Balochistan: a way out

TO tackle Balochistan`s problems, the federation must open talks with the real leaders of Balochistan.Development and dialogue is the best option. The army should be withdrawn. The NFC Award and Hagoog-i-Balochistan should be urgently implemented. All missing persons be released. Employment opportunities should be created to satisfy the unemployed youth. Huge investment in small and medium-scale industries can provide employment opportunities. Human resource development centres should be established at the union council level.The federal and provincial governments should provide sufficient funds for education and healthcare sectors.
All the players of Balochistan must understand that Pakistan and Balochistan have no future at all if they are separated.
The solution based on justice and fair play is the only option for Balochistan problem.Balochistan is bleeding.International players are taking advantage and covertly supporting the militants.The dialogue is the only option for the permanent solution of Balochistan.The present democratic people`s government has to win the hearts and minds of Baloch people to save the federation of Pakistan.

ZUHAIB ODHO
Karachi

published in dawn (11/30/2012)
http://epaper.dawn.com/~epaper/Detai...1_2012_006_007

Corruption and its impacts on Pakistan

Corruption is authority plus monopoly minus transparency. Our society is facing a very grave problem of corruption that has threatened basic foundations of society. This is one of the most serious problems which are not natural calamity or disaster. Corruption is the cancer that will gobble up all the socio-economic and political achievements.

The major reasons of fast creeping corruption are political instability, poverty, unequal structure of society, unemployment, lack of accountability, weak political institutions and absence of rule of law. Resultant they are affecting political stability, equal distribution of resources and power, confidence of local and foreign investors and political institutions.

Although corruption has wide-ranging deleterious effects on society and governance but its most deadly impact is always on the poor. It undermines democracy, hinders in good governance and weakens the democratic institutions. It hampers the economic growth and sustainable developments. Increase in corruption in any society is inversely proportional to good governance.

If these suggestions and practical measures are taken, the cancer of corruption can be cured to reasonable extent. Institutions should be made strong for proper working of the democratic system. Proper system of accountability and check and balance should be implemented. Justice delayed is justice denied. In time justice can minimize corruption practices.

Salaries and wages should be increased in order to decrease the chances of corruption. Education system must be revised and improved according to national needs. Stable governments are essential to prevail justice and to uproot corruption and public awareness is must to eliminate corruption.

It is multi-faceted problem so it should be countered on all possible fronts with sincerity. We must reform ourselves. Only proper planning and strictly implemented policies with public support can put halt to this growing menace.

ZUHAIB ODHO

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2011...s-on-pakistan/

Tackling poverty

Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime. Poverty has many dimensions in Pakistan. The poor in Pakistan have not only low income but also lack access to basic needs such as education, health, clean drinking water and proper sanitation. Poverty in Pakistan has historically been higher in rural than urban areas. At present, one third of the country’s population continues to live below poverty line.

“Society comprises of two classes, those who have more food than appetite, and those who have more appetite than food.” --Nelson Mandela

A number of factors explain the existence of and increase in poverty in the last decade. However, poor governance is the key underlying cause of poverty in Pakistan. With regard to economic factors, decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate is the immediate cause of the increase in poverty over the last decade. Lack of education, large scale imports and over-population are other causes of poverty.

Reforms in the educational sector and syllabi in educational institutions should be made to teach the students not only about their subject matters but to be productive. The system should concentrate on skill development and vocational and technical training. Amendments should be made to the governance policy of the resources to make it reach those who need it most.

Proper family planning and population control should be exercised since poverty is also a matter of fewer resources and more consumers. Allow privatisation but in a restricted way, preventing the application of privatisation to public services such as electricity and gas. Allow foreign direct investment ensuring that the investment and their profits are distributed rationally across the country, thereby giving the poverty stricken areas the opportunity to take their share of the products of these investments.

Formulate long term strategies for poverty reduction or eradication and performing periodic evaluation of progress for effectiveness.

ZUHAIB ODHO

link
http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2011...kling-poverty/