People are talking about —

-- the suicide of a private security guard in Karachi that was conveniently labelled a case of family dispute though the truth is that anyone made to stand for 12 hours a day monthly and paid Rs25,000, is vulnerable. Often camouflaged as suicides, these deaths are the result of extreme cruelty, exploitation and criminality by the elite class, as guards are employed at less than the legal minimum wage and deprived of four mandatory holidays per month, EOBI and social security.

-- how electricity bills are a significant concern for many due to their financial constraints since extra added unit costs have steadily increased over the years, making it difficult to balance the monthly budget. People say a significant portion of generated electricity is lost due to theft and inefficiencies in the distribution system and reduced subsidies on electricity to meet IMF conditions, lead to higher costs for consumers, while slow implementation of energy sector reforms is also delaying potential relief for consumers.

-- the three major recreational projects: a theme park, a Ferris wheel and a cable car system being considered by the CDA to ‘improve Islamabad’s tourism landscape.’ People say these are so unnecessary and a waste of resources when the infrastructure needs support; education needs an upgrade with the addition of skill centres, especially for those who cannot afford fancy ones; free health facilities in well-equipped hospitals are firmly established to cater to the health issues of the less privileged.

-- how call centres are like spider webs, luring unemployed individuals, keeping them trapped and torturing them relentlessly with sales targets, so with time, this affects their mental health and students who join them to become independent, end up wasting their potential. People say the environment in these ‘offices’ pushes workers towards harmful habits simply as a coping mechanism. Moreover, constant pressure from managers, extreme workload and wearing a headset for many hours a day may result in hearing problems and stress related illnesses.

-- the surge in the number of its citizens emigrating abroad, raising concerns about the country’s ability to retain its workforce and skilled professionals. Economic challenges remain the chief drivers behind this migration and scarce job opportunities compel many, especially the younger generation, to look for improved prospects beyond their homeland. While remittances sent home by them significantly contribute to the national economy, relying solely on this cannot replace the value of having a skilled and motivated workforce within the country.

-- the report that a team will go abroad to counter Indian propaganda. People say the composition of the delegation for a critical diplomatic engagement could have been better as it is vital for advancing Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives, yet the selection seems to have been influenced by political imperatives. The size and political orientation of the delegation also raises concerns about the use of public funds -- taxpayer money should be invested in delegations that optimise diplomatic returns through expertise and professionalism.

-- the fact that currently prisons house over 100,000 prisoners, leading to severe overcrowding. Contributing to this situation is the delay in the judicial process, since prisoners remain in custody for ages while awaiting trial, placing a financial burden on the government and leading to a loss of human potential, as many of these individuals are the breadwinners for their families. Reforming the justice system to deliver swift and fair outcomes; streamlining legal procedures and expediting court decisions, will reduce this problem. – I.H.