People are talking about —

— the report that during a search at a certain government school in Karachi, thousands of textbooks intended for various classes sent by the Sindh Textbook Board for distribution to students were found hidden away and deliberately withheld and later redistributed to classrooms under supervision. People say this was a reprehensible act by corrupt school authorities, as even now several government run primary and high schools in other areas of Sindh are facing serious challenges due to the lack of textbooks.

— the "Butterfly Effect" project that was initiated in Karachi which has been a big success, leading to the establishment of a brand new 'Butterfly Conservatory' in a school in Islamabad. Butterflies are not only beautiful, but they also play a crucial role in pollination and maintaining the health of ecosystems, so observing them can be a delightful experience for nature enthusiasts as well as a great learning experience for students and provides insight into the rich biodiversity of Pakistan.

— the soaring electricity charges which have been a major problem for persons with a fixed income. People say the easiest way to fix the issue would be to discontinue the current practice of supplying 2,000 units free of charge to high-ranking officials and monetize it to a reasonable amount. As soon as this happens, contracts will be renegotiated, some plants will be nationalised and some will be sold in the international market, ensuring a rather significant reduction in charges.

— the news that contractors will rebuild damaged roads in Karachi ‘for free’ as a penalty. The problem lies not in the quality of asphalt but in the design and construction, as water will eat through the toughest asphalt if allowed to remain standing on the road. Our roads have no provision for drainage and roads must have an even slope that drains the water into rain gutters on the side, which should harness gravity and empty out into larger storm drains.

— the ‘War on Cash’ scheme announced by the government, an earlier tried and failed plan. People say factors leading to tax evasion are a lack of trust in the tax authorities as well as the fear of undue harassment; the excessive rates of taxation and the unjust, inequitable burden of taxes as personal and corporate income tax rates are the highest in the world, leaving taxpayers disillusioned with the state machinery and there are no social benefits or facilities provided in return.

— the recent statement by the Punjab Information Minister about social media regulation raises questions about the efficacy of governance as she has suggested that social media apps should be blocked if not properly regulated. People say in a digital world where the right to information has become a topic of intense debate, the idea of blocking social media apps is akin to denying the citizens right to gather news and information of all kinds in a quick and easy manner.

— the fact that economic prosperity is achieved when a country’s citizens have access to the necessities needed for a fulfilling life – policies, priorities and preparedness – which are essential to achieve this goal. People say policymakers need to create a business-friendly environment by streamlining regulations; enhancing ease of doing business and providing incentives for entrepreneurship and investment, while progressive taxation, targeted social programmes and financial inclusion initiatives can reduce poverty and income inequality, creating a prosperous Pakistan. — I.H.