BUDGET TALKS: With talks going on between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ahead of the federal budget, the agenda seems rather predictable: higher taxes and reduced subsidies in the name of fiscal discipline. The outcome is also predictable: another budget that will squeeze the poor and protect the power-ful and the mighty. The IMF will ask for more revenue and the government will have no choice but to comply. If austerity is good for the poor, why is it never applied equally at the higher tiers?

Maheen Zahra
Lahore

GYMKHANA PLAN: Proposals are said to be under review at the higher echelons of the provincial government in Punjab regarding setting up a ‘gym-khana’ on the land of the Cotton Research Institute in Multan. Building a gymkhana is surely important because the academia, agriculture scientists, cotton researchers, the cotton/textile community and the general public are not capable enough to analyse thoroughly, reflect thoughtfully, consider carefully, and deliberate properly on Pakistan’s cotton economy. The like-minded political elite, members of the bureaucracy and their accomplices as well as cronies will get together at the proposed gymkhana, and offer ‘vital’ solutions regarding the betterment of the national economy.

Javaid Saadat
Lahore

SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS: With Eidul Azha approaching, many animals in cattle markets are suffering badly due to rising temperatures. Adding to this misery is the issue of animals being kept in open areas under direct sunlight for long hours without proper shade, clean water or medical care. Moreover, the lack of cleanliness and overcrowding create seriously unhealthy conditions for both animals and visitors to the cattle market. The authorities concerned should improve arrangements in cattle markets. It is also the responsibility of the people to treat animals with compassion, and ensure that they are protected from harm.

Hafsa Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026