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Fee fiasco in UoK
One of Pakistan’s top universities, the University of Karachi, has been facing difficulties after its decision regarding semester fee for students. There was a significant increase in the fee which led to protests and disagreements among students and the academic community.
The primary reasons presented by the university administration regarding the fee increase are inflation and growing operational costs. They contend that the increase is required to provide the facilities and sustain the standard of education. However corresponding to students and their advocates, many people would not be able to afford higher education because of the abrupt and significant increase. The escalation of tensions has prompted student demonstrations and calls for a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process regarding fee adjustments. Students, being the immediate stakeholders affected by the fee increases, believe they should have a ‘say’ in these decisions. The process takes an integrated approach to solve this problem. To reach a middle ground where education quality is maintained and costs are accessible for all deserving students, the university administration and student leaders must have productive discussions. In the end, fixing the fee hike problem at the University of Karachi would need coordination that prioritizes the needs of the student’s financial well-being and high-quality education foremost.
ANABIA MUZAFFAR
Karachi
Karachi’s SOS
Karachi, hailed as the third-largest city globally and the largest in Pakistan, grapples with significant challenges, ranging from inadequate cleanliness and scarcity of drinking water to a shortage of essential food supplies. The immense population of Karachi suffers immensely due to the lack of basic facilities and, unfortunately, the government has fallen short in addressing these pressing issues. The citizens, in large numbers, bear the brunt of these deficiencies, making it crucial for authorities to take swift and effective action.I earnestly appeal to the relevant authorities to promptly address this alarming problem and implement measures to uplift the living conditions in Karachi. It is imperative that the government directs its attention to this matter and endeavours to provide the necessary amenities that the people of Karachi urgently need.
Sharan Shah
Karachi
Powerful yet Powerless”
“Detachment is not that you own nothing; detachment is that nothing owns you,” says the Bhagwat Gita. A powerful statement on domination and authority, it emphasizes self-restraint as true strength. Umar bin Abdul Aziz, a descendant of Umar Farooq (R.A) and a member of the Umayyad clan, defied the allure of tyranny and injustice. Despite growing up in luxury, his life took a turn when he was appointed as the Caliph. Instead of reveling in the newfound power and wealth, he shocked everyone by embracing a life of poverty and obligations. In a powerful display of justice, Umar bin Abdul Aziz ensured that victims received their due, transcending ethnicities—his justice was for Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Jews and atheists alike. The appearance of a ruler often reflects the state of a country’s government. Umar Bin Abdul Aziz, despite being the Caliph, possessed no more than single attire. His legacy was not one of opulence but of justice and formidable character. Leadership is an adventure where the leader must navigate lust and luxuries while maintaining their moral compass. The actions of a leader create a domino effect that can either lead to destruction or transformation. True leadership is not found in embellished mansions while the people suffer, but in the footsteps of individuals like Umar bin Abdul Aziz, whose name is etched in history with sweat and blood.
Ayesha Rauf
Multan
Lack of facilities in Balochistan
Balochistan, deemed the wealthiest and most extensive province in Pakistan, grapples with a dire situation regarding fundamental amenities. Despite its significant size, the region faces a staggering deficiency in basic facilities such as sanitation, educational institutions, and food supplies, creating a pressing concern.
It is perplexing that a province of such magnitude is lacking in essential requirements. Unfortunately, the government has fallen short in effectively communicating and addressing this paramount issue, leading to severe hardships for Baloch entrepreneurs and residents alike. I strongly recommend that the government promptly takes action to tackle this alarming problem and strives to find a resolution at the earliest opportunity.
SAFIA HASIL
Karachi
Child labour’s economic toll
I am writing to express my deep concern about the grave issue of child labour in Pakistan and its detrimental effects on the country’s economy. Child labour remains a pervasive problem in Pakistan, with millions of children engaged in hazardous and exploitative work instead of attending school and receiving an education. The economic impact of child labour is multifaceted and significant. Firstly, it perpetuates a cycle of poverty, as children engaged in labour are denied the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for better-paying jobs in the future. This hinders the overall human capital development of the nation. Addressing child labour in Pakistan is not only a moral imperative but also crucial for the nation’s economic well-being.
