Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Environmental crisis
The pressing environmental crisis, particularly evident in nations like Pakistan, underscores urgent need for immediate and concerted action. Pollution, in its multifaceted forms affecting air, water, and soil poses substantial and far-reaching health hazards to both human populations and delicate balance of ecosystems.
Air pollution, fuelled by a combination of industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions, presents a persistent and escalating threat to public health. The release of hazardous particulate matter, such as dust particles and toxic gases like carbon monoxide and dioxide, inflicts severe respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases upon exposed populations. Furthermore, the unchecked emissions from industrial facilities contribute to degradation of air quality, exacerbating severity of the problem.
In light of these challenges, addressing environmental degradation and mitigating its adverse effects must be accorded highest priority. Sustainable development practices, coupled with robust regulatory frameworks and public awareness campaigns, are indispensable tools in safeguarding health and well-being of current and future generations. By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and collective responsibility, we can pave the way towards a healthier, more resilient planet for all.
Wadeema Hashim
Via email
Letter from beggars
Beggars come in various forms. Some fake injuries and pretend that they are desperate enough to evoke sympathy from public and get money. Some pretend to be new and lost in the city. Some are kidnapped and are forced to beg, and yet others carry just a few months’ old kidnapped babies in their arms. There are also beggars who don’t accept anything less than Rs 10.
This incident took place a few years ago. One day as usual, I stood at a bus stop waiting for my bus to arrive when a man in tattered clothes approached me for alms. Feeling sorry for him, I opened my wallet and gave him a coin of Rs 1. He took it, and then threw it back on my face and said, “Aaj kal ek rupaiya mein kya milta hai? Mujhe kum se kum dus rupaiya de do.” (Now-a-days, what do you get in Rs 1? Give me at least Rs 10).
When I wrote about this incident in ‘Letters to the editor’ column of a local newspaper, I received a letter from Beggars’ Association of India that said, “Rs 10 is the minimum amount one must give to a beggar.” The letter was handwritten in English and it had an address and a rubber stamp of the Beggar’s Association of India on it. After this incident, I vowed never to help beggars but instead give money to a charitable institution or put it as a love offering in church.
Jubel D’Cruz,
Mumbai, India
Higher education
I am writing this to express my deep concerns about alarming challenges that are being faced by higher education system. First of all there is significant lack of access to higher education especially in rural areas due to number of factors such as poverty, unemployment etc.
Another challenge is quality of education, as teaching methods used in higher education are out dated. There is a mismatch between skills taught and skills required by an employer and that has led to an alarming level of unemployment in the country. Corruption is a major problem in higher education that can manifest in number of ways such as bribery and nepotism. The last but not least sectarian violence is also a challenge that is affecting universities to work properly and effectively as many universities are closed due to security issues and students are targeted in violence. These factors are creating an environment that is not conductive to learning so as a concerned citizen and student, I request government to take necessary actions to create better environment for gaining education.
ZAINAB TANVEER
Rawalpindi
Drug abuse
Drug abuse has become widespread, causing immense harm not only to individuals but also to families and communities. Lives are being lost, and many are suffering from mental health issues and depression as a result of drug addiction.
The impact of drug addiction extends far beyond individuals directly involved. Families are torn apart and communities are destabilised by devastating effects of drug abuse. Meanwhile, drug dealers profit from the misery they inflict, leading luxurious lives while others suffer. I urge government to take immediate and decisive action to address this crisis. It is imperative to implement stringent measures to stop the flow of drugs and crack down on drug dealers.
ZARA TARIQ
Turbat, Balochistan
Water
shortage
Water is a fundamental resource for all living beings on earth. Yet our bustling city is currently facing a dire water shortage. Water shortage also has severe implications for public health and hygiene. Limited access to clean water increases risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera.
Government and local authorities should construct more water reservoirs, improve water distribution networks and also act on water purification and conservation programmes. It is our collective responsibility to use water efficiently and prevent wastage as responsible citizen.
HIRA SALEEM
Rawalpindi
