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Election 2024
I am writing to share my reflections on the just-concluded elections in Pakistan and to shed light on a matter of great concern—youth involvement in shaping the country’s future.
The 2024 elections have highlighted various issues, including political dynamics and economic challenges. One crucial concern is the limited engagement of youth in the electoral process. Despite being a significant part of the population, youth encounter barriers to participation, such as apathy and structural limitations. The limited involvement of youth in the political landscape has significant consequences. It impedes the diverse representation essential for a robust democracy and overlooks the unique perspectives, innovative ideas and energy they bring. Sidelining the youth risks missing out on their potential as catalysts for positive change. Additionally, an apathetic youth population may lead to disconnection and disillusionment with the democratic process, leaving their concerns unheard. Active engagement of youth is crucial to providing them a platform to contribute to policy discussions and decision-making processes, essential for the country’s thriving future. The way forward: To address this issue, concerted efforts are needed to empower and engage the youth in the political arena. Initiatives such as educational programs on civic responsibility, workshops on political literacy, and platforms for open dialogues between young individuals and political leaders can pave the way for meaningful youth participation.
Moreover, leveraging technology and social media to disseminate information and encourage civic engagement can be instrumental. Political parties, civil society organizations and educational institutions must collaborate to create an inclusive environment where the youth feel heard, valued and an integral part of shaping Pakistan’s future.
As we reflect on the outcomes of the 2024 elections, let us collectively advocate for a more inclusive and participatory democracy, one that embraces the diversity and potential of the youth.
Hajira Ammar
Via email
Reshaping power dynamics
The recent electoral landscape in Pakistan witnessed a decisive triumph for the Paki-stan People’s Party (PPP) in Sindh, underscored by their robust campaigning and fer-vently engaged supporters. PPP’s success and Bilawal’s lead from his three seats in other regions attests to the efficacy of their extensive groundwork, introducing a para-digm shift in the traditional political narrative. The unexpected decline of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) raises eyebrows, marking a departure from their traditional standing. Bilawal Bhutto’s potential ascension to the premiership is intrigu-ing. His commendable management as a foreign affairs official underscores his capa-bility.
This unwavering commitment to perpetuating the legacies of his grandfather and mother, coupled with a palpable determination, augurs well for heralding positive metamorphosis.
The perceived fairness of these elections, with minimal reported con-flicts during polls, is a welcome development. As the political terrain evolves, Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership holds the potential to inaugurate a transformative epoch of pro-gress and development for the nation.
AREEBA ALTAF KANASRO
LARKANA
Road crisis
The roads in Turbat, Balochistan, are in a dire state, necessitating urgent attention. They are riddled with cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces, rendering them nearly impassable for both pedestrians and vehicles. This deterioration not only poses significant safety risks to road users but also disrupts daily commutes, hindering mobility for residents. Moreover, these dilapidated roads impede commerce and transportation, impacting the local economy and making it difficult for emergency services like ambulances to reach their destinations promptly, potentially endangering lives.
Addressing this road crisis in Turbat is paramount. Urgent repairs and maintenance work are essential to restore safe and functional roads for the community. Adequate funding, skilled labour and effective project management are crucial to tackle this issue promptly and ensure better mobility and safety for Turbat’s residents.
Forgotten Awaran
Awaran stands out as one of the most neglected and backward districts in Balochistan. According to Alif Ailaan’s Education Rankings, it languishes at 137th out of 142 districts. Moreover, reports from the Pakistan National Human Development indicate a troubling Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.173, the lowest in the country.
The district is plagued by dysfunctional schools, exacerbating its status as the most illiterate district in the country. This dire situation puts the future of its inhabitants in jeopardy. Through this piece, I urge all stakeholders, especially the provincial education authorities, to come together and devise a strategy aimed at revitalizing the district’s education system.
Zeeshan Nasir
Awaran
Understanding anxiety
Anxiety, a common human experience triggered by stress or perceived threats, affects people of all ages and backgrounds. While it’s a natural response serving as an internal alarm system, it can become overwhelming, causing distress. Recognizing its signs, like increased heart rate and emotional indicators such as dread, is crucial. Understanding its ubiquity helps individuals navigate its challenges. By acknowledging it, seeking support and implementing coping strategies, people can manage anxiety effectively, preventing it from overwhelming their lives. Managing anxiety involves adopting coping strategies that work for each individual. This may include practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to ground oneself in the present moment, expressing emotions through activities like art journaling or talking to trusted individuals, and establishing daily routines to provide structure and predictability. Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can also be beneficial in navigating anxiety’s challenges. Understanding anxiety as a natural part of life is the first step towards effectively managing it.
Shadri Akhtar
Turbat
