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.
Anti-smoking campaign
Bahawalpur’s latest anti-smoking campaign, spearheaded by the Bahawalpur Waste Management Company (BWMC), presents a laudable attempt to cleanse the city’s air and environment. While the BWMC’s commitment to reducing pollution through waste material burning prevention is commendable, the establishment of a committee tasked with enforcing environmental laws, holding traders and residents accountable, and imposing deterrent punishments marks a significant step towards ensuring compliance. Nevertheless, core question remains: why, despite these efforts, has the smog persisted?
The heart of the matter lies in the realm of execution and strategy. Mere enforcement is not enough; it must be accompanied by robust awareness campaigns that penetrate the collective consciousness of the city’s inhabitants. While imposing fines and penalties is necessary, the ultimate goal should be the transformation of mindset and behaviour that have normalised waste burning. As Bahawalpur embarks on this fresh anti-smoking drive, it’s pivotal for the authorities to re-evaluate their messaging techniques. The campaign’s success hinges on its ability to motivate citizens to take ownership of their environment. A comprehensive approach that bridges the gap between regulations and public awareness is essential.
Furthermore, as the campaign gains momentum, it’s worth contemplating the role of community engagement. While public awareness walks and gatherings are indeed steps in the right direction, the campaign’s longevity will depend on the ongoing participation of citizens. Building a sense of responsibility and ownership within the community is a vital aspect that should be woven into the fabric of the initiative. Bahawalpur’s anti-smoking campaign is not just about reducing pollution; it’s about cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship.
The city’s quest for clean air is not insurmountable, but it requires an unwavering commitment to evolve, adapt and learn from the past. Smoking in public transport and public places strictly prohibited and on spot fine should be imposed on the smoker. Smoking is not only injurious to smoker but pollute the surrounding area besides surrounding causing hazardous to non-smokers as well.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Google doodle spotlight
I love Google Doodles, especially when they acknowledge Pakistan’s achievements and relate their search engine to things related to Pakistan but sadly, this time I had some different feelings. To be honest I felt sheepish when on my land’s 76th Independence Day, I saw a tooth-whaled dolphin as a Google doodle.
In the midst of thousands of ongoing events across the country, the international technology company Google search engine grabbed my attention. Google has a tradition of presenting doodles on important cultural and national days of different countries around the world.
Like every year, Google presented a unique doodle on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day. This time it showed the ‘Blind Dolphin’ of the Indus River. Google is written in a green stripe at the bottom of the doodle. When the doodle is clicked, fireworks appear on your screen, befitting the celebration of independence.
Additionally, the flag of Pakistan is also drawn. Google wished Pakistani users on Independence Day by writing, “Happy Independence Day, Pakistan. This annual doodle artwork depicts a species of toothed whale that is native to Pakistan’s Indus River. It is a local dolphin. Wherever Google is seen in the world, its doodle was the ‘Blind Dolphin’ of the Indus River and Pakistanis. It will be seen decorated with the flag and this is embarrassing on so many levels, as Pakistan bears responsibility for the challenges faced by the Indus River Dolphins due to various human activities and practices.
UNZILA TAHIR HUDA
Karachi
Training teachers
In the 21st century, a teacher’s role has changed from that of ‘a sage in the class’ to ‘a facilitator’ who creates a conducive environment for students’ learning. Because teachers in public sector educational institutions do not play the role of a facilitator, they are often criticized for their teacher-centric pedagogy, their focus on content and not staying up-to-date. Therefore, upskilling public sector teachers comes as a suggestion time and again. While the suggestion is absolutely pertinent, upskilling the teachers is impossible without addressing the ground realities.
The first reality is the lack of funds. With meagre budget of 1.7% of GDP, only a magic wand can equip teachers with modern pedagogical and digital skills. Due to low budget, either senior teachers are less qualified professionals or hired as trainers. Moreover, often times the trainers are not provided with necessary resources, particularly stationery, for the training sessions.
Another reality is the lack of research. When these teacher training programs are planned and executed, no prior research is conducted. Trainings must be preceded by needs assessment and succeeded by follow-up research. The former gives an idea of what kind of training is required and the latter gives insights into the impact of training on ground i.e. classroom. Since no prior research is conducted, the trainings are general for all subject teachers. Thus, training sessions fail to bring significant improvement in classroom teaching practices as per the nature of subjects.
KAMRAN AKHTAR
Sukkur
Box letter
Significance of education
Education, as a fundamental pillar of progress, empowerment and societal advancement, holds a pivotal role, particularly within the context of our rapidly changing global landscape. The multifaceted importance of education is deeply rooted in its ability to shape individuals, communities and entire nations. At its core, education empowers individuals with knowledge and critical thinking skills, enabling them to make informed decisions, adapt to dynamic challenges, and foster personal growth. In a world inundated with information, education equips individuals with the tools to navigate complex issues and distinguish between credible sources and misinformation. Beyond personal development, education assumes a central role in driving economic prosperity. A well-educated workforce is a catalyst for innovation, productivity and sustainable economic growth. By equipping individuals with specialized skills and competency, education enhances employability, leading to better job opportunities and contributing to reduced unemployment rates. As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, education serves as a cornerstone for preparing individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.
FAHAD ISHFAQ
Lahore
