Scio-economic means the social as well as the economic problems .
Social problems include problems like overpopulation, unemployment, terrorism and illitracy etc. Whereas the Economic problems include energy crises, corruption, external debt, lack of implementation of policies, historic constrains with India etc.
The economy of Pakistan has been remained hamstrung by a host of issues political instability, historic constrains with India, internal law and order situation in the country, lack of implementation of policies, last but not the least external debt.
The economy of Pakistan in the initial was not sustainable to shore up the system; it needed external support to take off the country towards development and economic sustainability. Unfortunately, Political instability and long military rules shackled the dream of self-resilience and economic growth .The whole system of the economy of Pakistan since the very existence has been running on external aid and this proved Pakistan as “Client state”.
We would discuss some of these problems in detail.
MAIN PROBLEMS OF TODAY’S PAKISTAN
Energy crises
Terrorism
Education problem
Unemployment
ENERGY CRISES
The energy crisis is a socio-economic problem caused by energy supply constraints leading to reduced availability and higher consumer prices. The energy crisis is the concern that the world’s demand for the limited natural resources used to power industrial societies will decline as demand increases.
The energy sector crisis is a direct threat to Pakistan’s fragile economy and energy security,undoubtedly weighing heavily on ordinary consumers. The threat of new energy crises loomingover Pakistan, including climate change, requires energy to come from clean, safe and environmentally friendly sources.
Iea.org
What are CAUSES
- Power losses in transmission lines
Our transmission lines run very long distances, and line losses occur.Distribution lines are also prone to failure, as cables and transformers arenotretrofitted.
- Unrealistic power tariff
It is the method of charging a consumer for consuming electricity. Unrealistic power tariff in Pakistan is contributing in great amount to energy crises which is directly affecting the economy. The energy sector is one of the main pillars of the country’s economy.Reducing electricity tariffs in Pakistan is very important, especially since inflation in the power sector is a threat to the development of the poor.
- Low Payment Recovery
The payment recovery method is low in Pakistan which is also causing energy crises
- Overpopulation
Pakistan’s population is constantly growing, and so is the demand forresources such as fuels and commodities. Regardless of the food or product you consume, whether it’s fair trade, organic, or made frompetroleum products in a sweatshop, each one requires large amounts of energy to produce or deliver. , will increase the demand for electricity in residential and commercial areas, and will also increase the demand for power generation. Without proper planning, population growth will adversely affect a country’s economy and energy production.
- Overusage
The over population is obviously overusing the energy sources first of all there is overuse of all the natural resources like fossil fuels and natural gas etc. people are overusing the electricity and also wasting it in huge amounts which is contributing to energy crises.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
TOWARDS RENEWABLE RESOURCES
Renewable resources are those which are replaces naturally after their usage and they do not get over or deplete after using them once .There different kinds of renewable resources like wind power, tidal power etc.
Using more renewable resources will help us in decreasing our energy crises .
- EASIER GRID ACCESS
Grid access refers to a generator’s physical connection to a large grid. Grid will provide us energy and electricity after the renewable resources are finished.
- LIGHTING CONTROL
Lighting control can also help us reduce energy crises.
- PERFORM ENERGY AUDIT
An energy audit is the inspection and analysis of energy flow to save energy in a building. May include processes or systems to reduce the amount of energy input to the system without adversely affecting output. For commercial and industrial properties, an energy audit is the first step in identifying opportunities to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.
TERRORISM
Terrorism, in its broadest sense, is the use of deliberately indiscriminate violence as a means of instilling terror among masses of people; or fear of achieving a religious or political goal. In this regard, it is primarily used to refer to violence against peaceful targets or in war against non-combatants.
Terrorism in Pakistan has made the life of common man disastrous. The looming threat of terrorism has lost peace in the very core of the globe. Not only Pakistan is suffering from this disease, but all the countries around the world are facing serious consequences.
CAUSES
There are so many causes of terrorism in Pakistan i.e growing deplorable law and order situation from Karachi to Khyber, suicide attacks, repeated killings in Karachi and unjust killing of political leaders, lack of proper education, gun friendly culture in the tribe. areas, cross-border movement of infiltrators, financial swindling of national assets are not only a product of terrorism, but also leave people in a state of insecure environment where the shadow of hopelessness looms everywhere, but at this stage, the only unattainable peace is a dream, which is the last soothing balm for all these usurpation.
