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Road safety for all
As a student living in Lahore for my higher studies, one thing I frequently notice at signals is the effort of traffic cops to fine (challan) specific sorts of traffic offenders. They routinely stop Chinchi rickshaws, overweight vehicles and motorcyclists who do not wear helmets or have three individuals riding on the same bike. This is a significant step towards public safety, demonstrating that traffic officers are working to make the roadways safer.
However, one thing that constantly puzzles me is how the same traffic cops ignore family motorcyclists. Many people ride without helmets with their families, which often include multiple persons including children. These children are more vulnerable to accidents. However, the cops do not appear to stop or fine them. This poses critical questions. Why aren’t family motorbike riders subject to the same safety standards? Why aren’t these high-risk motorcyclists, particularly those with children, asked to observe the helmet rule?
This selective enforcement of traffic laws raises questions about road safety. Helmets are critical for protecting motorcyclists from catastrophic injuries, especially kids, who are more vulnerable. Ignoring this endangers their lives and undermines our efforts to improve road safety.
I respectfully request that the Punjab traffic police and city traffic authority pay heed to this matter. Road safety standards should apply equally to everyone, whether they are riding alone or with their family. We can make our roads safer for everyone by requiring that all riders, especially family motorcyclists, wear helmets.
MOIN AHMED AWAN
Kandhkot, Sindh
The return
of Trump
With former President Donald Trump back in the political spotlight, there is a renewed discussion on how his potential return to the White House could impact international relations, particularly for countries like Pakistan. During his previous term, Trump’s foreign policy made a lasting impact on South Asia and the broader global stage, often favouring national interests while making unpredictable moves.
Trump’s relationship with Pakistan and the then Prime Minister Imran Khan was friendly on the surface, but many believe it was a relationship of convenience. Trump’s primary goal was to exit Afghanistan and he saw an opportunity to use Pakistan’s influence to negotiate with the Taliban. Once the US was out of Afghanistan, however, his Administration showed little continued interest in Pakistani issues. This pattern suggests that Trump’s foreign relations may have been shaped more by short-term objectives than by any true alliance or mutual benefit.
Looking at Trump’s previous policies, we see a trend of American isolationism and sanctions, particularly against nations like Iran. With sanctions tightened under Trump’s leadership, Iran faced economic hardship and was further isolated in the region. If Trump returns to office, Pakistan should prepare for similar hardline policies, especially since Biden’s Administration already continues to maintain tough stances in the region.
Furthermore, Trump’s strong support of Israel adds to the complexities, especially concerning the Palestinian issue. His Administration took unprecedented steps in favour of Israel, which could worsen the situation for Palestinians and increase tensions in the Middle East if these policies continue. If history is any guide, Trump’s leadership may bring a tough, self-centred US foreign policy, leaving Pakistan with little hope for genuine support or partnership. The world, including Pakistan, may have to brace for a more divided and polarized future under his potential administration.
WASIF KHALIQ DAD
Rawalpindi
Juvenile mental health crisis
According to recent surveys, almost 70% of Pakistani teenagers suffer from anxiety and sadness (UNICEF), a problem that has only gotten worse since the COVID-19 outbreak. High levels of stress are frequently caused by the pressure to perform well academically; according to UNICEF, 55% of students suffer from extreme stress related to their studies, which has a serious negative impact on their mental health. In addition, there are a startlingly low number of mental health resources available—less than 500 psychiatrists serve a population of over 240 million people—leaving many young people without the support they require. These problems were made worse by the COVID-19 epidemic, since records show that during the lockdowns, mental health disorders among children and adolescents increased by 45% (UNICEF). Our children’s mental health was in dire need of immediate attention due to the combination of the disruptions to their education and their seclusion. We must concentrate on incorporating mental health education into school curricula in order to successfully address this epidemic and guarantee that pupils are taught about mental health issues from an early age. Schools should also collaborate with mental health specialists to offer easy accessible counselling services on campus. Campaigns for community awareness can lessen the stigma attached to mental health issues and empower youth to get treatment without worrying about being judged. We can better assist our young people in overcoming their obstacles by creating an atmosphere that places a high priority on mental health. Prioritising mental health awareness and creating supportive infrastructures are vital for both our government and educational institutions.
MEHAR KHAN
Karachi
