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Electricity bills
I am writing to express my concerns regarding significant increase in electricity bills. One of the primary reasons for increase in electricity bills is rising cost of energy production. Additionally, as we move toward greener energy, initial investments in renewable energy sources, while beneficial in the long run, contribute to higher costs in short term.
Government policies also play a role in this situation. The increased demand for electricity, driven by factors like population growth and rising use of electronic devices, further strains our energy infrastructure and necessitates further investment. To overcome issue of rising electricity bills, it’s essential to focus on energy efficiency, regulatory oversight and support for vulnerable households. Encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances and home improvements can reduce overall consumption. Governments and regulatory bodies should ensure that any rate increases by utility companies are justified and not driven by excessive profit motives.
AQSA ROHAIL
Attock
Motorcycles and gender norms
Motorcycles are merely as means for transportation, offering efficiency and ease in daily commutes. In many regions, they symbolize freedom and independence. However, in Paki-stan, motorcycles represent more than just a means of getting from one place to another. They have become symbols of gendered restrictions and societal expectations, particularly when it comes to women.
In Pakistani culture, motorcycles are often deemed unsuitable for women. This belief re-flects a broader resistance to changing traditional gender roles, with many perceiving motor-cycles as inherently masculine, linked to speed, mechanical prowess and a lifestyle perceived as inappropriate for women. Despite significant advancements in other aspects of life, these outdated perceptions persist, preventing women from fully participating in this aspect of modern mobility.
One notable effort to challenge these norms was the Women on Wheels project, launched by the Punjab Government in 2018. The initiative aimed to empower women by providing them with pink motorcycles and training them to ride. The goal was to break down stereo-types and make motorcycle riding accessible to women. However, the impact of this program was limited. The initiative was short-lived and faced numerous challenges. Many of the mo-torcycles ended up being misused by male family members, undermining the program’s ob-jectives. The limited duration of the project and the cultural resistance it encountered high-light the deep-rooted issues preventing women from embracing motorcycle riding.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Impact of TikTok
TikTok is widely recognized for its entertainment value but has significant impact on our lives. It can negatively affect the youth by fostering laziness and distraction. Often considered a waste of time, TikTok captures users’ attention with its engaging content, leading to excessive screen time and a decline in academic performance. Students may struggle to maintain a productive study environment, resulting in poor grades and in-creased stress, which in severe cases can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.
I have personally experienced these issues, as TikTok has significantly impacted my academic performance and overall well-being. The platform’s addictive nature con-tributes to mental health issues and bullying. Therefore, I urge the authorities to con-sider banning TikTok to prevent further harm to the careers and futures of our young generation.
Zainab Islam
Karachi
Any therapy against violence!
Alarming rise in cases of violence against women demands that our society needs therapy. Women are considered the most dignified gender yet we are observing an alarming surge in cases that not only affects our country but also neighbouring India. Kolkata doctor case is very disturbing. Domestic and psychological violence against women is continuously rising, and women are continuously being targeted. Still, women are fighting for their rights, even if it’s a decision about their education or marriage, they are defending themselves whether it comes to their official attire at their working place.
Unfortunately, there are very few women who can raise a voice, but why can’t our society allow them to live without fear? Why do women still have to struggle for their lives? Why don’t they have security outside their home at their workplace, on streets or in public places? Some cases remind us that they aren’t even safe at their home, it is only because of our societal attitudes. Our cultures require rehabilitation, and rigorous laws should be enacted to ensure that no one considers engaging in such demeaning behaviour. Women are valuable members of society so respect your mother, sister, wife, daughter, as well as others and honour them. Treat others women with respect, and your women will be respected too.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana, Sindh
Refreshing nap
Earlier napping was considered as a sign of laziness but that is not a justifiable statement. Newly scientific researches have turned up the fact that naps are good for physical as well as cognitive health and in addition it prevents brain aging too. That’s why global tech giants like Google, Samsung, Meta are providing cabins to their employees for napping. Reason behind is to boost up productivity.
Duration of nap should be around twenty minutes. If one is taking too many naps it means he is not getting sufficient sleep, because naps are not a substitute of a sound night sleep. SHEHZEENA GULL
Sukkur, Sindh
HEC policy
I am a student of BS English at NUML University Islamabad. The recent policy of HEC is bothering us owing to adding math courses for BS English students. If we students are studying in faculty of arts, then what is the use of math and statistics in our faculty? Even though we are not from engineering backgrounds, it is true that particularly students of medical backgrounds come to this field after their chances lost from MDCAT or other medical fields.
As such, students of medical backgrounds who come across math in the course of BS English face very many hurdles and lose interest in why they are being taught math in the course of BS English. When students argue with the teacher answer is HEC has devised new policy for universities that students of every department should be taught basic math. Doing so students come up with less GPA and percentages due to failing in math, statistics, or passing with fewer numbers in the semester. I urge HEC to eliminate this course for students of BS English and other social sciences.
SADAM HUSSAIN
Ghotki, Sindh