Pakistan is fighting the menace of terrorism on both fronts; external and internal. The derailment of democracy had a premeditated impact on Pakistani society. One of the causes is political deprivation, political alienation leading to hopelessness and a sense of powerlessness, which then leads to these terrorist acts.
In fact, Pakistan’s economy, riddled with corruption, has distorted the distribution of wealth. Money can be easily made through dishonesty, bribery, drug dealing and other nefarious practices. Black money has created a new money class in society distributing the balance of the social structure.
This factor alone is ideal for infiltrating terrorists into various segments of society. The sense of deprivation in small provinces, their feelings of social injustice and discrimination are serious indicators of imbalance. Polarization based on different castes, classes, religious affiliations which can be manipulated by anti-state forces
EFFECTS
The effects of terrorism in Pakistan are visible in the current state of affairs. Due to continual attacks on foreigners, lack of good governance and entwined high level corruption, the unending cycle of abject poverty, the day by day crippling economy, financial bungling and skyrocketing prices, wide-level unemployment, the deteriorating law and order condition, including indefinite methods to adopt and earn money either by kidnapping or by bank robberies has proved that we are dwindling between the life and death like situation.
Economic Costs of Terrorism:
i) Loss in agriculture:
ii) Production costs:
iii) Declining foreign direct investment:
iv) Declining tourism:
v) Internally displaced persons/internal migration
plan-uk.org
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
The solution to reduce or finish terrorism are:
o first a national commission needs to be set up to identify the fault lines and root causes of the rise of extremism in Pakistan taking into account the post nine eleven developments.
• It should also address the issue of madrasa reform. Representatives of all major religious groups should be contacted and involved in finding short-term and long-term solutions.
• Our universities and research institutes should take up the intellectual task of reinterpreting Islamic injunctions in the light of modern knowledge and the challenges of the 21st century (with an emphasis on social justice).
• Government must improve its performance. Poor governance and corruption have reduced its credibility and influence,
• Parliament must discuss Pakistan’s current relationship with the US, particularly with regard to the US war in Afghanistan and operations in Pakistan.
• Our government should try to develop the sector. These efforts will undoubtedly play a key role not only in providing employment to millions of people but also in eradicating poverty in the country.
• The Government of Pakistan should particularly emphasize the need for technical education by promoting it. In this regard, more institutes should be opened to promote technical education.
• It should be mentioned that there are two types of terrorists, extremists and moderates. To deal with terrorism, our government should neutralize moderate terrorists through appeasement by offering them a general amnesty and asking them to renounce terrorism. Extremist insurgents can also be offered mediation. However, those militants who refuse the offer could be dealt with through military operations.
solarimpulse.com
EDUCATION PROBLEMS
Education is the act of both teaching knowledge to others and receiving knowledge from someone else.
There are many problems in Pakistan’s education system which are essentially the result of poor funding, gender discrimination, rising costs, poor quality and lack of opportunities. These problems can be solved by improving the education system as a whole, which will fight the menace of social problems and strengthen democracy. The more aware the nation, the stronger the democracy and the more responsible the leaders.
Pakistan is really going through many problems in the field of education. The most significant is the lack of funds. For example, the current government has reduced the education budget by almost 50 percent. This lack of funding threatens the quality and impact of classroom instruction. Poor funding means that few people have access to quality books and labs etc. As a result, the country’s ability to progress is compromised.
Pakistangulfeconomist.com
CAUSES
1- Lack of uniformity
The education system is not uniform and is based on differentiated education system like public institutions, private institutions and Deeni Madaris.
2- Education without direction
A sound education system is essential for every nation of the world. We have a poor and less oriented education system with lack of cohesion and more prone to general education without creating skilled manpower leading to massive unemployment. It also leads to massive political, social, economic and cultural distress among the people.
3- Outdated curriculum
We still follow the old-fashioned and outdated education system of rote memorization, cramming facts and figures, without realizing the holistic development of individuals.
4- Lack of professional development of teachers
There are few training institutions, but they lack funds, lack resourceful and trained trainers and administrators. Courses and training are outdated, traditional without exposure to modern technology, motivation, teacher quality and skill enhancement.
5- Lack of quality teacher
According to the UNESCO report, the quality of educational institutions and teachers is low. The situation is worse in remote parts of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan where teachers are not available. Teachers do not use new teaching and learning methods, no lesson planning, old cramming method, no research, no libraries or internet, no reading books.
6-Lack of resources
There are no proper libraries with physical space for students to study. Books are not available, no digital libraries, no computer facilities in the library, especially in public sector colleges and universities. No proper lighting, no AC, no generators in case of power failure are available to make studying more comfortable for eager and ambitious students.
