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Time to protect our surroundings
Recently I came across shocking sound bites on CNN. First off, it is about shocking reference to air quality in Asian countries like India and Pakistan. Being a regular writer since 90s in most Asian English newspapers on various topics like economy, politics and environmental issues not criticising any country but encouraging and focusing on good relationship between Asian countries despite differences of opinion. I did write about good things like the Amazon rainforest from the American continent.
Regarding the Asian region, it has been beautiful hub of everything in the world like the Himalayas, dense forest areas, deeper seas and broad rivers. In my opinion, environmental pollution is related to overcrowding and population that I have noticed in areas like Mumbai. It is the collective responsibility of everyone out there in the world to look into environmental hazards soon. I think politicians are all speaking “off the record.” CNN and BBC have been into more commercial space in Asia on a par with the West. They should only talk about legitimate things about Asia and not the other way around. I have been keeping my passion and respect for all media houses like CNN.
P SENTHIL S DURAI
Maharashtra, India
Censored stories
I am writing to highlight a pressing issue that is not only affecting the quality of our media but also hindering the necessary conversations that Pakistan needs to have about its societal challenges. The growing trend of censorship in our media, particularly in television dramas, is preventing important and sensitive issues from being addressed, leaving crucial topics like marital rape and gender-based violence in the shadows.
In recent years, let’s take the recent drama Tere Bin (2023) as an example. We have seen how stories that touches on these uncomfortable but necessary subjects are often edited or removed from broadcasts for fear of upsetting societal norms. The portrayal of marital rape, for example, is a topic that is not only censored but also frequently erased from public discourse. However, this issue is a painful reality for many women in Pakistan, and its silence only perpetuates the normalization of such abuse.
Dramas, as the most influential medium in Pakistan, have the potential to start vital conversations and challenge deeply ingrained social taboos. When issues like domestic violence, marital rape, or sexual harassment are presented in a realistic light, it not only educates but also empowers viewers to question long-standing norms. However, censoring or avoiding these topics does not protect anyone—it simply shields the status quo from scrutiny and keeps society from confronting uncomfortable truths.
This kind of censorship ultimately harms the public, particularly women and marginalized groups, by suppressing critical dialogues that could lead to greater awareness, legal reform, and social change. While some may argue that these topics are too sensitive for mass media, the reality is that avoiding them only strengthens ignorance and silences the victims who need a platform to be heard.
SYEDA NAMEERA HASAN
Karachi
Lack of career counselling
I want to bring your attention to the lack of career counselling to the young, bright minds of the students of Pakistan. It is a significant challenge to not only these students navigating their education and career decisions, but it also limits their potential to contribute effectively to the economy. In many educational institutes across the country, especially in the public sector, there are no professional counsellors available to guide the students. As a result, these young minds often fall victim to societal pressures while making important decisions, and thus not live up to their full potential.
Without proper guidance, students aren’t aware of the variety of professions out there. They tend to keep a close eye only on the well-known fields of studies like Engineering, Medicine and Business Administration, without really getting to explore the different options like Media Sciences, Humanities and Arts. Making an uninformed decision can lead to the misalignment of the students’ goals and interests. Effective career counselling can help the youth of Pakistan make informed decisions, resulting in a more satisfied and emotionally fulfilled youth, the youth which is the future of Pakistan.
EHWER HASHMI
Karachi
Water
conundrum
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the impending water crisis in Pakistan. The country is facing an increasingly dire water shortage due to a combination of internal and external factors. Unfortunately, the issue of water scarcity has been persistently overlooked, despite the significant threat it poses to our national security. According to the UNDP, Pakistan may soon face a per capita water availability of just 500 cubic meters, a sharp decline from 5229 cubic meters in 1962. Additionally, NASA has identified the Indus Basin as the “second most water-stressed basin” globally.
Several factors have contributed to the worsening water situation in Pakistan, including the lack of effective action, inadequate infrastructure, and institutional shortcomings. Although numerous policies have been drafted, strategic implementation remains absent. Institutions have failed to address this critical issue, which severely hampers the country’s prosperity. Most concerning is the role we play in exacerbating the crisis — wasting water in unnecessary activities at both individual and communal levels.To address this crisis, sustainable solutions must be pursued through long-term planning. At the individual level, a conscious effort must be made to avoid wasting water. Another key strategy is strengthening institutions that are responsible for implementing water management plans effectively. Lastly, there is an urgent need to adopt advanced technologies in irrigation systems. By implementing these sustainable solutions, we can help create a fresher, greener, and more secure Pakistan.
SAJJAD ALI MEMON
Via email
