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Stability in jeopardy
Since the elections, Pakistan’s politics has been on a rollercoaster, with continuous instability hindering the country’s ability to achieve sustainable growth. When the economy shows signs of stability, political turbulence disrupts progress, creating a cycle where both cannot be managed simultaneously. International bodies have often raised concerns about human rights violations in Pakistan, yet the ongoing inhumane genocide in Gaza and Palestine receives insufficient global attention.
Pakistan has witnessed numerous protests that not only harm the nation but also impact its citizens’ daily lives. Frequent road closures and disruptions caused by political demonstrations have exacerbated public suffering. The youth, instead of focusing on their future, are being misused in politics, working for political leaders at a time when they should be building their own lives. Is this truly in their best interest? Continuous unrest has shattered the peace of ordinary people, with protests rarely yielding constructive results.
Negotiations and dialogue are the only paths to sustainable and positive outcomes. Riots and protests serve no purpose other than creating further chaos. Since the elections, these disruptions have become a repetitive cycle, leaving the people frustrated and exhausted.
Meanwhile, the country faces mounting challenges, including uncontrollable smog, terrorism, economic difficulties, IMF constraints and political instability. How can the nation bear all these burdens at once? It is high time political parties put an end to blame games, instigation and provocation, which only lead to severe consequences.
Instead of dwelling on the past, parties must move forward and present viable solutions to strengthen parliamentary democracy. A professional and respectful demeanor is crucial, avoiding disruptive behaviors that hinder constructive dialogue. Only through unity, cooperation and insightful reforms can Pakistan hope to achieve stability and progress.
Areeba Altaf
Sindh
Education costs & family strain
I am writing to shed light on an issue that is placing an increasing burden on families across Pakistan: the high cost of education and the resulting academic pressure. Education, once regarded as a basic right and a path to a brighter future, has now become a source of stress and financial strain for many families. In recent years, the cost of education has surged across all levels, from primary schooling to higher education. Tuition fees, along with additional expenses such as uniforms, books, transportation, and extracurricular activities, have escalated to the point where quality education has become inaccessible for many. Even middle-income families are forced to make significant sacrifices to ensure their children can attend reputable schools.
Moreover, the high cost of education brings with it a significant academic pressure on students. Parents, having invested a large portion of their income, often expect outstanding academic performance from their children. This expectation, combined with an increasingly competitive educational environment, leads to immense stress for students. They are burdened with the fear of not meeting these expectations, which can negatively impact their mental health and overall well-being.
It is essential for policymakers to address these issues to ease the burden on families and allow children to pursue education in a stress-free environment. Introducing subsidized educational programs, regulating private school fees, and increasing government investment in public schools are crucial steps toward making quality education accessible and affordable.
SYEDA NAMEERA HASAN
Karachi
Workplace harassment laws
Pakistan’s Protection of Women Against Harassment at Workplace Act, 2010, requires revision to effectively address the pervasive issue of workplace harassment. Despite existing legislation, women in Pakistan continue to face high rates of harassment, limited access to justice and social stigma. To strengthen mechanisms for reporting, investigating and prosecuting harassment cases, I propose several reforms. In the short term, dedicated harassment reporting cells should be established in all provinces, accompanied by mandatory workplace harassment training for employees. Standardized procedures for investigations should be developed and public awareness campaigns launched.
Long-term objectives include integrating gender sensitivity into school curricula, developing workplace policies promoting women’s empowerment, establishing a National Commission on Women’s Rights and enhancing access to justice through mobile courts.Effective implementation will require collaboration with NGOs, civil society and the private sector, as well as engagement with media for awareness campaigns.
MALAIKA ZEHRA
Karachi
