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Vanishing volumes
In the present age of AI, Instagram, tiktok and facebook etc, one can barely find a book reader in our society. Books that are considered to be a tremendous source of delight and the best friends of humans have been replaced with technology. Now majority of people find technology more delightful than books. In the past, people would read newspaper and good books to pass and relish their spare time but nowadays people find such joie de vivre in technology. This is doubtlessly a very deplorable sight.
Books are people’s best friends, and the dictum is especially true for the elderly. The ecstatic people in the world are not those who own big villas, luxury cars or lead a lavish lifestyle but those who develop the habit of reading, as books expand knowledge and wisdom, teach love and patience, give courage in difficult times, groom a personality and are a lasting source of deep down peace.
In Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan and the largest in Punjab, libraries are scarce, especially in remote areas like Raiwind. As a resident, I struggle to find books by local and international authors due to the lack of libraries or bookstores. Despite numerous schools and colleges, Raiwind lacks a single library.
Establishing a public library would greatly benefit our community and be welcomed by residents. Given the declining education standards in our country, the government should mandate educational institutions nationwide to host book-reading and essay-writing competitions to enhance students’ skills. Offering prizes would further motivate them. Additionally, establishing public libraries in every city would ensure easier access to knowledge, eliminating the need for long travels. It’s hoped that authorities will address these issues.
M. AHMAD SAJID
Raiwind
Breaking barriers
Having chosen to pursue a degree in Computer Sciences has granted me the opportunity to witness firsthand the multiple barriers that women in STEM face in Pakistan today.
There is no doubt that our pioneers such as Arfa Karim and Dr Atiya Khan have left behind a lasting legacy for inspiring students hoping to excel in STEM fields. However, we still have a long way to go when it comes to appreciating women’s contribution and undeniable aptitude in this field.
I want to take this opportunity to address some of the more pressing issues that girls and women may face if they choose to embark upon this difficult but rewarding career journey. Stereotypically in Pakistan, girls are more likely to be pushed into health fields as opposed to subjects that are generally considered more “technical”.
Due to these preconceived notions and added cultural barriers, when women do finally accomplish this feat, they are met with unsupportive work environment and discriminatory practices that may hinder their progress or growth in the long run.
NATASHA ZAHEER
Lahore
Box letter
Ramifications of technology
In the realm of technology, social media has a pervasive impact on the community. Mustafa Sulaiman in his book ‘’the coming wave’’ refers to the growing technology as a new wave whose different features have a palpable impact on the people.One of the drawbacks of social media and growing technology is ‘’cyber attack’’. These attacks have significant geopolitical implications. According to the Indian Air Force’s basic doctrine, cyber attacks possess low costs and cross invisible boundaries, making them a tool for achieving national objectives. Indian hackers, such as the Patchwork group, have used malware to spy on Pakistani users, including military personnel. In addition to this, the US has accused China of cyber espionage in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, targeting different centres. This accentuates the ramifications of technology. Thus, one must use it without stepping on the banana peels of consequences.
MARIA ZULFIQAR AWAN
Islamabad
