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Awakening heirs
The current conditions in our country are affecting every citizen, both special and ordinary. These deteriorating conditions are rapidly expanding in scope. In such times, every thoughtful Pakistani is compelled to ponder: what fate awaits us? Where do these problems originate? Who holds the solutions? And where are the rightful heirs of this nation? The answer, in fact, lies in the last question. This country appears neglected because its heirs seem absent. Every day, the country calls for its heirs to step forward, yet none seem to heed the call.
If each of us Pakistanis introspects, we’ll find that we play no significant role as Pakistanis in our daily lives. We fail to regard the country’s assets and resources as our own, and even during elections, we prioritize personal preferences, interests and relationships over the country and its people. This behaviour is at the root of our problems.
It’s time to heed the country’s call and stand up as rightful heirs. Awaken your dormant national sentiments and fulfill your national duties with utmost responsibility as Pakistanis. Otherwise, our story will not be one told with pride.
QASIM ALI QASIM
Rawalpindi
Grade 5 to 15 — at stake
With nearly 5% of youth aged 18-24 unemployed, the government of Sindh shows no intent to provide employment. The past announcement of 54,000 jobs for grades 1-15 in Sindh has once again fallen into crisis, shattering hopes. Initially, the government signed an agreement with SIBA Testing Service (STS) to conduct screening tests in three categories: Graduation, Intermediate and Matriculation. STS has maintained reliable records in recent recruitments.
Over 0.3 million individuals applied for these jobs, paying a fee of approximately Rs. 1800 for three categories. After a two-year process, STS announced test dates for mid-2023. The Graduation and Intermediate category tests were conducted successfully, with over 0.2 million aspirants qualifying. However, the Matriculation test was delayed due to a ban imposed for the General Election 2024. This three-year delay undermined the credibility of the process.
On June 29, 2024, the Sindh High Court declared the entire process null and void, directing a retest with a new advertisement. This decision has posed financial challenges and deepened the depression among the aspirants. The job opportunity was a beacon of hope for many, but this verdict has left the youth of Sindh in a state of uncertainty.
ABDUL BASIT GHANGHRO
Sukkur, Sindh
Breast cancer treatment
In a groundbreaking study at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) in Lahore, researchers have developed a promising new approach to treating breast cancer using advanced nanotechnology. The study focuses on harnessing the therapeutic properties of curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, through the use of nanoparticles made from curcumin and zinc oxide.
Nanotechnology plays a pivotal role in this research by enabling targeted delivery of drugs directly to cancer cells, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Traditional curcumin treatments have been limited by poor absorption, but the new nanoparticles developed by the UVAS team offer improved bioavailability and effectiveness.
Initial laboratory experiments with these curcumin zinc oxide nanoparticles have shown encouraging results against specific types of breast cancer cells. Importantly, safety evaluations conducted on healthy male albino mice indicated no adverse effects on vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, nor did they induce genetic toxicity at tested doses.
The findings suggest that these nanoparticles not only hold promise as effective cancer-fighting agents but also exhibit antioxidant properties without harmful side effects. While this study marks a significant advancement in the field of nanomedicine, further research is essential to fully comprehend the long-term interactions of these nanoparticles within the body.
The work of the team led by Prof. Dr. Ovais Omer represents a critical step forward in leveraging both natural compounds and cutting-edge technology to revolutionize cancer treatment strategies. As the research progresses, the potential of curcumin zinc oxide nanoparticles to transform cancer therapy and improve patient outcomes remains promising. For more updates on this pioneering research, follow developments from UVAS Lahore’s Pharmacology & Toxicology Department.
ALIA SAIF
Lahore
Box letter
Child exploitation
Child rape remains a suppressed issue in Pakistan, often ignored by media and the legal system, with many cases going unreported. In 2023, an average of 12 children per day—equivalent to one every two hours—were victims of sexual abuse, totalling 1,207 girls and 1,020 boys reported that year. The Islamabad-based NGO Sahil, operating since 1996, highlighted that most victims were aged between six and 15, with boys (593) more frequently abused than girls (457). Over 47% of the cases involved acquaintances of the child victims and 75% were reported from Punjab, suggesting better policing and reporting there compared to Balochistan which reported only 24 cases. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s legal system often fails to prosecute such crimes promptly, with many cases settling through compromises due to societal stigma and parental pressures. The root causes of child sexual assault include strained parent-child relationships, societal taboos and fear of the legal system. Victims often suffer in silence due to lack of support from family and community, compounded by psychological issues and socioeconomic stress.
MALAIKA CHUDHRY
Layyah
