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.
Uniformed services
In 1775, Edmund Burke stated, “It is the love of the people, it is their attachment to their government, from the sense of deep stake they have in such glorious institutions, which gives you your army and your navy, and infuses into both that liberal obedience-”. Quaid had warned us of the significance of oaths that paid civil and uniformed servants of state pledge to uphold the Constitution which forbids any political role. We have lost half the country and even after that got involved in proxy wars, which left behind a legacy of extremism, terrorism, violence, sectarian and ethnic divides that threaten to damage what is left of Pakistan. Unfortunately, the judiciary has been regularizing all such gross irregularities.
This bond and mutual respect between citizens of the state and these vital state institutions is very important for national security and rule of law. No individual, however popular he/she maybe, should even think of spreading hate and venom in the pursuit of political domination with no tolerance for political dissent and unwilling to submit to supremacy of the Constitution. Such a mindset smacks of fascism and has nothing in common with democracy or Islamic concept of jurisprudence which emphasizes tolerance and mutual respect. Steps need to be taken to bridge whatever gaps exist.
The recent tragic events that culminated in violent attacks on vital national security installations on 9 May, requires serious introspection within corridors of power, the political elite and state-funded institutions tasked with the sacrosanct role of defending our geographical boundaries. Those who planned and facilitated such acts have done more harm to Pakistan than all our external enemies could. In the blind pursuit of power, no individual should be allowed to cross red lines. What makes this more serious is the alleged involvement of a few, who had served in security and civil establishment and are beneficiaries of pension etc., and their sympathizers within.
MALIK TARIQ ALI
Lahore
Hats off to HEC
I congratulate the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for their initiative known as Distance Learning and Skill Enhancement Initiative. It facilitates university students to enhance their skills by linking with renowned universities world-over and complete certification in the domains such Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Data Science, Cyber Security, Project Management, HR etc.
The main reason for the success of this initiative is vibrant support by the support team which has conducted webinars to guide as well as update the learners. In short, it is estimated that more than 20,000 university students have been issued with free logins for skill enhancement. The courses are designed in such a way that the learning trajectory starting from beginners to advanced level automatically transforms on the basis of knowledge gained through completion of certificates.
I request the HEC to continue this program as it has proved enormously beneficial for students to enhance their professional skills besides completing academic qualifications from their respective universities.
JAMAL ABDUL NASIR
Islamabad
Exam or maze
Sindh Public Service Commission is a reliable institution of Sindh that decides the future of many aspirants. The way they are conducting the written part of the exam is something like cubes whose colours no one can bring in a row. So-called subject specialist test was conducted from all the subjects as the portion was designated to different subjects.
The one who is having masters in English, how can he answer mathematical expressions or the one who has masters in maths, how can he answer English vocabulary or grammar? It’s the funniest part of the exam as each animal is examined the same way. Fish is asked to climb up the tree and Monkey is desired to swim like fish.
The paper is designed in a way that only a jack of all trades can crack it. The SPSC exam is a hard nut to crack. The simple request to the authorities is that the aspirants may please be examined as per their potential and specialities.
It is not only confined to the written part but it is the same for interviews. The candidate is interviewed by a panel of three to four people. The one who has gone for an interview with an English lecturer and if he is asked about Sher Shah Suri’s history or he is asked about the Mughal dynasty, would it be favourable for the candidate?
No, Absolutely Not. SPSC must work upon it as the world dynamics for exams are changing every day. They must apply new trends and candidates must be gauged or examined according to their subject(s). Trends and techniques may please be revisited and changed as per modern trends in exams worldwide.
SAJJAD CHEEHANI
Agra, Sindh
Box letter
Increasing load-shedding
I would like to draw attention of the authorities concerned towards the problem of load shedding in my home city Tando Adam, Tehsil of District Sanghar, Sindh. The duration of load shedding has alarmingly increased up to 14 hours even when the mercury remains in the range of 38 to 45. Women and children are badly suffering and their health is also worsening day by day. On the other hand, the businesses are closing and their production has also immensely reduced despite the fact that most of the people of our city are labourers and daily wagers. They are unable to run their household expenses. Under these circumstances, the survival of the people is at great stake, as such, I request the authorities to take immediate action and reduce the load shedding hours so that problems of the locality people could be addressed.
FAIZAN
Karachi
