DAWN Editorials - 5th January 2025
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 5:04 am
Confused state
WHEN it comes to combatting violent terrorism, the state’s efforts seem to be suffering from a lack of focus. The policy confusion at the top tier was evident in the remarks made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a recent meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan. On the one hand, PM Sharif seemed worried about terrorist infiltration and stressed the need for all stakeholders to collaborate with security forces to eliminate the threat. At the same time, however, he also took the opportunity to make divisive remarks targeting the main opposition party, describing it as being involved in “anti-state activities” and seemingly equating its confrontational activities with the violence perpetrated by actual terrorists. As prime minister, he really should have spoken more circumspectly.
While it is true that some of the criticism levelled by the opponents of this government has been unfair and rather harsh, even downright condemnable in some instances, the beauty of democracy is that it is tolerant of even the most critical viewpoints. It is, therefore, reasonably expected that there be some clear distinction drawn between people who are critical of government policies, and people who dismiss the idea of Pakistan altogether and wish to replace it through violence with a fascist state. Terrorism is a serious challenge that needs to be met with a united resolve. If anything, the prime minister should be more worried about how his government has been treating rival politicians and the media, and the negative consequences of these policies on the general health of society. By repeatedly attacking critics of government policies and by branding all criticism as ‘fake news’ or ‘digital terrorism’, he is only alienating this government in the real fight against terrorism.
With opposition leaders unanimous in their complaints about censorship and coercion by the state, the media left debilitated by curbs and restrictions on what can and cannot be reported, and public dissenters being targeted and silenced by the state, fringe elements, which are already adept at operating from the shadows, can take over the narrative-setting function, as we are witnessing now. This should serve as a lesson that when people’s representatives and responsible journalists are not allowed to speak freely, the public can turn to much more undesirable elements to fill that void. Therefore, instead of ‘othering’ critics and stifling their voices, the government must provide them space so that built-up pressures and frustrations can be released in reasonable ways. Not allowing dissent risks creating a pressure-cooker like situation which can explode in very unpredictable ways. The government needs all the support it can get against the growing threat from violent terrorism. It must stop complicating the task for itself. Branding criticism as anti-state activity has never worked, and will not work in this case either.
Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025
Born into hunger
OVER 18.2 million children — 35 every minute — were born into hunger in 2024, with Pakistan accounting for 1.4m of these births. This sobering statistic was shared recently by Save the Children, which also found that we stand second only to the Democratic Republic of Congo among countries with over 20pc of the population undernourished. Such distressing findings demonstrate our collective failure as a nation. As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Pakistan finds itself caught in a perfect storm of environmental disasters, economic instability, and systemic poverty. The devastating floods of 2022 were not merely a temporary setback but a harbinger of the climate-driven challenges that continue to threaten our food security. The connection between climate vulnerability and hunger is no longer theoretical — it is playing out in real time across our provinces. Throughout Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, mothers face impossible choices daily. Many are forced to reduce portions, skip meals, or choose which child gets enough to eat — heart-wrenching decisions no parent should have to make. Behind each statistic is a family struggling to provide their children with basic nutrition, their suffering compounded by rising food prices and limited access to healthcare services.
While the Benazir Income Support Programme has provided crucial support to vulnerable families, these programmes need substantial expansion and better targeting. The Ehsaas Nashonuma programme, specifically designed to address stunting in children, must be scaled up beyond its current reach. Additionally, the government should revitalise the National Food Security Policy, integrating it with climate adaptation strategies and modern agricultural practices. Pakistan needs to strengthen its early warning systems for food insecurity, enhance the coverage of nutrition-specific interventions through lady health workers, and improve coordination between federal and provincial food security initiatives. The non-profit Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund should prioritise agricultural microfinance and climate-smart farming techniques. And while international support is crucial, domestic resource mobilisation is equally important. The government must increase health sector spending with a specific focus on nutrition programmes. Moreover, the National Disaster Risk Management Fund needs enhancement to better respond to climate-induced food crises. The fact that more babies are being born into hunger today than in previous years represents not just a humanitarian crisis but a national emergency that threatens Pakistan’s future. We must ensure that the next generation of Pakistanis is not condemned to a life of hunger and deprivation.
Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025
Tourism triumph
THE inclusion of Gilgit-Baltistan in CNN’s list of top 25 destinations to visit in 2025 is a proud moment for Pakistan. It validates what adventure seekers across the world have long drawn attention to: the region’s breathtaking landscapes that are home to towering eight-thousanders, glaciers, meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. GB truly offers an experience that rivals the world’s leading destinations. CNN’s endorsement comes as visitor numbers have climbed steadily — from 2,100 foreign adventurers in 2023 to 2,380 in 2024. This is a golden opportunity for Pakistan to position itself as a hub for eco-tourism and adventure travel.
To truly capitalise on this achievement, the state must address the longstanding challenges that hinder GB’s potential. Accessibility remains a significant hurdle. Unreliable flight schedules and seasonally blocked roads discourage many prospective travellers. Investing in dependable air travel, improved road infrastructure, and alternative routes can make the region more accessible. Additionally, digital connectivity, an essential part of modern tourism, must be prioritised to enhance the visitor experience and facilitate local businesses. Streamlining permit processes and developing a more efficient booking system would enhance accessibility. Furthermore, sustainable tourism must take centre stage. GB’s pristine environment is its biggest asset, and unregulated tourism could lead to irreversible damage. The government should enforce strict environmental policies, promote eco-friendly practices, and educate tourists about minimising their footprint. Pakistan can also learn from Nepal’s structured tourism model, where guided tours are mandatory for certain areas, ensuring both visitor safety and local employment. Initiatives like community-based tourism can empower GB’s residents, ensuring they directly benefit from the industry’s growth. Other regions could gain from similar focused approaches.
Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025
WHEN it comes to combatting violent terrorism, the state’s efforts seem to be suffering from a lack of focus. The policy confusion at the top tier was evident in the remarks made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a recent meeting of the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan. On the one hand, PM Sharif seemed worried about terrorist infiltration and stressed the need for all stakeholders to collaborate with security forces to eliminate the threat. At the same time, however, he also took the opportunity to make divisive remarks targeting the main opposition party, describing it as being involved in “anti-state activities” and seemingly equating its confrontational activities with the violence perpetrated by actual terrorists. As prime minister, he really should have spoken more circumspectly.
While it is true that some of the criticism levelled by the opponents of this government has been unfair and rather harsh, even downright condemnable in some instances, the beauty of democracy is that it is tolerant of even the most critical viewpoints. It is, therefore, reasonably expected that there be some clear distinction drawn between people who are critical of government policies, and people who dismiss the idea of Pakistan altogether and wish to replace it through violence with a fascist state. Terrorism is a serious challenge that needs to be met with a united resolve. If anything, the prime minister should be more worried about how his government has been treating rival politicians and the media, and the negative consequences of these policies on the general health of society. By repeatedly attacking critics of government policies and by branding all criticism as ‘fake news’ or ‘digital terrorism’, he is only alienating this government in the real fight against terrorism.
With opposition leaders unanimous in their complaints about censorship and coercion by the state, the media left debilitated by curbs and restrictions on what can and cannot be reported, and public dissenters being targeted and silenced by the state, fringe elements, which are already adept at operating from the shadows, can take over the narrative-setting function, as we are witnessing now. This should serve as a lesson that when people’s representatives and responsible journalists are not allowed to speak freely, the public can turn to much more undesirable elements to fill that void. Therefore, instead of ‘othering’ critics and stifling their voices, the government must provide them space so that built-up pressures and frustrations can be released in reasonable ways. Not allowing dissent risks creating a pressure-cooker like situation which can explode in very unpredictable ways. The government needs all the support it can get against the growing threat from violent terrorism. It must stop complicating the task for itself. Branding criticism as anti-state activity has never worked, and will not work in this case either.
Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025
Born into hunger
OVER 18.2 million children — 35 every minute — were born into hunger in 2024, with Pakistan accounting for 1.4m of these births. This sobering statistic was shared recently by Save the Children, which also found that we stand second only to the Democratic Republic of Congo among countries with over 20pc of the population undernourished. Such distressing findings demonstrate our collective failure as a nation. As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Pakistan finds itself caught in a perfect storm of environmental disasters, economic instability, and systemic poverty. The devastating floods of 2022 were not merely a temporary setback but a harbinger of the climate-driven challenges that continue to threaten our food security. The connection between climate vulnerability and hunger is no longer theoretical — it is playing out in real time across our provinces. Throughout Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, mothers face impossible choices daily. Many are forced to reduce portions, skip meals, or choose which child gets enough to eat — heart-wrenching decisions no parent should have to make. Behind each statistic is a family struggling to provide their children with basic nutrition, their suffering compounded by rising food prices and limited access to healthcare services.
While the Benazir Income Support Programme has provided crucial support to vulnerable families, these programmes need substantial expansion and better targeting. The Ehsaas Nashonuma programme, specifically designed to address stunting in children, must be scaled up beyond its current reach. Additionally, the government should revitalise the National Food Security Policy, integrating it with climate adaptation strategies and modern agricultural practices. Pakistan needs to strengthen its early warning systems for food insecurity, enhance the coverage of nutrition-specific interventions through lady health workers, and improve coordination between federal and provincial food security initiatives. The non-profit Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund should prioritise agricultural microfinance and climate-smart farming techniques. And while international support is crucial, domestic resource mobilisation is equally important. The government must increase health sector spending with a specific focus on nutrition programmes. Moreover, the National Disaster Risk Management Fund needs enhancement to better respond to climate-induced food crises. The fact that more babies are being born into hunger today than in previous years represents not just a humanitarian crisis but a national emergency that threatens Pakistan’s future. We must ensure that the next generation of Pakistanis is not condemned to a life of hunger and deprivation.
Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025
Tourism triumph
THE inclusion of Gilgit-Baltistan in CNN’s list of top 25 destinations to visit in 2025 is a proud moment for Pakistan. It validates what adventure seekers across the world have long drawn attention to: the region’s breathtaking landscapes that are home to towering eight-thousanders, glaciers, meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. GB truly offers an experience that rivals the world’s leading destinations. CNN’s endorsement comes as visitor numbers have climbed steadily — from 2,100 foreign adventurers in 2023 to 2,380 in 2024. This is a golden opportunity for Pakistan to position itself as a hub for eco-tourism and adventure travel.
To truly capitalise on this achievement, the state must address the longstanding challenges that hinder GB’s potential. Accessibility remains a significant hurdle. Unreliable flight schedules and seasonally blocked roads discourage many prospective travellers. Investing in dependable air travel, improved road infrastructure, and alternative routes can make the region more accessible. Additionally, digital connectivity, an essential part of modern tourism, must be prioritised to enhance the visitor experience and facilitate local businesses. Streamlining permit processes and developing a more efficient booking system would enhance accessibility. Furthermore, sustainable tourism must take centre stage. GB’s pristine environment is its biggest asset, and unregulated tourism could lead to irreversible damage. The government should enforce strict environmental policies, promote eco-friendly practices, and educate tourists about minimising their footprint. Pakistan can also learn from Nepal’s structured tourism model, where guided tours are mandatory for certain areas, ensuring both visitor safety and local employment. Initiatives like community-based tourism can empower GB’s residents, ensuring they directly benefit from the industry’s growth. Other regions could gain from similar focused approaches.
Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025