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Misinformation crisis
It is heartbreaking to see children suffer from preventable conditions like polio. This year alone, Pakistan has recorded 28 cases of wild poliovirus—four times higher than last year’s total of six. The most recent cases emerged in the Zhob district of Balochistan and the Tank district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan remains one of the two countries where polio is still endemic, with rising cases largely driven by parental refusal to vaccinate, fueled by misinformation.
Anti-vaccine propaganda continues to be a significant barrier, with thousands of parents refusing to vaccinate their children. This issue has escalated in recent years, reflecting potential mismanagement of public health priorities. Despite efforts, including support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, more needs to be done to shift public perception and ensure every child receives life-saving vaccinations.
To change this mindset, parents should be educated about vaccines at birth and religious leaders, along with schools, should actively promote vaccination. While initiatives like door-to-door campaigns are commendable, more comprehensive measures are necessary to finally eradicate polio from Pakistan.
M ASLAM KHALTI
Kashmore, Sindh
Ladder to
our destiny
International Teachers’ Day, marked on October 5th, has passed, reminding us of the immense role teachers play in shaping our futures. Teachers are the foundation upon which we build our lives, imparting valuable lessons that guide us through the challenges of the world. With unwavering dedication, they give their all to ensure our success, helping us stand strong and independent through their wisdom and hard work. Parents, too, are our first teachers. Drawing from their own experience, they instill life lessons and provide the love and support essential for our growth. Together, teachers and parents mould us into capable individuals, equipping us with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to reach our full potential.
Their selfless contribution deserves our gratitude and appreciation. Just as we respect our parents, we must honour and respect our teachers. To every teacher out there, I salute your passion, dedication and the admirable work you do. I want to take this moment to express my deepest appreciation for my teachers who have been a source of motivation and have taught me invaluable lessons. To my parents, who have always been my guiding light, I owe my success to the time and effort they invested in shaping who I am today.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana, Sindh
Reduction in inflation
Pakistan’s economy is showing promising signs of recovery in the early months of the 2024-25 financial year. The rupee has stabilized against the dollar and manufacturing capacity is expected to improve after a prolonged recession. Economists predict an increase in exports, strengthening foreign exchange reserves and an inflation rate of 8-9% in the coming months. The annual inflation rate has dropped to 12.8%, its lowest in three years. Prices of essential commodities have been monitored across 17 cities, revealing decreases in fruit prices but increases in eggs, vegetables, onions, pulses and milk.
Interestingly, households earning less than 18,000 rupees per month experienced a 0.08% increase in inflation, while those earning over 44,000 rupees saw a 0.04% decrease. This disparity highlights the need for targeted policies to support low-income families. To sustain economic progress, addressing artificial inflation caused by hoarding and smuggling is crucial. Fortunately, measures against smuggling, driven by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions, are expected to curb price hikes by halting illegal transportation.
AMIN WASTOO
Kech
Fee duration
NUML University, located in H-9 Islamabad, is one of the most sought-after institutions in the city. While many aspire to secure admission, the university’s fee payment process is a source of concern. Specifically, the limited time given to pay semester dues has caused significant stress among students. The Administration imposes a penalty for late payments, which adds further burden.
The issue arises when the university uploads the fee challan only four days before the due date. If students are unable to pay within this short period, they are fined. This practice seems unjust, particularly for students from middle-class backgrounds, who may find it challenging to arrange the required amount within such a brief window. Not every student belongs to an elite family capable of paying fees without difficulty.
This is a sincere appeal to NUML’s higher academic authorities to extend the fee payment duration. By doing so, they can alleviate the stress and anxiety experienced by students during fee submission periods.
SADAM HUSSAIN
Ghotki
