Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Lack of universities
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight the critical shortage of reputable universities in Gujranwala. Education plays a pivotal role in the progress of any nation and a country’s prosperity is largely dependent on the availability of quality and accessible education. Unfortunately, education in Pakistan does not receive the importance it deserves.
Gujranwala, a city renowned for its industrial and agricultural contributions, holds immense potential. Despite its economic significance, the city faces severe neglect in the higher edu-cation sector. The lack of reputable universities offering modern and diverse programs forces students to seek education elsewhere, contributing to a significant brain drain.
This not only disrupts their academic journey but also deprives the city of its talented youth.
Currently, only one or two universities in Gujranwala offer graduation and post-graduation programs. However, the curriculum in these institutions remains outdated and fails to meet the demands of an ever-evolving global landscape.
Advanced programs in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology and data science are completely absent.
If building new universities is not feasible, the government must prioritize refurbishing exist-ing institutions and introducing a broader range of subjects. Ignoring this issue will deprive students of their fundamental right to education and hinder the city’s socio-economic de-velopment. I urge the relevant authorities to take concrete steps to address this pressing issue.
Cadet Ahmad Amir
Gujranwala
Reign of terror in Katcha
The escalating lawlessness in the Katcha area of District Kashmore has become a matter of grave concern. Ruthless dacoits from tribes are terrorizing the local populace, demanding extortion money amounting to millions.
Recently, they issued direct life threats to individu-als who refused to comply with their demands. In a chilling turn of events, after their de-mands were ignored, these criminals launched a brutal attack on a village. Tragically, one person lost his life, while four women and one man sustained serious injuries. Moreover, over 40 livestock were looted in the raid. This unchecked reign of terror has left the state as a mere silent spectator, seemingly in-different to the plight of its citizens.
The audacity of these criminals and the failure to en-force the rule of law are breeding an atmosphere of fear and despair. It is imperative for the authorities to act decisively and “nip the evil in the bud” before this menace spirals further out of control, threatening the peace, stability and social fabric of the region. The time for complacency is over—swift and firm measures are essential to restore harmony and protect innocent lives.
Qabil Hussain
Kashmore, Sindh
Gaza genocide
On January 2, 2025, a contemporary publication reported a 6% decrease in Gaza’s popula-tion since the start of the Israeli invasion, citing over 45,500 Palestinian deaths, half of them women and children. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), 100,000 people have fled Gaza, while more than 55,000 are presumed dead, with an addi-tional 11,000 missing.
Israeli airstrikes on January 2 killed at least 54 Palestinians, including 11 women and children in a designated humanitarian zone. If this population decline continues, Gaza may face ex-tinction within the next 16 years, potentially resulting in a complete demographic wipeout by 2041. The world must act decisively to prevent genocide in Gaza. Immediate enforcement of a ceasefire, provision of humanitarian aid and comprehensive peace talks are essential. Addi-tionally, reconstruction and rehabilitation of war-torn areas must begin without delay.
Muhammad Gul Zaib
Okara
