Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Inclusive education initiative
I am writing this piece to convey my sincere gratitude for the recent government initiative to establish transgender-specific schools, thus taking a big step towards equality and inclusivity for every member of our society. All people, regardless of gender identity, should have access to education as it is a fundamental right. It is admirable that schools designed specifically for transgender students have been established; this will help dismantle barriers and promote acceptance. It not only closes the educational gaps but also fosters understanding and social integration. The government is demonstrating strong support by establishing areas where transgender children can learn in a setting that values and accepts their identity. These kinds of programmes not only strengthen the transgender community but also improve society as a whole by promoting diversity and lowering prejudice. Seeing our government work proactively to guarantee that all citizens, regardless of gender identity, have access to high-quality education is encouraging. This action makes our country a shining example of inclusivity and progress since it upholds the values of equality and human rights. I support the State’s project and hope that it will provide motivation for future efforts to create a society that is more inclusive and equal.
BUSHRA FARRUKH
RAWALPINDI
Climate crisis
I have a pressing issue to discuss that has created multiple difficulties for the citizens of Pakistan: climate change. It has become a paramount concern in Pakistan and has brought various diseases into human lives. The main contributors to climate change are deforestation, burning of oil, fossil fuels and the unnecessary use of certain products. This is due to the effectiveness of our greenhouse gases.
Climate change has a significant impact on people and causes environmental degradation, affecting global issues and much more. Unfortunately, authorities have not adequately addressed this alarming matter. Pakistan has been ranked number one worldwide for climate change. Regrettably, this matter has been overlooked by authorities rapidly. It is, therefore, a request to the authorities to seriously consider this matter.
RAHAT NAZEER
Quetta
Water woes
I write to express my deep concern over the severe water shortage crisis that has plagued Karachi and various regions of Pakistan. This issue demands immediate attention and comprehensive policy making to ensure the wellbeing of our citizens and the sustainable development of our communities. Karachi, the largest and most populous city in Pakistan, is facing an unprecedented water crisis.
Residents endure long hours without access to clean and safe drinking water, leading to dire consequences for public health, sanitation and the overall quality of life. This crisis not only affects households but also hampers economic growth and industrial activities in the region. The primary causes of this water scarcity are mismanagement, inefficient distribution and depletion of water resources due to over-extraction.
Climate change and population growth exacerbate this problem, making it imperative for the government to take immediate action. It is crucial that our leaders take immediate action to address this water shortage crisis, as it affects the fundamental rights and wellbeing of our citizens. We must work together to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for Karachi and Pakistan as a whole.
AYESHA NOOR
Karachi
Underage driving
Underage driving seems to be very dangerous and might be difficult for kids to drive suitably. It creates many difficulties in controlling the car while it is going at 100 speed. Driving requires a licence to drive a car but in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan due to not having a licence each month a huge population of people lose their precious lives. Unfortunately, the government has not adequately addressed this alarming matter on time. This rule must be present in Pakistan because it seems very dangerous if kids are driving while they are underage. The main symbol of the spread of road accidents is not following the rules. The matter has been overlooked by authorities completely. In a recent accident in Lahore, a family lost six lives when a child was driving a car. He wouldn’t have the licence due to which they lost their lives. The government has to stop underage driving in every area of Pakistan.
Marwa Shah
Lahore
Justice at last!
The historical verdict of the Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhujan turning down the decision of the BJP-led Gujarat Government to release the eleven hardcore criminals in the Bilkis Bano case, charged with rape and murder of many in the 2002 Gujarat pogrom, is a moral victory for all Indians with conscience and those who treat women with respect and all those who have democratic values in their blood. It is with such a shameful audacity and rank arrogance that the Gujarat Government preferred to release the criminals on our 75th Independence Day.
What an insult to our nation! Moreover, it is shameful that the saffron government at the centre had given its concurrence for the release of the hardcore murderous goons, as confirmed by the Gujarat Government to the Supreme Court. The verdict pronounced with very pungent remarks by the learned judges of the Bench, no doubt, is a hard knock on the heads of both, the Government in Gujarat as well as the BJP-led Central Government, particularly the Home Ministry, headed by Amit Shah.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
