules should be properly planned and announced.

Shania Ali

10U0444

BBA II, section H

Poor Utilization of Resources

Pakistan is a poor country, though it is very rich in its resources and fertile land. There is very poor expansion of Industries and irrigation. No proper attention is taken to have the wealth from mineral resources. These are main sources through which a country can be healthy and strong.

To make our country strong and self-sufficient in cash and edible crops, we should adopt the modern process of irrigation and cultivation. Sufficient facilities of manure, water supply and seed should be provided to the farmers, so that they can produce more crops and we may save our wealth by importing food crops. A country cannot be called a developed country, until it does not expand new industries in all the possible places where resources are easily available. We have a lot of raw cash crops and we earn very little amount of income by exporting them. If we arrange to product export items from them, we can earn many percent more capital by such export.

In the days of science and technology, many countries are adopting new technology in all the fields and, as a result, they have reached on the top of technology and research and now they are able to produce peculiar items of households and other beneficial machinery. So we also should try our best to have modern technology for the process of our country.

The world is divided into two blocks; one is the richest countries block which has high sources of income. Thus they have become the fate makers of the poor countries, which are in second block. Our country has also burden of loans and we cannot get rid of it, until we are no able to utilize our all resources of income. Our country has come into being on the theory of Islamism. Islam is the religion of peace, unity and brotherhood among all the Muslims. If we obey the Almighty, follow his orders and act according to Sunnah, we can make our country and nation much stronger in all aspect and we can get our honor. Let us promise to make our country self-sufficient in all the fields, wealthy and strong and prevailing unity among the country men.

Anam Rana

10U0278

BBA II, Section H

PAKISTAN'S PROBLEMS

Pakistan was established in 1947 and since its inception, it has been surrounded by countless issues including but not limited to ill-formed/missing infrastructure, insufficient refined resources, barren or obsolete factories and technologies, imposed conflicts at Kashmir and other fronts and an ever-ready enemy to underscore all the efforts towards progress. Despite it being rich on raw resources thus far Pakistan is a developing country with limited development in every era due to the problems it faces. In the following text we will shed some light on some of the major problems faced today by Pakistan as a country.

CORRUPTION AND POLITICAL INSTABILITY:

Pakistan is suffering from a fatal problem known as “Establishment”. Every vital department in Pakistan is controlled by the so called “Establishment”. Establishment is a network of key positions in almost all the departments in the country. This network provides support and safe backing to their “touts” to ensure that they remain in control. The roots of this establishment may very well be deep inside underworld and secret agencies of the dominating nations.

It is interesting to note that due to the international interference and manipulation the very same people that we label as corrupt just sometime ago, blame and rebuke, come back to govern us after a couple of years again and people welcome them with open arms. A common English saying goes as “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me”.

This is probably also the main reason why the political process in Pakistan is not let to prosper. Soon after its inception the sincere and loyal politicians were removed from the main stream and only dummy agents and rubber stamps are put in place, while all the decisions are made outside the country.

INTERNATIONAL INTERFERENCE:

India is typically termed as a conventional enemy to Pakistan. As mentioned before the people of Pakistan need to be trained to think positively about their surroundings. We should learn a lesson from US and Canada’s cross border collaboration to improve their affairs and provide backing, why can’t Pakistan and India enter into such strengthening relationship?

Pakistan can never move forward with its proxy war politics with India and its involvement in the so-called US War on terrorism. It has to strike peace with India and other neighboring countries soon so that it can use its resources for its own people's welfare and focus on its collective objectives.

Pakistan has more potential to be a developed country earlier than India. It has the resources and talent.yet it seems to sink lower by the day. India with a billion plus population has a million problems to handle. Yet the focus of India has been right and it shows in its 8% economic growth. Its time Pakistan learns this lesson and corrects its focus.

TERRORISM AND RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM:

The whole world looks at Pakistan,as a land of terrorists. Main reason being an exploitation through the religious leaders and reaction of the military operations both internally as well as externally. China is getting 13 billion dollars as foreign investment because of its stable and investor-friendly environment where as even tourists are afraid to visit Pakistan due to the security concerns. Even smaller countries like Romania and Philippines are getting a lot of foreign investments.There needs to be a big shift in the mind set. Pakistani people should move away from the clutches of the religious fanatics and must realize what is best for them and their country.

OVERPOPULATION, INFLATION, UNEMPLOYMENT:

According to official Pakistani sites (actual figures may be well above the officially reported facts), the country has an estimated 2% growth rate which for a country of official population of 160 Million turns out to be roughly around3.2 Million every year.

This alarming growth rate is causing immense pressure on head of the families who are to support them. Given that about 40% of the population is already living under poverty line and 5.6% (official figures) of the population is unemployed, the ever growing population of Pakistan is just adding to the problems of the already under pressure nation.

Pakistan has a fast developing economy which is making its middle class grow swiftly. This is creating more need for energy, food and homes and the prices of these things are gigantic nowadays.

