Coronavirus, designated 2019, nCoV, which is the burning issue in Pakistan after its nature was identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Recently, Countries like Australian, Cambodia, Canada, France, Germany and many more have confirmed new cases of Coronavirus. China has officially confirmed at least 4500 people infected and 106 people have died across the country, most of them in and around Wuhan.
As a resident of Gilgit-Baltistan, I consider it essential to pen my views on the decision of the Provincial Government of Gilgit-Baltistan related to the reopening of Pakistan-China border crossing point in a drastic situation when a Coronavirus has severely surrounded the entire China. Particularly, yesterday, patients, residents of Sinkiang, were diagnosed as Victim of Coronavirus. The Sinkiang is bordered with Gilgit-Baltistan. Most importantly, this virus transfers from one person to another person when an infected person coughs, sneezes and touches. Once the flow of traveler executes then it is hard to stop the virus. It is an alarming situation for the inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan because the people who will be traveling in and out the border will carry the virus unknowingly.
It is therefore requested to the concerned authorities of the Provincial Government to rethink over the reopening of the route or do some preventive measures to cope the virus if it’s necessary to reopen, before anything bad happens.
Sibtain Ali
Islamabad
Coal mining in Balochistan
Mining is one of the province’s most profitable industries. The coal miners faces are covered with a black layer of coal dust, they work hard and put their lives in danger. Coal mining has historically been fraught with dangers with aftermath of natural disasters, suffocation, gas poisoning, injury or death, gas explosions the workers enter dangerous zone for mining.
The miners are working in semi-darkness and breathing in corrosive air, the coal miners of Balochistan risk their lives daily for a meagre income just to be able to support their families and feed their children. The miners do not even have access to social security, old age benefits, proper housing, health and water facilities or education for their children. Many miners have lost their lives or suffered a physical disability in frequent accidents in the mines. Poor working conditions inside coal mines in Balochistan claim the lives of miners on almost daily basis.
Facilities in the coal mining sector in the country are becoming commonplace highlighting the need for better labour protection. The government should focus on this issue and provide protection and facilities to the miners of poor Balochistan.
Banadi Ali
Turbat
Water shortage
Through the columns of your reputed newspaper. I want to draw attention towards the poor water supply in our society and to raise the water table for future use. There is a great scarcity of water in our society. We are receiving water for only 3 to 4 hours the whole day. The pressure of the water is very low, it is very difficult to finish the household work in time and the water supply is also very dirty and unclear. So I request the concerned authorities to improve the quality of water supply in our areas and creases the power supply so that the people of our areas do not face the problem.
Everyone is aware that water is our basic necessity and we can not do without it. We use it properly. No one is conserving water. Water resources and reduces at a high level. It is our duty to save water. All of us must understand the urgent need to save water. We should not waste water. In the rainy season we should harvest water. The government and public must take urgent steps to solve this serious problem.
I hope some positive action will be taken by the authorities at the earliest. I hope you will publish this letter in your esteemed newspaper so that some actions can be taken in this matter.
Ramesh Naz
Karachi
Kech jobs
Unemployment is the root of crimes that creates instability in a society. It destroys the basic principles of a peaceful society. Unemployment compels the people to do such activities that are harmful for the society. It is a well-known fact that Kech is the most famous and educated district of Balochistan. Every year thousands of students pass their M.A or M.phil and remain jobless. The increasing population of district Kech is creating less job opportunities for the people and unemployment is increasing rapidly. It is important to noted that every year a number of students get free but unfortunately a single post cannot be announced for them. According to a report Balochistan has the highest number of poor people with 48 percent and 51 percent are living under poverty in rural areas of the province.
The students spend their age in getting education and due to lack jobs they will be compelled to start working as labour, hotel, even join criminals gangs which are burden on society. Education is the only hope for poor parents to send their children for a bright career but unfortunately they sacrifice their all life to fulfill the educational facilities of their children. When they pass, they are jobless. The parents are totally disappointed to send their children for higher education.
Corruption is the main reason that creates inequality among people of the area. Most of the jobs are taken by leaders and nothing remains for the poor. That is the reason most people become compelled to give birth to such works which are the main destruction of the society. At last, it is my humble request to concerned authorities they should look into the matter and give the rights of poor citizens.
Shameela Saleh
Turbat
