Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Amendments in passport rules
The federal government’s recent decision to amend passport rules is a commendable move aimed at enhancing public convenience and streamlining the application process. Under the previous regulations, citizens were required to obtain passports exclusively from the passport office located in their respective districts. This restriction created significant challenges for individuals who had relocated to different districts or cities, often for employment or other reasons. The new amendments will allow citizens to apply for passports from any city, regardless of their district of residence, thereby alleviating a major source of inconvenience.
This modification is particularly beneficial for those who have moved away from their home districts in search of better job opportunities or educational prospects. Previously, these individuals had to travel back to their home districts to apply for a passport, which could be both time-consuming and costly. The new rule will simplify this process, making it more accessible and reducing the logistical burdens on citizens.
However, while the amendment addresses a crucial aspect of passport issuance, it is essential for the government to also tackle the persistent issue of delays in passport printing. Reports from May indicated that the backlog in passport printing had exceeded 800,000, and this figure has likely increased over the past few months.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Pakistan
needs action
The current monsoon spell is wreaking havoc on our country once again, but does anyone pay attention to it? No, because politicians are busy doing politics, no one is thinking that if we don’t take effective measures, right now we will suffer a lot because this is the time to make efforts. The situation is under control, and even if now they don’t pay attention to it, then once again Pakistan will pay a heavy price for that. And the country will face shortage of food, medicine and other essentials, and then again we will ask for help from other countries.
For God’s sake, leave politics now, pay attention to the country and its people, don’t make the nation suffer again from huge losses and don’t create a situation where we need to beg for financial aid from other countries. Act now, and let’s work together to mitigate this disaster.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Dwindling student culture
I WAS terribly shocked to see the recent reports of students wielding weapons like a knife in public places and schools. First off, a few students were found to be bringing a knife to school in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, India to attack their teacher who scolded them for their poor academic performance.
What the heck! How come students could think of attacking their teacher with a knife? True, factors like fast-growing digital advances and wide exposure to the outside world through various digital platforms, including YouTube, usually make a huge impact on students – negatively and positively as well. Carried away by wide digital exposure, students can easily resort to such unmindful and dangerous acts as wielding weapons fearlessly.
I interacted with students in a friendly manner and instilled into them the power and importance of education in the world during my days of working as an English trainer in a few renowned institutes. So teachers should mend their way to teach their students in a friendly way.
Second, in Chennai, a group of students recently created a nuisance by wielding weapons during the birthday celebrations in a public transport facility. In my opinion, this type of student culture has long been widespread in certain pockets of Chennai [even much before the dawn of the digital era]. Such cultural conundrums must be nipped in the bud.
In the West, the US has still been grappling with the so-called gun culture that has claimed numerous precious human lives so far. It is time to handle such a dangerous student culture with an iron hand. Police should issue a prior warning about severe action through the media to stop the errant students from indulging in unlawful activities in public and at educational institutions.
P SENTHIL S DURAI
India
Fruitful reforestation
On Wednesday, August 20, 2024, I came across an article by Dr. Farooq Adil in the Pakistan Observer that resonated deeply with me, prompting me to write this piece.
The government’s initiative on planting new trees is undoubtedly one of the most commendable steps taken in recent times. This effort is crucial for combating environmental challenges such as climate change, air pollution and deforestation. However, while the focus on planting trees is admirable, the initiative could be further enhanced by prioritizing the plantation of fruit-bearing trees alongside shade-providing ones. This approach would not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also offer long-term economic and nutritional benefits for future generations.
Planting fruit trees would provide multiple advantages. Firstly, they would continue to offer the environmental benefits of traditional trees, such as carbon sequestration, soil erosion prevention, and the creation of habitats for wildlife. Additionally, these trees would yield fruits, contributing to food security and offering a sustainable source of nutrition. For communities in rural areas, where access to fresh fruits may be limited, this could make a significant difference in their daily diets and overall health.
For Pakistan, a country where agriculture plays a significant role in the economy, the integration of fruit trees into reforestation programs could be a game-changer. It would align with the government’s broader goals of economic development and environmental protection.
Moreover, this initiative could help instill a sense of responsibility and ownership in the community, encouraging people to take care of the trees, knowing they will reap tangible rewards in the future. To conclude, while the government’s current tree-planting initiative is highly commendable, expanding it to include fruit-bearing trees would amplify its benefits, ensuring that future generations inherit a greener, healthier, and more prosperous Pakistan.
ROYYAM SAQIB
Islamabad
