Get over the opposition

This refers to the editorial, 'Relief package' (March 26). The editorial, while appreciating the announcement by the government, has very prudently highlighted its temporary advantages and disadvantages. We have yet to establish a proper mechanism to face such calamities. Unfortunately, the NDMA only becomes active when we face disaster whereas by now they should have been equipped with the necessary tools and kits to meet any type of disaster. Just the pathetic state of ventilators in our hospitals should make us hang our heads in shame. Its simple to accuse past governments. The question is: what have you contributed? An ordinary labourer is already facing hardships in Rs15000; giving unemployed labour Rs3000 is the joke of the century as rightly pointed out. Unfortunately, these temporary measures shall prove counterproductive and money shall go waste. Do we have data of the unemployed? Do we have data of daily wagers? The answer is an emphatic No.

We need a permanent solution like Western countries where the unemployed are paid subsistence allowance each month. The amount allocated in different relief packages with proper planning shall be a better option and each family can be paid Rs15000. We must look for a permanent solution instead of indulging in temporary solutions. This can only happen once we get over our 'hate the opposition' culture.

Mukhtar Ahmed

Karachi