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Raisi’s visit
to Pakistan
The recent visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan has sparked expectation regarding its impact on bilateral relations and regional dynamics. President Ebrahim Raisi’s diplomatic outreach underscores the significance of fostering stronger ties between the two neighbouring nations. The visit had potential implications on economic collaboration, regional stability, energy cooperation and cultural exchanges.
Economic cooperation stands as a cornerstone of discussions during President Raisi’s visit. Collaborative efforts in sectors such as energy, trade and investment could lead to mutual economic growth and stability. Moreover, both countries have a vested interest in promoting peace and security in the region, particularly in Afghanistan.
Strengthening diplomatic ties can pave the way for enhanced cooperation in addressing common security threats and fostering regional peace. In addition, Iran possessing vast energy resources and Pakistan facing energy shortages, there exists a significant opportunity for collaboration in the energy sector.
Projects such as the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline (commonly known as the Peace Pipeline) hold the potential to address Pakistan’s energy needs and deepen bilateral ties. Lastly, initiatives aimed at promoting cultural exchanges and tourism can further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation.
In conclusion, the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan presents a significant opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and address shared challenges. By focusing on economic collaboration, regional stability, energy cooperation and cultural exchanges, both nations can unlock new avenues for mutual benefit and contribute to peace and prosperity in the region.
DANYAL HABIB
Islamabad
Student’s death
On 16 April, an incident occurred in Quaid-e-Azam University. A female PhD student passed away due to a heart attack during a seminar. This was not simply a health issue, its effects were exaggerated due to the negligence of the administration of the university. No ambulance could be arranged for 30 minutes as the student suffered. Students condemn the action of the QAU administration. This incident is a reminder of how rotten our education system is; students are deprived of basic facilities such as healthcare and housing. The medical facility of the university in this case lacked medical facilities and a specialist staff which became direct factors leading to the student’s death. It is the university administration’s negligence due to which these facilities were unavailable. This highlights how the university misallocates funds, these funds which are to be used for providing the students with much needed facilities are instead used up by the administration elsewhere.
Now the university people have nothing but regret. And there is an eyewitness to all these accidents.
SYED LARAIB HASSAN
D I Khan
Hidden talent
I am writing to bring attention to the extraordinary singing talents tucked away in the heart of Balochistan, particularly in the picturesque city of Gwadar, Pakistan. Among these remarkable individuals is Tariq, a proud member of a Baloch family, whose recent surge in popularity on social media serves as a testament to depth of talent within region.
Tariq’s journey embodies the struggles faced by many gifted children in Balochistan. Born into modest circumstances, he lacks the financial means to pursue formal education. Despite these adversities, his passion for singing remains undaunted. Tariq harbors dreams of honing his talent and reaching new heights, but he requires support to turn his aspirations into reality.
It is imperative that the government acknowledges and nurtures these budding talents. By investing in the development of young singers like Tariq, we not only showcase Pakistan’s cultural richness to the world but also create avenues for economic empowerment. Much like the acclaimed Indian Idol program, which sponsors and nurtures numerous talents in India, Pakistan needs a similar platform to foster its own pool of gifted individuals.
Neglecting to support these emerging talents from Balochistan could result in the loss of potential future ambassadors representing Pakistan on the global stage. Therefore, it is crucial that we establish mechanisms to allow these individuals to flourish and contribute to the nation’s vibrant artistic landscape.
FAISAL MURAD
Malir, Karachi
Box letter
Illiteracy doldrums
The current literacy rate of Pakistan stands at 62.3%, indicating that approximately 60 million people are illiterate. This places the country at a disadvantage, as illiteracy acts as a barrier to progress, shrouding the path ahead. It fosters undemocratic practices; for instance, people are often chosen based on their ethnic and linguistic affiliations rather than their ideological merit. Consequently, meritocracy takes a backseat in societies plagued by illiteracy. Furthermore, illiteracy fuels various social maladies, including corruption. Presently, Pakistan ranks 140 out of 180 in the Corruption Perception Index, largely because illiterate individuals struggle to hold their leaders accountable. However, by nurturing a culture of education, we can dispel the shadows cast by illiteracy.
MARIA ZULFIQAR
Islamabad
