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.
Hanna Lake
It has been reported that construction work on Main Canal of Hanna Lake has been pending for several months, which has resulted in wastage of precious water resources. The construction work is essential for storing water at historical Hanna Lake with flowing water from Zarghoon Mountains and Discharge from Wali Tangi dam.
Unfortunately, Irrigation Department has failed to complete remaining construction work within stipulated time, resulting in continuous waste of water. It is imperative that concerned authorities take strict action against those responsible for this negligence. The Chief Minister Balochistan and Commander Southern Command are requested to intervene and ensure appropriate implementation.
M ABUBAKAR
Quetta
Quality education
In order to improve education system and ensure high-quality standards, Pakistan has taken significant strides in implementing robust quality assurance mechanisms in its education sector. These mechanisms, spearheaded by Higher Education Commission (HEC), are aimed at enhancing overall quality of education, promoting accountability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
One of the key initiatives undertaken by the HEC is the accreditation of educational programmes offered by universities and institutions across the country. Accreditation is a rigorous evaluation process that assesses the quality and standards of academic programs. It involves a comprehensive review of various aspects, including curriculum design, teaching methods, faculty qualifications, research output, and infrastructure.
To further strengthen the quality assurance framework, the HEC conducts periodic institutional audits. These audits evaluate the overall performance of universities, focusing on areas such as governance, academic policies, research environment, faculty development, and student support services. Through this evaluation process, universities are able to identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop improvement plans, and work towards meeting the desired quality standards.
The commitment to quality assurance mechanisms in Pakistan’s education system is a testament to the country’s dedication to providing quality education to its citizens. Through accreditation, institutional audits, learning outcomes-based education, international collaborations, research promotion, and faculty development, Pakistan is striving to enhance the overall educational standards, improve the employability of graduates, and ensure that its students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future. As the country continues to make significant progress in its efforts to enhance the quality of education, Pakistan stands poised to build a strong foundation for the holistic development of its students and empower them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Shazia Bano Abbasi
Karachi
Govt schools in Balochistan
Balochistan is the biggest province of Pakistan yet it is still facing serious educational crisis due to negligence of the government to a great extent. Balochistan is still not getting priority as other provinces. The education sector in Balochistan is facing deterioration day by day due to sheer negligence of the government. The students are dreaming of betterment yet government is bent on negligence.
Schools in the province are deprived of all basic facilities like boundary walls, whiteboards, books, desks, proper classrooms, sports equipment, libraries, laboratories, water cooler, qualified teachers, educational funds etc. Owing to absence of boundary walls students usually escape from schools while those interested in studies get misguided due to unqualified teachers. Absence of proper laboratory is a great hindrance in practical work.
The factual reason behind Balochistan receiving lowest literacy rate is the long persisting dearth in educational sector. Just a tiny number of students defy adversities caused by educational crisis and persist in their higher education. On the other hand many students admit defeat and leave their journey in the mid and later get indulged in illegal activities like stealing, robberies and gambling etc.
Muhammad Kashif
Via email
Neither clean nor green
Karachi has emerged as city of mountains of waste, foul gutters and filthy roads and streets. These mountains of garbage are here for a long time and so foul-smelling that no one can pass through them. The garbage problem is getting worse by each passing day and as a result not only mountains of waste bothering the people but also becoming a source of many diseases.
Provisional government is not making any efforts to address this issue, Karachi’s residents are extremely frustrated and in search of a solution. Therefore, newly installed Mayor should look into the issue and take appropriate action to make Karachi clean and beautiful. It is also the responsibility of each and every citizen of Karachi to abide by rules, such as not throwing trash on roads, as this is our city and we must all work together in a sincere manner. Instead of worrying about what might happen, focus on what you can accomplish.
KHADIJA MEHDI
Karachi
Box letter
Inflation and mental healthAccording to American Psychological Association rise in the cost of essential goods due to inflation is Americans’ most significant source of stress. Recently, it feels as if every purchase serves as a reminder of inflation. Things that used to seem affordable have suddenly become unattainable. If all this talk of inflation is confusing and overwhelming, you are far from alone. Financial stress can create chronic anxiety, exhaustion and strained relationships with spouse and prevent a person from getting housing, education or healthcare. Poverty itself can be traumatic, as people are facing a significant drop in their standard of living. Research indicates that mental health conditions such as depression, psychosis and substance use are associated with an increased risk of suicide. Experiencing risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean a person will think about or attempt to take their own life. Approximately most of suicides occur in low and middle-income families where rates of poverty are high. Evidence suggests a relationship between economic variables and suicidal behaviour. Economic crisis are forcing many Pakistanis to end their lives as well. There is a dire need to create sound policy frameworks at national and regional levels, based on pro-poor and development strategies to ensure that by 2030 all men and women have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services. These actions will surely lead to prevent mental disorders and illnesses.
Saima Rafiullah
Lahore
