Loud Thinking

Archive for July, 2023

To protect the middle and poor classes from ever-increasing and back-breaking schooling fees and utility rates, the government of Pakistan can explore the following out-of-the-box solutions:

1. Education Vouchers: Introduce an education voucher system where the government provides vouchers to eligible families to cover a portion of their children’s schooling fees. This empowers parents to choose more affordable schools and encourages healthy competition among educational institutions.
2. Community Schools: Establish community-based schools in low-income areas with reduced fees, supported by the government or private organizations. These schools can provide quality education at a lower cost, making education more accessible to disadvantaged students.
3. Utility Subsidies: Implement targeted subsidies on electricity, gas, and petroleum products for low-income households. By providing financial relief on utilities, the burden on the middle and poor classes can be reduced significantly. Moreover, three working days in office can also be experimented to reduce consumption of utilities and transportation costs and pollution, as was very successfully done during peak covid periods.
4. Renewable Energy Initiatives: Invest in renewable energy projects to decrease dependency on costly imported fuels and reduce electricity tariffs. This approach can lead to more affordable energy rates, benefiting all consumers, especially the economically vulnerable.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private companies to create initiatives that offer discounted utility rates and scholarships for low-income families. Such partnerships can leverage the resources of both sectors to achieve sustainable and inclusive solutions.
6. Smart Metering and Energy Efficiency: Promote the adoption of smart meters and energy-efficient appliances to reduce electricity and gas consumption. The government can incentivize households to use energy-saving technologies by offering rebates or reduced rates for those who implement such measures.
7. Digital Learning Solutions: Invest in digital learning platforms and resources to make education more cost-effective. By utilizing technology, access to educational materials can be expanded, easing the financial burden on students and their families, particularly in purchasing books and copies etc.
8. Skill Development Programs: Implement skill development programs to enhance employability among the middle and poor classes. By providing opportunities for vocational training and job placement, these individuals can improve their income levels and overall financial stability.
9. Transparent Pricing Policies: Ensure transparency in utility pricing by regularly communicating the factors contributing to rate changes. This approach can increase public trust and understanding, leading to more effective feedback and potential refinements in policies.
10. Financial Literacy Programs: Educate citizens, especially the middle and poor classes, about financial planning, budgeting, and savings. Equipping them with essential financial skills can empower them to manage their expenses effectively and plan for their children’s education.

Combining these out-of-the-box solutions with a commitment to sustainable economic growth and social welfare can help protect the middle and poor classes from the burden of increasing schooling fees and utility rates in Pakistan.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.

Introduction:
Cricket, a sport steeped in tradition, is now at a crossroads, seeking ways to maintain public interest and widen its popularity. To achieve this goal, innovative changes to the format can be implemented, which not only ensure captivating gameplay but also save time and expenses for all stakeholders involved. This proposal advocates adjusting the over lengths in different formats while keeping the essence of the game intact.

1. Reimagining Over Lengths:
   To infuse excitement and optimize the spectator experience, it is suggested that a standard over in all formats be comprised of 10 balls. By increasing the number of balls per over, players and viewers alike will witness a higher frequency of game-changing moments, leading to an intensified competitive spirit.
2. ODIs: Embracing the 10 balls 30-over Format:
   To adapt to the modern era’s fast-paced lifestyle, it is proposed that One Day Internationals (ODIs) adopt a 30-over format equal to the current 300 balls per innings . This modification strikes a balance between maintaining the strategic aspects of the game and providing a concise and engaging experience. A shorter ODI format will attract a wider audience, ensuring cricket remains at the forefront of the global sporting landscape.
3. T20: Elevating Thrills with 12 Overs:
   While Twenty20 (T20) cricket is already renowned for its quick-fire action, shortening the format to 12 overs per side of the same current innings of 120 balls will make it even more appealing. By focusing on explosive batting and ingenious bowling strategies, the game will become an adrenaline-packed spectacle, making T20s the preferred choice for both seasoned cricket enthusiasts and newcomers.
4. Preserving the Heritage: Test Matches:
   Test matches, known for their enduring battles and resilience, should retain their traditional charm. However, acknowledging the need for efficiency, it is proposed to limit the innings to a maximum of 100 overs of 10 balls per over played for five days. This adaptation ensures that the game’s purity remains intact while reducing the duration, making it more feasible for both players and spectators.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the proposed changes to cricket’s format seek to revolutionize the sport, catering to the demands of the modern audience while preserving its core values. Implementing 10-ball overs, adopting 30 and 12-over formats for ODIs and T20s respectively, and capping Test innings at 100 overs will not only retain public interest but also lead to an increase in the game’s popularity worldwide. By embracing these alterations, cricket will continue to thrive as a sport that captivates and unites people from all walks of life.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.

