Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Afghan refugees
Pakistan has embarked on a fresh round of deportation of Afghan nationals amid escalating tensions between the two nations. This move comes on the heels of a significant wave of returnees, totalling over half a million individuals. The deportations have worsened pressure on both the Taliban regime and aid agencies striving to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. Among those slated for deportation are numerous girls and women, now facing the grim reality of being deprived of education beyond the sixth grade in Afghanistan. In September 2021, the Taliban government enforced stringent measures, barring girls older than 11 or beyond the sixth grade from pursuing higher education. This latest phase of deportations follows Pakistan’s declaration six months prior to expel what it deems as “illegal foreigners.” The initial phase saw the repatriation of more than 500,000 individuals lacking proper documentation or failing to renew their visas. The current phase targets individuals holding solely Afghan citizenship without valid visas, thus broadening the deportation risk to include holders of the Afghan citizen card—a crucial legal document enabling Afghans to reside and travel within Pakistan. Subsequently, the impending third phase will zero in on holders of proof of residence cards. As tensions persist and deportation efforts escalate, the repercussions on affected Afghan communities become increasingly dire, underscoring the urgent need for concerted international action to address this unfolding crisis. MUHAMMAD ZAID Peshawar
Thinking critically
Culture of ancient Greece stressed mainly on individual liberty and rights. Moreover, this culture promoted diverse opinions and respected different sets of ideas. Port cities of Greece attracted people from remote areas for trade and other purposes. Unsurprisingly, this provided a platform for people who had a keen interest in sharing diverse ideas and challenging existing norms and beliefs. Indeed, truth would come out after conflicting ideas. Undoubtedly, Greek culture was the bedrock in shaping new modern Western societies. Conversely, our Eastern culture quelled different voices that tried to be vocal. Moreover, our part of the land emphasized harmony and peace and respected individuals who revered existing beliefs. Resultantly, the output is crystal clear in illustrating how Western powers incessantly dominated our people and societies. This paradigm shift was due to the fact that Western people accepted their ignorance and sought to find answers to unknown questions. On the other hand, our societies urged that we know the answers to all the mysteries of the universe. The West’s dominance over the East, fuelled by advancements in science and technology, stemmed from their willingness to acknowledge ignorance—a stark contrast to Eastern societies’ aversion to critical thinking. Unfortunately, our failure to learn from past mistakes has left us trailing in scientific achievements. This reluctance to question existing beliefs is perpetuated by societal norms enforced by educators and elders, stifling curiosity and hindering progress. As a result, cultures that champion individual rights and diversity stand apart from those that suppress personal identity and cling to traditional beliefs. TARIQ ALI Kandhkot
Greening Pak energy landscape
Facing a population explosion and a growing industrial sector, Pakistan contends with significant challenges in meeting its energy demand, often exceeding available supply. Historically reliant on traditional methods of energy production, the nation grapples with economic burdens and jeopardizes its long-term objectives. The imperative lies in embracing modern energy solutions to fulfil the nation’s requirements. In recent years, a global momentum towards sustainable energy solutions has emerged. Embracing green energy alternatives offers a promising avenue to tackle Pakistan’s energy woes while mitigating environmental impacts. With abundant sunlight year-round, solar power emerges as a particularly viable option. By investing in solar energy infrastructure, Pakistan can harness this natural resource efficiently and reliably. However, achieving this goal requires a concerted effort involving public-private partnerships, governmental policy shifts, and heightened awareness. Collaboration among governments, businesses, and international partners is essential to incentivize renewable energy projects, streamline regulatory processes, and bolster infrastructure development. In essence, Pakistan must expedite the adoption of modern energy production methods, particularly solar energy, to meet current and future demands. Embracing green energy alternatives can alleviate immediate energy shortages and pave the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy future. By leveraging solar, wind, and water power, Pakistan can chart a course towards sustainable development and prosperity. ALI RAZA Via email
Box letter
Pedestrians’ life matters
Disheartened by the lack of value shown to pedestrians by some reckless drivers, I am compelled to highlight that pedestrians’ life matters. The cost of driver carelessness is staggering, endangering innocent lives at Zebra Crossings. It’s baffling how some drivers neglect pedestrian safety, speeding excessively and struggling to stop in time. We must prioritize responsible driving; one reckless decision can shatter families. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, is affected. Education, enforcement and technological aids are crucial, but they demand a mindset shift. Drivers and pedestrians alike have the right to safety. Every human can be a pedestrian, crossing at clearly labelled crossings. Let’s take a stand, demand better and drive with caution, ensuring every journey ends safely. We should avoid inflicting lasting torment through careless driving. Let’s champion a shift towards a mindset grounded in caution and consideration for pedestrians worldwide. TSITSI MUTANDIRO Harrow
