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 system
Education is the passport for freedom, it is the key to unlocking the world but unfortunately most of the areas of Balochistan are deprived of the tremendous value of education.
It has been underprivileged. As we are well aware that Balochistan is considered the most prominent and largest province of Pakistan in terms of natural resources and in terms of land but, unluckily, it is being treated with least education facilities and a wimpy standard education system.
If we have a glimpse of Balochistan, we will find that there are many areas where there are no schools available. Reportedly 72% of boys and 82% of girls are out of school. Literacy rate of Balochistan is extremely low as compared to other provinces. In most of the rural areas of Balochistan there are no proper schools, colleges available, therefore, the residents of those areas spend their valuable time with fruitless activities.
To sum up, there are several problems in Balochistan but the most devastating problem is the scarcity of education so it is the responsibility of the government to take serious steps towards these issues and try to resolve them and also provide sufficient funds to the educational sector and assist the students by providing scholarships, facilities and other requirements for a better future.
SAIMA NAIK
Turbat Kech
Unveiling challenges
Pakistan is witnessing a growing mental health crisis with an estimated 50 million people experiencing mental health issues. The situation is of concern as the number of individuals struggling with mental health challenges continues to rise.
Mental health issues in Pakistan, like in many other countries, are complex and multifaceted. Some of the key factors contributing to mental health challenges include socio-economic disparity, limited access to mental health services, cultural stigmas surrounding mental illness and the impact of traumatic events such as natural disasters and ongoing conflicts.
One significant step towards improving mental health in Pakistan has been the acknowledgment of mental health issues and the efforts made by both the government and non-governmental organizations. Initiatives have been taken to raise awareness, reduce stigmas and improve access to mental health services across the country.
However, there is still much work to be done. Increasing the availability of mental health facilities, ensuring the training of mental health professionals and integrating mental health services into primary healthcare systems are crucial steps in addressing mental health needs effectively.
Moreover, focusing on community-based interventions and support networks can play a pivotal role in providing assistance to individuals struggling with mental health issues. Culturally sensitive approaches that consider traditional beliefs and practices can help in breaking down barriers to seeking help.
UNZILA TAHIR HUDA
Karachi
A perpetual cycle of power
Pakistan’s politics has witnessed a recurring pattern of repetition over the years. From parties altering their names to form coalitions with former rivals, to individuals who once criticized the status quo becoming part of the establishment, these episodes reflect a familiar cycle that seems to repeat itself endlessly.
The emergence of a potential forward bloc within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI-P) serves as a reminder of the “people party patriot” forward bloc which was framed to assist the king’s party in obtaining the desired seats to form the federal government. The renaming of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) in 2002 under Musharraf’s martial law regime was a strategic move to escape from the restrictions imposed by the military establishment. This shift allowed the party to participate in the general election while maintaining its core structure. However, the expected emergence of a forward bloc within the PTI, led by Parvez Khattak, raises concerns about the perpetuation of existing power dynamics.
If this forward bloc indeed comes to fruition, it will reinforce the notion that individuals and parties in Pakistan’s politics are prone to forming alliances based on convenience rather than ideological coherence. Such alliances may enable the consolidation of power for the incumbents, but they often fail to address the pressing issues that afflict the country.
Beyond these specific incidents, there are broader trends that highlight the repetitive nature of Pakistan’s politics. One such phenomenon is the oscillation between military and civilian rule, with periods of democracy often intervened by the Establishment. The power struggle between political parties frequently results in compromised democratic institutions, hindering the progress and development of the nation.
SEEMAB KHAN
Bannu
National library
Libraries are the gateway to knowledge and help nations prosper and advance in the long run. In other words, a library is not only a place of collection of books but also plays an important role in the creation of bureaucrats.
Bureaucrats run the country after learning from the libraries. But, unfortunately, the authorities are not allowing the future bureaucrats an access to the National Library of Pakistan due to security reasons since starting of month of Mahram.
Moreover, the National Library has been established in the Red Zone area where the National Assembly, Senate, Supreme Court and other government institutions are located. Students are coming to the library from different areas on motorcycles, but the security men at the main gate of the red zone do not allow the students to go to the library on bikes. We, the students, request the authorities of Islamabad to resolve this urgent issue of the students which is very serious.
SAQIB HUSSAIN MUGHERI
Islamabad
Box letter
Suicide is a mental dilemma
According to World Health Organization (WHO) suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Suicide is a rampant phenomenon across the globe. Every day scores of people commit suicide. In Pakistan the rate of suicide was 8.9pc in 2019. However, research and studies show that the one who commits suicide has a mental disorder. But several people commit suicide due to depression, peer pressure, anxiety and multiple others. Lastly, suicide is not the solution rather people should be guided about the bad impact of this dilemma.
ASMA NASIR
Turbat
