Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Education for women
Through columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw attention towards importance of education for women, leading to a better status for them. For development of any nation, whether social or economic, it is vital that all its citizens are educated. In Pakistan, there is a massive gap between male and female literacy rates. Low literacy rate among females has a negative impact on overall growth and development of society and eventually the nation. It is high time that society realises that educating a woman is important not only because it is her fundamental right but also because she is responsible for development of her of her family
Education for women helps them to improve their personalities. An educated woman is strong and independent in every aspect of life, especially financially. She is more compassionate towards needs of others and has a better understanding of social structure. She is capable of offering valuable inputs and taking major decisions that are advantageous for the family. For instance, a family in which both parents are highly qualified and earn well enjoys a better standard of living.
Since women are more concerned about their family’s health, educating them is crucial so that they are able to recognise health hazards and act confidently and prudently to eliminate them. Educated women are more aware of their rights. They are able to protect themselves from oppression and abuse and take a stand for themselves, their family and most importantly their children.
An educated mother will make sure that her children are educated. An educated woman would choose to marry later in life, thus improving chances of survival for herself and her baby. She is more aware of her children’s needs and nutrition, and is able to take better care of their health and hygiene, resulting in a low child mortality rate.
ASIFA SAKHI
Lahore
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Violence against women including rape, murder, acid attacks, domestic violence and forced marriage is endemic throughout Pakistan. Human rights defender estimate that roughly 1,000 women are killed in so-called honour killings every year. In July last year, torture and murder of Noor Muqadam, 27, in Islamabad led to nationwide protests. Earlier in July, Parliament did not pass a bill that sought to criminalised domestic violence. Women rights activists criticised government’s decision to refer the bill to Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for review. NADIL RAHIM BAKSH
Turbat, Balochisatan
Inflation and flood victims
This is to draw attention of all concerned that inflation is badly affecting poor people and creating a lot of difficulties for them. Without any doubt, inflation has become a major problem for all segments of people. And also recent rains and floods have already created many disasters for the citizens and now this rising inflation is causing a big headache. In such conditions, how flood victims will be able to rebuild their houses and start to live a peaceful life?
And also one must imagine that how one can arrange bread for his family and give a good quality education to his children during such heavy inflation?
HAMRAZ NASEER
Via email
Early marriages
Early marriage is a major issue throughout Pakistan, which is largely being practiced in different areas. The children are forced to marry between the ages of 12 to 15, which are not legal ages for marriage. Early child marriage is usually common in rural areas of the country and that is denying basic rights of children like education and enjoying early days of life. The children should be given the rights of getting education, which is their basic right. Secondly, early child marriage is making children depressed because of which lots of issues crop up. I request parents and government to stop this destructive act for benefit of children.
ROZINA
Turbat, Balochistan
Save trees
Trees play a crucial role in making our environment clean and beautiful. Trees provide main environmental support to the world. However, due to our irresponsibility in the form of cutting and burning trees, ultimately causing air pollution and making this beautiful world impossible to live. Trees provide oxygen and increase quality of clean air in atmosphere. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that our country does not have a lot of trees as we are having approximately only 4.48 percent forest cover and that is also being cut down by timber mafia and land developers. So we need to stop this and cultivate more trees in order to make a good and a clean environment. That is the best way to remove pollution, protect our country and save our beautiful planet.
ABDUL SATTAR
Via email
Corruption
The menace of corruption has prevailed in society for last many decades, deteriorating the very social fabric and every institution. Owing to this, many social and economic issues have been created, causing hindrance in development of the nation and damaging integrity of the institutions.
People are losing faith on institutions because of corruption. There is a need of strong anti-corruption measures to be taken to eradicate this menace from the society so that country may thrive and run on path of development.
Muhammad Sufyan
Bhimber, Azad Kashmir
Drug abuse
Drugs are most commonly abused everywhere and virtually everyone has some familiarity with the concept of drug addiction and abuse. Drugs that affect behaviour are particularly likely to be taken in excess when behavioural effects are considered pleasurable.
Drugs are chemicals that affect the body and brain. Different drugs can have different effects. Some effects of drug include health and consequences that are long lasting and permanent. There are few ways a person can take drugs, including injection, inhalation and ingestion.Today, more than 7 million people suffer from an illicit drug disorder, and one in four deaths results from illicit drug use. In fact, more deaths, illnesses and disabilities are associated with drug abuse than any other preventable health condition. People suffering from drug and alcohol addiction also have a higher risk of unintentional injuries, accidents and domestic violence incidents.
AROOJ FATIMA
Lahore