DISCOUNT RATE: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped to 6.9 per cent in September, which is a matter of some relief. But now, the State Bank of Pakistan, which will hold its scheduled monetary policy meeting on Nov 4, is expected to decrease the discount rate, which is currently pegged at 17.50pc. As the real interest rate is about 1,090 basis points positive, it is necessary to decrease the discount rate by a reasonable margin of 3-5pc. Hopefully, the stagnant economy of the country would start to move in a positive direction after this step.

Mumraiz Khan
Karachi

BLOCKED HIGHWAY: The Makran National Highway remained blocked for hours recently when a long vehicle broke down. It was not the first time such a thing happened on this highway. Such incidents have actually become a routine, disrupting the traffic rather seriously. Commuters have to wait for long hours till the road is cleared. People lose time and miss their scheduled tasks. This issue must be taken seriously. The authorities should ensure commuters’ safety and a hassle-free journey.

Gohar Ismail
Awaran

DISCRIMINATION: In the last few weeks, various courts have offered relief to politicians across the board in cases involving the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). This has raised questions in many a mind. After the NAB amendments, are the authorities only favouring political figures, leaving hundreds of pending cases against government servants unresolved? This appears to be a discriminatory app-lication of the amendment, which was intended for all relevant cases.

Imtiaz Ahmed Mangi
Karachi

UNLAWFUL CHECKPOSTS: The establishment of inland checkposts by the Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) across Balochistan province has raised significant concerns. The PCG’s jurisdiction is limited to 10-20km from the coast for maritime security, but numerous checkposts have been set up 50-70km inland. The relevant authorities must intervene in the matter.

Uzair Baloch
Hub

Published in Dawn, October 22th, 2024