EFFECTS OF ILLITRACY/ EDUCATION PROBLEMS
There is a strong correlation between illiteracy and poverty, poor health, and crime in almost every society in the world.
- Low standard of living
- Increase in crime rate
- Increased incarceration rate
- Increase in case of child marriage
- Increase in drug and alcohol abuse level
- Increase in the level of unemployment
- Poor health and increased mortality rate
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
- Budget allocation should be increased as per international standards of education.
- Schools should be shifted on solar system to handle the issue of load shedding.
- Pupil teacher, pupil school and teacher school ratios should be balanced and class strength, teacher’s number and number of classrooms should be in accordance to the international education standards.
- Boundary walls should be made. Security staff should be hired, CCTV cameras should be installed, student teacher and staff should be issued identity cards.
- For teacher training and development quality professional institutes with sufficient funds should be set up.
- Political and bureaucratic influence should be minimized at all educational levels.
- The system of accountability should be strengthened and all associated in education system are trained to own responsibilities both at individual and collective basis.
- Curriculum should be revised on annual basis and new strategies and methods should be incorporated to align our education system with other countries.
UNEMPLOYEMENT
The term unemployment refers to a situation where a person is actively looking for a job, but is unable to find it. Unemployment is considered a key measure of the health of the economy.
At present, looking at the condition of Pakistan, it is sad to note that many people are unemployed. Even some people are highly capable and a few of them are well educated and meet all the requirements for a particular job but they couldn’t get it just because of unemployment.
CAUSES
- Lack of resources
One of the main reasons is lack of resources. A person who has graduated from any institute has to wait for a long time for any vacancy because he has to show a link to any high official or simply put he needs a ‘source’ despite his brilliant academic record and ability..
- Lack of investment
Another reason is lack of investment. Investors invest in external projects due to which the average of savings is low, which leads to low capital, which is ultimately the reason for unemployment.
- Lack of opportunities
Pakistan is considered as a talented nation but due to poor employment system, many talented people do not find a platform to showcase their skills. Because of this, many people remain unemployed for a long time.
- Bad education system in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the education system is not improving with the times. There are several technical schools that train students, but this training is not as per the needs of the market. They are also not trained.
- Lack of experience
A frequently asked question in most job interviews is “What experience do you have?”. Despite giving a chance for experience to skilled people, everyone demands their high practice in the field.
EFFECTS OF UNEMPLOYMENT
- Financial costs for the economy
The unemployed are a pressure on the economy, because even the employed have to bear the costs of the unemployed. An economy cannot flourish when the employment rate is high. The economy and unemployment are related. The economy will suffer because of unemployment and the unemployment rate will increase as the economy falls.
- Stressed Employees
The unemployment is creating a pressure on the employed sector of Pakistan as well. People are ready to do a job even if the wages are not according to their needs.
Living standards
- Law and order
Crime is directly proportional to unemployment. Pakistan has such a high crime rate for this very reason. A person doing a job is very unlikely to commit a crime. Only an unemployed man comes with the time and planning required to break the law and try to get away with it.
- . Mental disorder
The basic problem of unemployment is social pressure and anxiety about the lack of work. The panic in our youth is because most of them are unemployed. Our economy is unable to provide them with the basic skills and jobs to earn a living. People in Pakistan have two basic options to do work or business. With a recession, doing business is a dumb move. With the industry a lost cause, there are not enough jobs for people.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
- Inauthentic sources should be strictly rooted out. So that deserving people get the job.
- The government should create an environment that allows industrialists to set up more and more industries.
- Government should provide many facilities and benefits to investors to invest more in Pakistan.
- The education system should be updated and systematized in a good way.
- The implementation of the law should be strictly monitored.
- Every citizen should follow the rules and regulations by heart and should maintain discipline.
- The government as well as senior officials should try to provide the youth with a platform where they can gain experience as well as an opportunity to enhance and improve their skills.
- Hundreds of creative minds face high interest personal loans in Pakistan. Govt. they should have started programs to support them.
CONCLUSION
Socio-economic problems are faced by all the countries. These problems are present in every country but the winners are those who overcome most if not all of them. Though Pakistan is currently facing a lot of socio-political and socio-economic problems but it doesn’t mean that it is going towards its end. Nations face multifarious problems but together they work for towards the solution. The same is the need of hour. Government as well as every single citizen of Pakistan has to play its own specific role to bring about a positive change.
