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Underage driving
It’s concerning to note that underage driving is a leading cause of road accidents in Lahore. The streets are filled with teenage boys and girls behind the wheel, posing a significant risk to themselves and others. Underage driving often leads to hit-and-run incidents, leaving victims in critical conditions.
To address this issue, provisional government must take responsibility for enforcing regulations and laws. Simultaneously, parents must also take a firm stance, ensuring their children do not drive without a valid license. By working together, we can reduce number of accidents and create safer roads for everyone.
SALEH ALI JAN
Via email
Junk food
I am concerned about the increasing availability and consumption of junk food in Turbat. With the rise of fast-food outlets, many residents, especially young people, are consuming unhealthy foods that contribute to health problems like obesity and diabetes.
To combat this issue, I urge local authorities and community leaders to promote healthier eating habits. This could include educational campaigns about nutrition, encouraging local markets to offer fresh produce, and supporting initiatives that provide healthier food options. Taking these steps can help improve the overall health of our community and reduce the risks associated with junk food consumption.
TAYYAB SAMEER
Via email
Terror surge
Terrorist incidents increased dramatically in August 2024. There were 59 recorded attacks, up from 38 in July. The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) has released data indicating that 84 people died and 166 were injured as a result of these incidents. Punjab saw two attacks, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (29) and Balochistan (28) saw the most attacks.
The most casualties were in Balochistan, mostly as a result of many strikes carried out on August 26 by the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Security personnel, non-Baloch citizens, and infrastructure were the targets of these attacks.
Various militant groups, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were accountable for 25 fatalities and 80 injuries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Two attacks were reported from Punjab, hurting two civilians. As a result, in August, security forces carried out 12 counterterrorism operations, which led to the deaths of 88 militants. The majority of the operations happened in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The PIPS report highlights the need for addressing Baloch grievances and improving political and social opportunities to curb the influence of groups like the BLA. It also suggests enhancing cooperation with Afghanistan and Iran for a joint counter-terrorism strategy.
MOIN AHMED AWAN
Kandhkot, Sindh
Discipline
Discipline is a crucial element in maintaining order and achieving success in any society. In Pakistan lack of discipline has become a significant issue, impacting various aspects of life. Discipline fosters self-control and personal responsibility, teaching individuals to adhere to rules and regulations, which is essential for progress and goal achievement. A well-disciplined person is more likely to excel and contribute positively to their community.
Discipline is particularly important in educational settings such as schools, colleges and universities. By following established guidelines and respecting societal norms, individuals develop good habits and a strong work ethic. This in turn prepares them for future challenges and responsibilities. Conversely, a lack of discipline can lead to inactivity and hinder personal and professional growth.
Ultimately, embracing discipline in daily life ensures that we are adhering to societal rules and contributing positively to our environment. It cultivates a sense of responsibility and sets the foundation for a well-suited and successful life.
MAHGANJ ALI BAKSH
Peshawar
Irregular water supply
Almost 500 families residing in our locality are facing a severe water crisis that has persisted for last many months. Despite our repeated complaints to local authority, we have received only empty promises and no concrete action.
To address this issue, I suggest implementing measures to conserve water, such as recycling programs and rainwater harvesting initiatives. Additionally, incentives should be provided to farmers to build storage tanks and adopt drip irrigation. Household and industrial water-saving measures should also be enforced through restrictions and fines.
We urgently need intervention to resolve this issue. We request that necessary steps must be taken to address our concerns and provide a solution to this crisis.
SHAH JAN BALOCH
Askani, Balochistan
Child marriage
In Balochistan, child marriage remains a pressing issue, affecting many people. It is alarming that children as young as 13 or 15 years old are being married off, with estimates suggesting that more than 5,000 child marriages occur annually. This problem is exacerbated by inadequate education system, which leaves many families unaware of their fundamental rights and long-term consequences of early marriage.
Lack of educational resources and awareness contributes to such a practice. It is crucial for authorities and policymakers to address these issues by improving educational facilities and increasing awareness about rights of children. By investing in education and providing better resources, we can work towards reducing child marriage and ensuring a safer, more equitable future for youth of Balochistan.
GRANAZ YOUNUS
Marachi, Balochistan
Women health
The national healthcare system, specifically in rural regions, faces significant challenges particularly when it comes to maternal health during pregnancy and childbirth. The prevalence of high mortality rates linked to caesarean sections is a pressing concern, especially among rural women.
The substandard healthcare facilities in these areas often lead to complications during CS procedures, forcing women to seek care in urban settings with dire consequences. Despite global rise in CS rates, the healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan is in poor shape to handle such cases, prompting reliance on potentially substandard private hospitals.
To address these critical issues, it is essential for government to investigate and tackle underlying causes. This includes enhancing healthcare quality in rural areas, preventing unqualified personnel from conducting complex procedures like CS and ensuring safety of women during childbirth. By prioritising improvements in healthcare infrastructure and regulations, authorities can mitigate maternal health risks and enhance well-being of women across the country.
TALAL RAFIQ RIND
Turbat, Balochistan
