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.
Provide quality education
The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) recently voiced concern about the sheer number of out-of-school children in Pakistan, now amounting to 23 million in total. Those already enrolled are going to subpar government schools that lack equipment, resources and expertise to educate the children at the levels required.
These kids are supposed to be the future of the country and it is harrowing to see that there is little effort put into not only establishing high-quality schools but informing the population about the importance of education as a whole.
Little attention is paid to the foundational requirements of a state i.e. an effective education system. Pakistan supports the world’s second-highest rate of out-of-school children despite countless claims by successive governments of revolutionising and improving the sector. Unfortunately, either we lack the political will, a stable political environment, funds, resources and the necessary awareness needed to embark upon completely updating the education system, and the sector as a whole.
Outside of this, there are a few other problems that are worth addressing. Most families in Pakistan are not spoilt for choice and must send their children to work so that they can earn, instead of ‘wasting’ their time going to school. This sentiment is common across the poor and low-income families, and while we must empathise, it truly does stand in the way of future progress.
Not only that, but it limits the prospects the child has going forward with their life. With child labour being common in Pakistan, there are also high levels of exploitation that the state seems helpless to protect children from.
Ever rising fees and costs of stationery items, the common man is constrained to deprive his kids of education. While the aim of the NCHD is to promote enrolment, provide quality education and make it accessible in all areas of Pakistan, there is more that must be done. Surface-level claims and promises will do little to help achieve this aim, unless they are backed up by concerted efforts towards materialising projects. We need a more holistic approach by the state and independent authorities that targets not only institutions but the perception of education held by the masses as well.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Economic crisis
High inflation: Inflation in Pakistan has reached a record high of 13.8%, making it one of highest in world. This has led to a sharp increase in the cost of living, making it difficult for people to afford basic necessities.
Depreciating currency: The Pakistani rupee has lost more than 30% of its value against the US dollar in the past year. This has made imports more expensive, further increasing the cost of living.
Widening trade deficit: Pakistan’s trade deficit has widened to a record high of $40 billion. This is due to a number of factors, including the high cost of imports and the weak performance of exports.
Political instability: Pakistan has been plagued by political instability in recent years. This has made it difficult for the government to implement economic reforms and address the crisis. These challenges are having a devastating impact on the Pakistani people. Millions of people are living below the poverty line and many are struggling to make both ends meet. The government has taken some steps to address the crisis, but these measures have so far been insufficient. In particular, the government needs to do more to control inflation and stabilize the currency. It also needs to address the underlying causes of the crisis, such as corruption and mismanagement.
The international community also has a role to play in helping Pakistan overcome the crisis. The international community needs to do more to provide Pakistan with financial assistance and technical support.
BAQIR HUSSAIN
Karachi
What an irony
It is reported that Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui has finally met Dr. Aafia Siddiqui after almost 20 years who was arrested decades ago and still in the custody of American authorities. Both sisters met each other separated by a glass wall for about half-an-hour. Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui was briefed about Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s treatment which is undergoing in federal medical prison in the state of Texas where women prisoners are provided special medical and mental health facilities.
What an irony that Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui was not permitted to show pictures of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s daughter and son who were months old at the time of her arrest who have now become adults. It is said that the countries of the First World take care of human rights a lot more than any country but it is beyond understanding what has stopped them who claim and raise their voice against any inhuman activity anywhere in the world to not to show just pictures of Aafia’s kids.
This is inhuman action that a mother of two kids who were months old at the time of her arrest not yet allowed to just see the pictures of her kids. Please Americans, do have some pity on the family of Dr. Aafia and release her on priority or arrange at least a meeting with her kids and prove yourself that you take care of human rights more than anyone else.
FAISAL ANSAR
Karachi
Box letter
Climate changes
Pakistan is confronting an escalating climate change crisis which poses significant risks to its people and ecosystem. The country’s geographical location and diverse landscapes make it highly susceptible to the impact of global warming. Rising temperature and changing rainfall patterns have led to more frequent and intense heat-waves, droughts and erratic monsoons. These events have had dire consequences for agriculture, water resources and public health. Crop yields have dwindled, triggering food shortage and exacerbating poverty among farmers. Heat-related illnesses have surged, especially in densely populated urban areas. Furthermore, Pakistan faces increased vulnerability to natural disasters, including floods and glacial lake outbursts. The Pakistani government acknowledges the gravity of the situation and is working towards implementing measures to address climate change. However, it is clear that sustained and coordinated efforts are required at all levels to mitigate the impact and build resilience against the growing climate change challenges facing Pakistan.
RIDA ZAHRA MEHDI
Lahore