Also with the internationally growing oil prices are causing every item in the country to doubled (and in some cases tripled) every year

Sameen Ashraf

Section H, BBA II

10U0126

Dancing around the fire is not the solution to any problem. One should try to see beneath the surface in order to grasp an idea about the basic issue. Deposit a stream of strong words and announcements made by the past rulers of Pakistan, nothing concrete has been done to introduce a proper economy revival plan. Rather the situation has taken a quantum leap for the worse.

At present the sorry state of the economy, tops the problems facing the country. Seeing the horrible economic distress, some still suggest restoring to the begging bowl and further subjugation of donor agencies as the only solution to it. Such an approach can not provide a way out; it aggravates the situation and amount to commit suicide. Therefore, the present leadership has realized that there is not option but to reshape the economic strategy altogether.

The economy of Pakistan has fallen up to this extent that it requires serious attention and endeavor to revive its state. The revival of economy means to bring the economy on track whereby country becomes self sufficient and economy self sustained to meet its internal demands and fulfill foreign obligations. Sustained economy provides a balance in trade, potential of paying back foreign loans and gradual growth in gross domestic and national product. Rise in foreign exchange reserves, minimum inflation rate, strong local currency are a few indicators of a sustained economy whereas better social indicators reflect its civic effects.

Developed economies are movers, developing economies are the followers and the underdeveloped economies have no say in the scheme of things. All economic conditions are the certain result of policies. No economy can itself produce positive results. It is the people and their actions which steer the effects. The economy of Pakistan was not doomed for disaster. It has become the victim of eccentric policies of our past rulers. It has been mismanaged up to this extent that the country has virtually become bankrupt and made to dance on the tunes of donor agencies as Pakistan has bartered its freedom with them.

As majority of the people in Pakistan are poor and backward, they have always been preoccupied mainly in meeting the basic needs. They live in unhygienic conditions. Electricity is a luxury for them. Health services havebeen thinly spread in the country. Floods, drought or diseases affect people and the livestock. The combination of malnutrition, illiteracy, diseases, high birth rate, unemployment and low income has closed the avenues of escape from serious economic crises. The most unfortunate aspect of these serious economic crises and pathetic state of affairs is not because of the lack of natural resources but due to inefficient use of the key factors of production.

For accelerating the rate of economic development, there should be political stability in the country. If there is a change in the government set up due to election, or of dictatorship, the planning projects initiated by the previous government should not be altered or given up altogether. The planning machinery and all others involved in administration should be loyal to the country. They should be competent and honest in the performance of the duties assigned to them. In Pakistan, since its inception, there have been rapid changes of governments. Each government which came in power condemned the planning work done by the previous governments. 

Now the time has come to adopt some practical means to set aside the barriers to economic development. It is a big challenge to the planners. According to the above mentioned circumstances the following suggestions can be recommended in order to raise the economic development of Pakistan:

Export Promotion Bureau and Embassies/ High commissions abroad should explore markets for Pakistan’s products through trade shows, business delegations and international advertising. Moreover the export base should be broadened by exporting software handicrafts, fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, livestock and flowers etc. Suitable arrangements for processing or packaging of fish, fruits and vegetables should be made.

The difference of US Dollar and Pakistani rupee in official and open market rats should be kept minimum and confidence of the overseas Pakistanis may be restored which was shaken after freezing of foreign currency accounts in May 1998. Steps may be taken to attract investment from overseas Pakistanis and international investors.

New dams should be constructed to increase availability of water for irrigation purposes, as irrigation water has a vital importance for better agricultural production.The quantity and quality of irrigation water should be improved through desalting and other water conservation techniques. Load shedding has become the foremost major problem in our country which needs to be resolved as quickly as possible by which there is chaos everyday since nothing can be done without electricity.

The health facilities provided by private and autonomous hospitals are not within the reach of the poor. The government should discourage commercialization of health and ensure availability of adequate health facilities to all segments of society at reasonable rates.

In the field of education a new policy broadly aiming at increasing literacy rate by universalizing basic education, enforcing compulsory primary education encouraging private investment and increase in total expenditure on education up to 4 per cent of gross national product is required to be implemented.

In spite of all these cataclysmic facts, one may hope that the time will be changed and the economic development rate will be enhanced. Now the time has come that if we want Pakistan to rise up to that extent where the prosperity, integrity, solidarity and economic stability will be all around, (then) every Pakistani will have to work as far as dedication in him lies. By working with whole concentration and conviction we may achieve that much a strong Pakistan dreamt by Quaid-e-Azam, and by working this way that day will not far away when Pakistan will bear the palm and it will show its mettle to rest of the world.





Salman Rasheed
ID: I0U0314
SECTION H

Dark Demokracy by Group: Shahzad Salahuddin, Hammad Salahuddin, Maham Ehsan, Baqar Abbas, Usman Ilyas, Zaryab Sohail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv7646Qj_24&feature=youtu.be

Balochistan Issue 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN11H8PrZcU&feature=youtu.be

Cast:
1) Shaharyaar Ahmad ( Hassan Nisar)
2) Sara Asif ( Anchor)
3) Akleema Zainab ( Sharmila Farooqi)
4)Salman Riaz ( Editor)
5) Ahmad Baber ( Script writer)
6) Furqan Akhtar ( Camera man)