An Open Letter to Pakistanis.

اسلام و علیکم

It is not correct and wise thinking that only the ministry of finance can stem the economic rot of Pakistan.

If at all we have to get rid of the slavery of the IMF, the entire nation, including the government machinery, needs to correct our direction (Qibla) without wasting a moment, as waste of over 75 years was more than enough time to completely mortgage our country into the stranglehold of our creditors.

Now, leaving aside politics, we must concentrate and focus only on the factors that could re-build Pakistan on a fast track model.

Given below are some doable homegrown solutions for Pakistan to economically flourish without taking any help from the IMF:

• Invest in renewable energy. Pakistan has a wealth of renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power. Investing in these resources would help to reduce the country’s reliance on imported oil and gas, which would save money and reduce pollution. Moreover, cheapest and most reliable energy is available to us from Iran for which Pakistan MUST make concerted efforts by some out of box and daring thinking and actions by bringing this energy source under the ambit of the CPEC and visionary planning of building oil and gas pipeline of Iran to China through Pakistan as it will be more risk free than the bringing gas etc from Turkmenistan via Afghanistan. Here we should not forget that by out of box thinking earlier India purchased Iranian oil without payments for ten years to circumvent sanctions on Iran.
• Increase IT exports. We must focus on the impediments facing our IT sector exports and in this regard there was a an extra ordinary need of formation of Pakistan IT Exports Board which should also be entrusted regulatory authority powers for ensuring radical improvement in the very poor IT education standards in Pakistan.
• Expand the tourism industry. Pakistan has a rich history and culture, which could attract tourists from all over the world. Expanding the tourism industry would create jobs and boost the economy.
• Promote small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of any economy. By providing support and training to small businesses, Pakistan can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
• Improve the education system. A well-educated workforce is essential for economic growth. By improving the education system, Pakistan can produce a more skilled workforce that can compete in the global economy.
• Invest in the agricultural sector. Pakistan is a major agricultural producer, but its agricultural sector is still underdeveloped. By investing in the agricultural sector, Pakistan can increase food production and reduce its reliance on imports. This would help to boost the economy and create jobs.
• Export trained manpower. Pakistan has a large pool of skilled and educated workers. By exporting trained manpower, Pakistan can earn foreign exchange and help to create jobs. This would help to boost the economy and improve the standard of living for its citizens.

Here are some specific examples of how Pakistan can invest in the agricultural sector and export trained manpower:

• Invest in irrigation and water management systems. This would help to increase crop yields and reduce the risk of crop failure.
• Invest in agricultural research and development. This would help to develop new crops and agricultural practices that are more resistant to pests and diseases.
• Invest in agricultural education and training. This would help to create a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the agricultural sector.
• Develop a strategy to export trained manpower. This could involve working with foreign companies to identify the skills that they need and then training Pakistani workers to meet those needs.
• Reduce corruption. Pakistan must devise a method of replacing the system and culture which ensures that ‘Corruption Pays’ rather than ‘Corruption is a Crime’. Corruption is a major drain on the Pakistani economy. By reducing corruption, Pakistan can save money and improve the efficiency of government services. One of the easiest way to minimise corruption is to bring in transparency and accountability by using IT in the systems of each and every department dealing with the public but the customs and tax departments must be 100% automated on top most priority. Moreover, NO funds for development projects should be allocated to the parliamentarians at any cost. Other government departments must learn from the Punjab Education Department where the transfers of hundreds of thousands teachers has been computerised resulting in virtual elimination corruption and other malpractices.

In addition to the above suggestions, Pakistan could also consider the following:

Freeze politics for 10 years We have had enough of politics, which has virtually blown us apart and badly divided the nation, whereas, without unity there can be no prosperity. Now Pakistan deserves a break from politics, as otherwise also without grass root level democracy in the political system and the political parties (sans proper/genuine intra party elections), claims and slogans for democracy were a sham and a big farce.

• Expanding trade with other countries. Pakistan could negotiate trade deals with other countries to increase exports and reduce imports. This would help to boost the economy and create jobs.
• Investing in infrastructure. Pakistan’s infrastructure is in need of major investment. By investing in roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, Pakistan can improve the efficiency of the economy and make it easier for businesses to operate.
• Attracting foreign investment. Pakistan can attract foreign investment by creating a more business-friendly environment. This would bring in much-needed capital and help to create jobs.

Radical restructuring judicial and taxation systems is also the crying need of the hour.

By taking the above-mentioned steps, Pakistan, to a large extent, can achieve economic prosperity without relying on the IMF.

Sincerely,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.