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Tourism
potential
I am writing to highlight the vast and largely undiscovered tourism potential in Pakistan. Tourism plays a significant role in a country’s development, contributing to economic growth and creating new job opportunities. When tourists visit, they require basic services such as food, support and guidance that boost demand for hotels, shops and other services. This not only supports local businesses but also drives economic development and job creation.
In addition to its economic benefits, tourism has social importance. It promotes cultural exchange and raises awareness of education. Pakistan offers unique natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an attractive destination for tourists. Developing tourism can further enhance economic growth and create more job opportunities.
NAZIA
Hub, Balochistan
Israeli atrocities
With each passing day, Israel is breaking its own record in terms of atrocities upon Palestinian civilians! By making a mockery of all international laws, Israel nonchalantly engages in missile strike directed at medical facilities also, thereby engulfing the highly promising young man Shaaban al-Dalou to a horrible fiery death seated inside a neighbouring tent just a day before his 20th birthday!
And no pen of the earth can surely portray the unfathomable pain of Shaaban’s father Ahmed who had to watch his son’s spine-chilling end absolutely helplessly! What a heart-shattering lament of the unfortunate father – – “I could see him sitting there, he was lifting his finger and praying! No way can the “fig leaf” of “collateral damage” or “militants hiding amongst the civilians”, to justify the ongoing series of massacres of innocent Palestinians for more than a year, be tolerated any more if the world is still left with an iota of conscience and humanity in mind and heart.
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
City sprawl
Pakistan’s cities are rapidly expanding without proper planning, leading to significant challenges that demand urgent attention. A report by the Asian Development Bank has raised alarms about the rising costs of providing essential services to citizens as urban sprawl continues unchecked. The report recommends that Pakistan devise short, medium, and long-term plans to manage this growth effectively, with each megacity requiring a master plan and proper zoning to make land use efficient.
Local governments that successfully implement these plans should be rewarded, while penalties should be imposed on those that fail. The concept of controlling urban expansion is not new—according to an Islamic teaching, new cities should be established nearby instead of expanding existing ones when populations grow. Had this approach been followed, many current issues, such as revenue collection problems, could have been avoided.Authorities at all levels must act on these recommendations, ensuring that laws and plans are implemented with integrity and free from the influence of powerful interests. Allocations and benefits should be distributed fairly and responsibly, not recklessly.
AHSAN UL HAQ SHAIKH
Chunian, Punjab
Learning disabilities
Neurodevelopment disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) complicate the learning process. ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, while ASD affects communication and social interaction. Both conditions require tailored interventions to help individuals cope with challenges.
Several factors contribute to learning disabilities, including physical issues like vision and hearing impairments, psychological barriers such as restrictive education systems, and biological influences like genetic predispositions or neurological imbalances.
The recent ratio of ADHD in Balochistan is not readily available, but a 2018 study provides some insight into the prevalence of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Quetta. According to the study, the overall incidence rate of ADHD was 33.5%, with 36% of males and 31% of females diagnosed with ADHD.
ABDUL SABOOR
Gwadar, Balochistan
Water supply issues
In Orangi Town, up to 60% of families do not have access to piped water and must rely on costly water tankers due to a severe and persistent water shortage. Many low-income families spend about 20% of their monthly income on water, therefore they bear a disproportionate amount of this burden.
This scarcity has affected local sanitation and hygiene in addition to raising health hazards because there isn’t enough safe drinking water. Residents find it difficult to obtain even the smallest quantity of water required for everyday use due to the inadequacy of the current water infrastructure and the illegitimate connections that worsen the supply problems.
Many complaints have been made, yet nothing substantial has been done about it. The Orangi Town water pipeline network has to be repaired and expanded immediately, and water distribution needs to be regulated to provide fair access for everyone. We can no longer disregard this fundamental human right.
MEHAR KHAN
Karachi
Dark streets and crimes
Due to the inadequate state of law and order, street crime is constantly increasing in our city. However, because there aren’t enough street lights in our city of lights, it’s getting easier to commit crimes because of the benefit of being invisible to the camera.
For a long time, this issue has persisted in my neighbourhood of Gulzar E Hijri, and the local government has done little to address it. Even though it is one of Scheme 33’s most well-known residential districts, the state of the area is quite depressing. In order for the locals to live in safety, I’m hoping that this letter reaches the individuals responsible for correcting it.
WAQAR HUSSAIN
Karachi
