PROVIDING SOLAR PANELS: The Punjab government has announced a plan to distribute motorcycles among the people. I wish to propose an alternative approach. Instead of investing in motorcycles, the government should invest in solar panel projects. By sponsoring interest-free, instalment-based solar panel systems for the same number of people, we could benefit 20,000 families, not just individuals. This would alleviate the burden of high electricity bills, reduce shortages, and support the national grid by mitigating electricity theft. This strategy would not only address the immediate electricity crisis, but will also contribute to long-term economic stability. The relevant authorities should consider this viable alternative.

Haris Iqbal
Lahore

RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS: The federal government recently announced that 28,000 tube wells will be solarised within three months across Balochistan. A simple arithmetic shows that 311 wells will have to be solarised each day for the next 90 days. Does Pakistan have the resources and even the number of solar panels to undertake such a massive project? Apparently, the announcement was just another piece of rhetoric that is delivered constantly by governments in Pakistan.

Ajmal Khan
Pennsylvania, USA

ACCESS TO EDUCATION: Children in Awaran district’s Mashkay area in Balochistan have been facing immense challenges in accessing education due to lack of schools and teachers. In some villages, there are no schools, which compels the students to travel long distances for the purpose. This difficulty is exacerbated by prevalent poverty that prevents families from providing their children with bicycles or covering other commute-related expenses. The girls in the area are particularly affected by the prevailing unjust system, as families are reluctant to send them to schools that are located far away from their homes. The government should take a swift action to address the issue.

Sajjad Shad
Mashkay

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2024