“As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others." –Bill Gates

Price rise of essential commodities
In Pakistan, inflation or price rise is not just an economic concept but they are also a political tool, often used by the opposition parties to launch attack on the ruling government. But in case of price rise of essential commodities, price rise is more political than economic factor. Very often, there is uproar in Parliament as political parties jostle to grab as much mileage as possible from the government's apparent failure to curb inflation, as they try to sidle up to the aam aadmi who has been worst hit by skyrocketing prices. It is because the people of lower strata are most severely affected by the rising prices, and if the price rise is in essential commodities, damage is more severe. The rapid increase in prices is causing anxiety amongst the people of Pakistan. Price-rise affects different people differently. Although it may not have much affect on the flexible income group. However, maximum hardship is faced by those belonging to the fixed income group. It is so because their salaries and wages remain the same but the prices of goods and services continue to rise. In order to curb the problem of price rise it should be the joint effort of the government and the public to control it. The government and banks must keep a check on hoarding and black marketing and also stop repayment of public debt until price rise is controlled within the economy. As far as general public is concerned, they must reduce unnecessary expenditure and increase savings. This will reduce disposable income with the people and hence, personal consumption expenditure. In conclusion, it is evident that price rise is a multi-headed monster, which must be defeated on time with proper measures to benefit not just the rich population, but the poor also.
Laiba Ali,
Karachi.

Tobacco consumption and youth
Tobacco use among youth is increasing in epidemic proportions across the world. It is estimated that the vast majority of tobacco users start using tobacco products well before the age of 18 years. Globally, one in every 10 girls and one in every five boys, aged 13 to 15 years, use tobacco. It is further projected that current trends of tobacco use would result in the deaths of 250 million children and young people over time, most of them in developing countries. Tobacco use during adolescence and early adulthood has profound public health implications. Adolescent onset tobacco use leads to ‘accelerated dependency’ within a short period from first exposure. In addition, it has been consistently linked to heart disease, cancers, and premature mortality. Tobacco use among youth has also been well recognised as one of the behaviours that defy social norms. The tobacco use situation in Pakistan is complex owing to the availability of various forms of tobacco. Also, adolescence and early adulthood, i.e., 15 to 24 years, are considered to be the most susceptible phase of life for initiation of tobacco use in Pakistan. Based on available evidence, it is estimated that five per cent to 25 per cent of Pakistani adolescents currently use or have ever used tobacco. Even though smokeless tobacco is used less commonly, high rates of its use have been reported in Pakistan among adolescents aged 13 to 15 years (15 per cent of boys and five per cent of girls). Due to the enormous psychosocial and health effects of tobacco on youth, it is pertinent to understand its burden along with sociodemographic factors for formulating effective tobacco control measures targeting them.
Amjad Ali,
Karachi.