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Declining education standards
The standard of education at all levels has phenomenally declined, particularly over the past two and a half decades. Unfortunately, education has become a commercial, profit-driven venture in this country. The worst part is that the commercialization of education has made tutors increasingly materialistic, with money taking precedence over everything else. The insatiable desire for more money compels many, particularly visiting faculty, to teach at multiple institutions simultaneously.
Naturally, they cannot do full justice to their vital task of imparting education at any of these institutions. This is indeed a highly detestable situation and must not be permitted to continue under any circumstances. It should be vociferously deplored by all. Those at the helm of governance in this country must take immediate and serious cognizance of this grave issue of immense national significance. No one should be allowed to play with the destiny of this nation, not at any cost.
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad
Concrete chaos in Pakistan
Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore are engulfed by the issue of illegal construction, with housing societies being the primary culprits. As of 2024, there are 9,901 societies in Pakistan, more than half of which are unregistered, highlighting a significant regulatory failure.
Sindh’s 2013 law for specialized courts to address unwarranted construction remains unimplemented due to the influence of powerful and wealthy individuals, leading to unchecked illegal construction. The Pakistani government’s typical response—issuing notices and demolishing unauthorized buildings—addresses symptoms but not the root cause: poor law enforcement. The establishment of special courts in Sindh was a promising step but failed due to poor execution.
In recent years, the government has taken steps to combat illegal construction, but many efforts have stalled midway. A notable example is the crackdown on illegal and additional construction on government-allotted houses in Islamabad.
The ‘Naya Pakistan Housing Program,’ launched by former PM Imran Khan, aimed to address the housing shortage and reduce the need for illegal constructions. However, these efforts alone are insufficient without robust regulatory enforcement.
Singapore’s success in eliminating illegal construction offers valuable lessons. Simplifying and shortening the process of acquiring No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and Land Development Certificates (LDCs) could help reduce unregistered societies, as bureaucratic hurdles often drive individuals to bypass official channels. Additionally, educating the public on reporting illegal construction can empower communities to actively participate in urban development.As Pakistan navigates its path forward, a concerted effort from all stakeholders—government, public and legal bodies—is crucial.
This collaborative approach is vital for transforming the current ‘concrete jungle’ of illegal structures into a well-regulated urban environment.
AREEBA TAHIR
Chawinda
Uptick in
polio cases
Pakistan has reported eight polio cases in the past six months, surpassing last year’s total figure within half a year. The latest cases, one each from Karachi and Balochistan, were reported on Friday, bringing this week’s confirmed cases to three. This marks Karachi’s first poliovirus case this year and the third in Qila Abdullah, Balochistan. Six of this year’s eight cases have originated from Balochistan alone, a concerning trend.
Polio, a highly infectious virus primarily affecting children under five, remains a challenge in Pakistan despite substantial efforts and funding from the Bill Gates Foundation. Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, is now one of the only two countries globally with active polio cases.
Since the launch of Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Programme (PPEP) in 1994, there has been a significant decline in polio cases, from nearly 20,000 in the early 1990s to just eight cases in 2018. However, progress has stagnated recently.
Polio is entirely preventable through vaccination. To achieve a polio-free Pakistan, every child must receive the vaccine. However, many children still miss out due to parental reluctance, often stemming from lack of education. Vaccinating all unvaccinated children requires long-term planning, substantial funding and dedicated efforts from healthcare workers.
AHMAD SAJID
Via email
Box letter
Women empowerment
I am writing to address a crucial issue central to the progress of our society: women’s empowerment. In a world where equality is often discussed but not consistently practiced, it is essential that we continually advocate for and support the empowerment of women across all aspects of life. Women’s empowerment entails providing them with the opportunities and resources necessary to achieve their aspirations fully. This includes breaking down barriers that historically hindered women’s participation in education, the workforce, and leadership roles. By ensuring women have equal access to these opportunities, we foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Education stands as a cornerstone of empowerment. When women are educated, they are better equipped to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities, and drive economic growth. Therefore, it is crucial that we invest in girls’ education and promote lifelong learning for women. Additionally, women must have a voice in decision-making processes at all levels. This necessitates increasing female representation in politics and community leadership roles. Social empowerment holds equal significance. We must actively work to shift cultural norms and attitudes. Empowering women is not merely a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. Studies consistently demonstrate that gender equality leads to more prosperous and resilient societies.
SARFRAZ KHAN
Karachi
