Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Overpopulation menace
The root of all evils in Pakistan is the country’s rapid population growth. Numerous issues have arisen as a result of it, including environmental degradation, terrorism, violent sectarian conflict, unemployment, homelessness, illiteracy, deadly diseases, and poverty. In just 63 years, Pakistan’s population, which was only thirty million at the time of independence, has grown to 170 million. Pakistan currently ranks sixth in the world’s population, behind China, India, the United States, Brazil, and Indonesia. Numerous factors, such as a high fertility rate, a lack of awareness and training, and limited access to family planning services, contribute to the nation’s rapid population growth.
People are unaware of the economic issues brought on by a high birth rate because they are illiterate. Many people, particularly in rural areas, are unaware of family planning techniques and are reluctant to seek advice for this. Other significant contributing factors include the dearth of knowledge about reproductive health and the appropriate use and accessibility of contraceptive methods—subjects that are still frowned upon in our culture.
Pakistan’s overpopulation has created several difficulties, including more competition for scarce resources, overworked infrastructure, and a pressure on public services. Simply put, there aren’t enough resources to provide for the needs of every newborn. The layman on the road will still give birth to more children, believing that a miracle will feed his progeny despite his current brood not having slippers for the day. It is imperative that we acknowledge the threat posed by overpopulation, which is depleting the finite resources. Exhaustible natural resources like arable land, freshwater, fossil fuels, and forests will continue to decline sharply if the population keeps growing. This would lead to rivalry for essential resources needed to sustain life and a sharp drop in living standard.
ANUM KHADEEJA
Sukkur, Sindh
Economic disparity
Immigration to other countries is perceived as having multiple benefits compared to staying in Pakistan. Why does such an ideology persist? Economic woes are there, and tales of friends and family embarking on journeys to countries with more promising prospects fuel one’s desire to get away from the fast-eroding earnings. Global wealth disparity extends beyond national boundaries, representing an uneven distribution of wealth among households and various groups worldwide. This phenomenon transcends the confines of individual nations, stretching across borders and impacting multiple countries. This disparity is shaped by a myriad of factors, including income and asset inequality, geographical disparities, and social and economic elements. As of August 2023, the number of immigrants from Pakistan, according to official data, rose to above 540,000.
Parena SINGH
Hyderabad, Sindh
Water shortage
I wish to bring attention to prevailing and persistent issue of water scarcity that has plagued Rawalpindi for many years. The scarcity of this essential resource has significantly impacted the lives of residents, leading to daily hardships and inconvenience. I have been living in Rawalpindi for past 10 years, facing this water problem. There is no attention to this problem. We bring drinking water from nearby filters and tanker use for daily use of water that also costs Rs 3000/- per tanker every week, which is not affordable. This chronic issue has affected livelihoods and well-being of the community, posing a considerable challenge to daily life. Immediate action is required to address this pressing issue. Investments in water infrastructure, conservation measures and efficient management strategies are imperative to alleviate suffering caused by water scarcity. I urge the concerned authorities to prioritise and expedite efforts to resolve this long-standing problem, ensuring equitable access to clean and sufficient water for all residents of Rawalpindi.
Maimoona Imran
Rawalpindi
Youth
participation in elections
Youth participation in elections is fundamental for democracy. Young people play a pivotal role in shaping political landscape, influencing policies and ensuring representation of diverse perspectives. However, in Pakistan, despite their potential to enact positive change, turnout of youth voters has historically been lower than older age groups. One of the major reasons for this low turnover rate is lack of political education. Insufficient education about political system, electoral processes and significance of voting can contribute to a lack of interest. When young people are not adequately informed, they may feel ill equipped to participate meaningfully in elections. —ABDUL QADIR
Hyderabad, Sindh
Religious extremism
Pakistan, a country with a rich cultural heritage and historical significance, has been grappling with the issue of religious extremism for a long time. While majority of Pakistanis practice Islam peacefully, a small fraction has been influenced by extremist ideologies, leading to widespread consequences. This challenge not only threatens stability of the nation but also raises concerns on an international level. It is essential to understand underlying causes of religious extremism in Pakistan to promote tolerance, dialogue and ultimately a more harmonious society.
Socio-economic disparities, political instability and historical conflicts have created an environment that is conducive to raising extremist ideologies. The influence of certain madaris (religious schools) has also played a significant role in shaping mindset of individuals towards radicalism. Moreover, external geopolitical factors have further complicated the situation, adding layers of complexity to the challenge. Addressing religious extremism requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses not only security measures but also social and economic reforms. Promoting education that encourages critical thinking and religious tolerance is crucial for countering the appeal of extremist ideologies.
Muneer Ahmed
Khairpur Mir’s, Sindh
