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.
Killing of Sikhs in Canada!
India comprises minorities such as Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, Jains, and Dalits. The partition of the subcontinent in 1947 is viewed by some as justified, as Hindu extremists forced minorities to fight for their separate homelands. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has also declared that India is intolerant and oppressive towards minorities. Although Muslims were able to establish their own homeland, other minorities still continue to struggle for their liberation. The Sikh community, to whom Gandhi promised a separate state in 1947, remains at the forefront of this fight.
After destruction of Golden temple in 1984, a large number of Sikhs migrated to North America, Australia, United Kingdom and Canada. Certainly, Canada is now home to the largest Sikh population outside India – 800,000+ people. India has repeatedly reminded Canada to take action against Sikhs who support Khalistan, but so far, these efforts have not succeeded.
The recent standoff between terrorist India and Canada arose when Canada alleged that New Delhi was/is potentially behind the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This information was provided by “Five Eyes” an intelligence-sharing alliance of United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand respectively. So, this case is now another litmus test for so-called Western democracies, for declaring India as – International Terrorist!
The plight of minorities in India is now an open secret. Muslims who choose to stay in India often feel compelled to say that today’s so-called ‘secular’ India has no place for other beliefs. Sikhism is the “3rd largest religion in India”. It existed for 548+ years back yet, not succeeded for separate state – Why? Their holiest shrine, the ‘Golden Temple,’ was severely damaged in 1984 by the Indian Army during ‘Operation Blue Star,’ during which thousands of Sikhs were killed. Enough is enough. The freedom for the separation of a Sikh state, ‘Khalistan,’ could not be thwarted by the killing of this community by Modi & Co through RAW. Instead, it gained momentum towards separation after the killing of Sikhs in Canada (note it)!”
M AZAM MINHAS
Tatrinote, AK
Poor education system
Pakistan is the only country where education system consistently grapples with various weaknesses. Two prominent and competitive tests within the Pakistani education system are recognized as the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) exam and the MBBS exam.
Every year, the FPSC administers a competitive exam known as the Central Superior Services (CSS) exam to recruit officers at the initial stage of Pakistan’s Civil Service. The eligibility requirement for this test is a graduation from a university duly recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The results of the latest CSS examination, announced on 18th September, highlight the quality of higher education institutions in Pakistan. In this examination, a total of at least 20,000 candidates attempted the written portion, out of whom only 393 candidates, or 1.94 percent, passed the test.
Subsequently, the FPSC has consistently raised concerns about the inadequate state of education in the country over several years. One of its reports indicates that many candidates lacked proficiency in elementary mathematics. The report further points out those students were not even familiar with basic compass directions. Almost all of its reports lament the absence of analytical skills among the candidates, who often resort to rote memorization.
It’s important to note that the issues extend beyond the CSS examination, encompassing poor graduate quality from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This inadequacy is also reflected in the performance of Pakistani students in international assessment tests. To address the persistent weaknesses in Pakistan’s education system, urgent reforms are needed to enhance the quality of higher education institutions, focusing on promoting critical thinking, analytical skills and a deeper understanding of fundamental subjects.
TABISH FEROZ
Lahore
Protect mangrove
Mangroves are a key part of the climate resilience toolkit, acting as natural barriers to protect shorelines from erosion. However, the mangroves of the Indus Delta, which constitute the largest arid climate mangrove forest in the world, are unfortunately suffering irreparable damage due to commercial purposes. Mangroves, as the guardians of nature, play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity and contributing to the overall ecological balance of our planet.
The alarming reduction of mangroves in Karachi is a grave concern. The area has shrunk from 2,000 hectares in 2010 to 1,800 hectares today, mainly due to land allocation. This situation necessitates urgent and robust law enforcement to safeguard these invaluable mangroves. A multifaceted approach is needed to educate people about the value of this ecosystem in supporting their livelihoods and protecting them from natural disasters.
ZAIM ARIF
Turbat
Box letter
Cyber safety
I am writing to draw the attention of higher authorities to cyber safety. Despite the advantages of social media, it has destroyed most of the children’s lives. It poses new threats and challenges for the people. Nowadays, a concerning number of children are involved in Cyber safety. Furthermore, nearly 40% of Pakistani women experience some form of cyber bullying but only 28% of them reported it. I urge the authorities to take urgent action to address this dreadful issue.
FOZIA HAMEED
Karachi
