LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES: The lack of employment opportunities in Balochistan’s private sector is a pressing concern. I was struck by this sobering realisation when I returned to Zhob from Punjab. Even large cities, like Quetta and Zhob, offer very limited opportunities in the private sector, and the situation is worse in smaller towns. This hinders the growth of a generation equipped with relevant skills and knowledge to foster economic expansion and advancement. Balochistan needs an environment that encourages private-sector growth and allows its graduates to excel in their chosen fields. Investing in infrastructure development, promoting entrepreneurship, and attracting diverse industries are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.

Hidayat Ullah
Zhob

COLONIAL HANGOVER: The wind behind the sails of the British rule abated when the subcontinent got independence from its brutal occupation. It was in 1947 when the British rule ended, and the sovereign state of Pakistan emerged on the globe. But it is a disconcerting fact that the hangover from the colonial era still exists among the bureaucrats who refuse to discard it despite knowing that the relationship between the state and its citizens has changed. Will it ever change?

Mubashar Ali Sulehria
Sialkot

REDUCING BILLS: The recent surge in gas bills has caused significant hardship to a large number of families, especially those with limited income. This additional financial pressure has forced them to make impossible choices, often sacrificing basic necessities, like food or medicine, to keep their homes warm. Introducing a reduction in utility bills can provide some much-needed relief to the people who are already struggling financially. The authorities need to understand the current economic difficulties of the people, and consider a reduction in tariff as it would help create a more stable and sustainable economic environment.

M. Abid Hafeez
Lahore

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2024