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Rethinking CNIC penalty
NADRA requires every citizen to obtain a CNIC within 90 days of turning 18. Non-compliance can result in imprisonment, a fine of Rs. 50,000, or both. While this law aims to ensure compliance, it unfairly punishes citizens for administrative failures that are the state’s responsibility. Obtaining a CNIC is often a cumbersome process, especially for those in remote areas, due to long queues, bureaucratic delays, and lack of awareness. Penalizing citizens for these systemic inefficiencies is unjust.
Instead of punishing delays, the government should focus on facilitating the process. Mobile registration units, simplified applications, and public awareness campaigns could make CNIC registration more accessible. A grace period for late applicants or waived penalties for first-time applicants would also encourage compliance.
This law highlights a broader trend of anti-people governance, where policies often burden citizens rather than support them. Rising taxes and lack of affordable healthcare further exemplify this disconnect. Punishment for administrative delays erodes trust and ignores the socio-economic realities of the majority.
The state must prioritize people-centric policies. Proactive services, efficient systems, and supportive governance can ease lives and strengthen trust. Governance is about empowering citizens, not penalizing them. Reimagining the CNIC law to reflect this principle would benefit both the state and its people.
AIJAZ AHMAD
Gujrat
Fake news dilemma
In recent months, Pakistan has witnessed an alarming surge in the spread of fake news across various media platforms. From social media feeds to television broadcasts, misinformation is spreading at an unprecedented pace, eroding the trust of the public in news sources and fuelling division. The consequences of this phenomenon are far-reaching—misleading reports can incite panic, promote intolerance and even affect national security.
One of the most disturbing aspects of this trend is how easily falsehoods are passed off as truths. Whether it is a fabricated political claim, a health scare or a manipulated video, the speed at which these stories are shared often far outpaces their correction. This creates an environment where public opinion is shaped by distorted facts and citizens are left vulnerable to exploitation by bad actors who have mastered the art of deception.
The urgent need for accurate, reliable information has never been clearer. Fact-checking organizations and news outlets must take on a more prominent role in ensuring that only verified facts reach the public.
Media literacy programs should also be introduced at various educational levels to equip the next generation with the critical thinking skills required to navigate the information landscape. The responsibility does not solely lie with the media, however. Social media companies must step up their efforts to filter out false content and users must be more mindful about sharing information without verifying it first. The public’s awareness and vigilance in recognizing fake news can serve as a first line of defence against this modern-day epidemic.
NAHL MEMON
Hyderabad
Raising respect
In a world where safety should be a universal right, why are girls the only ones taught to be cautious? From an early age, girls are burdened with warnings—be careful around men, watch your words, dress modestly. They are taught that their safety is their responsibility. But why is this burden not shared? Why aren’t boys taught the values of respect, empathy, and the importance of boundaries?
This imbalance in upbringing has real consequences. Girls grow up constantly watching their steps, which limits their freedom and confidence. Meanwhile, boys are not always taught to understand boundaries or the importance of treating others with respect. This isn’t fair to anyone. Girls shouldn’t have to live in fear and boys shouldn’t miss out on learning empathy and how to build healthy relationships.
It’s time we address the root of the problem. Instead of focusing on what girls should do to protect themselves, let’s focus on raising boys to be kind, respectful and responsible. Parents, teachers and community leaders all have a role to play. We can encourage open conversations about respect and equality and schools can introduce programs to teach boys about empathy and the impact of their actions.
Changing the way we raise our children isn’t easy, but it’s essential. We owe it to the next generation to create a world where everyone feels safe and respected. Let’s start by rethinking the messages we send to our children and shifting the focus to building mutual respect.
AYESHA FARID
Kohat, KP
Knowledge gap
I am deeply concerned about the severe shortage of libraries in Turbat, the largest city in Ba-lochistan by population. Currently, there is only one public library with just around 100 books. This limited resource has led to a lack of a reading culture in the city, severely affect-ing students’ access to essential educational materials.
Students are forced to travel to other cities like Quetta and Lahore to prepare for medical ex-ams due to the lack of local resources. Teachers also face challenges in preparing lessons without access to sufficient study materials. The establishment of more libraries in Turbat would provide a quiet, focused environment for students to study and excel, significantly en-hancing their learning experience. Authorities must take immediate action to address this is-sue and support the educational development of Turbat’s youth.
Munaeza Nasir
Turbat, Kech
