DEBT BURDEN: This is with reference to the editorial ‘The IMF loop’ (Sept 25). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme provides temporary breathing space to the recipient country so it can implement crucial economic reforms for long-term stability. These reforms are aimed at altering the economic structure to improve overall productivity. It entails cut in wasteful expenditure and diverts resources from the affluent class towards the deprived class. IMF’s willingness to help each time it was approached has created complacency within governments that do not care to look beyond their term. Thus, reforms and austerity are sacrificed for a short-term and false sense of stability. Eventually, it is the non-privileged class that bears the debt burden.
Arif Majeed
Karachi
PENSION REFORMS: Pakistan has reportedly sought a loan worth $500 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for transforming the public-sector pension programme. Since pension is a legitimate post-retirement benefit, it should not be considered charity. Despite repeated warnings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other lending agencies, the government has not curtailed its own expenses. Keeping in view the poor living standard of low- and middle-grade government employees and factory workers, the government should not snatch from them even the benefit of pension.
Khawaja Tajammul Hussain
Karachi
STREET SLEEPERS: Extreme poverty, lack of affordable housing and a severe shortage of jobs compel people to live on the streets, which exposes them to constant danger, violence, theft, abuse, health risks and humiliation. The government must expand the network of free shelter homes in every city, ensuring they provide clean beds, hot meals and medical care to those who need them. At the same time, people must support charities active around them and push for long-term programmes that provide job training and affordable housing to help people get off the streets permanently and to live with due dignity.
Meera Ayaz
Gidroshia
Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026
