Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Cyber security and its objectives
Cyber security is one of the most fundamental security paradigms in today’s modern warfare era. Countries should protect their own information assets, because in today’s warfare everyone’s rivalry tries and seeks to target their information system. This is an advanced strategy of states to overthrow their adversary by creating new cyber threats such as APTS. APTS are known as advanced persistent threats which are highly complex threats and are very difficult to counter.
Cyber security is a part of information security and can be defined as the protection of information assets by addressing threats to information processes, stored and transported by internet worked information system. Cyber security usually refers to an entity initiating threats due to the existence of a global cyberspace (i.e. internet) Cyber security requires stakeholders in the cyberspace area to be active in security, beyond the protection of their own assets. In the old era, simple encryption techniques such as Caesar ciphers were created to ensure confidentiality. But as time and technology move forward, the demands of security have increased.
Today, to protect information, three indispensable components are concerned with the protection of information such as confidentiality, integrity and availability. Confidentiality means protection of information from unauthorised access, while integrity means protection of information from unauthorised modification and availability means protection of information from disruptions in access.
NITASHA FAROOQ
Rawalpindi
Copy culture
Education plays an important role in the development of human beings. It means not only to get degree and job, but also to be competent and civilized. But it is doleful that our society is of the opinion that education means only to get job. In order to get jobs, it has become common to cheat in intermediate and other exams for achieving good grades.
It shouldn’t be ignored, it’s a matter of great concern. Those who are passing the exams by cheating, they will get nothing in future as they will have no ability of their own. Later on, they raise their voice for merit. Now the question rises, who are responsible for it? It’s a matter of common observation that something can only be spread immediately if there are many people involved in it. Students, parents and administration can be called responsible for it.
Rapid action should be taken against copy culture to secure the future of students. It is hard to end copy culture in Pakistan, it’s only possible with the cooperation of students, parents and administration. Looking forward for some strict measures for termination of copy culture.
MUZAFFAR KHOSO
Sukkur
Thatta lacks amenities
Thatta is the historical town of Sindh. Owing to historical monument, Keenjhar Lake, Shah Jahan Mosque, mystics and saints‘ shrines, tourists visit the lake and shrines in huge number. Ironically, Thatta lacks potable water, electricity and roads. Due to electricity load-shedding, water supply is extremely affected too. However, the authorities are not taking any measures to deal with civic problems. Libraries in the town also lack discipline and timetable.
Therefore, the Sindh Government should take strict action for the redressal of problems. Public Representatives of Thatta (MNA Riaz Shah and MPA Sussi Palijo) should also look take interest in the welfare of the town; when they will take interest, other authorities will automatically follow suit.
ABDULLAH DAWACH
Thatta
Gender based violence
Growing gender-based violence (GBV) is the worst kind of violence against women and it exists in every society. It happens due to patriarchal mindset and gender inequalities. More shockingly, Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, and is ranked 125th out of the 169 countries on the Gender Development Index and 99th out of 109 on the Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM). As per report of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey that 32% women have experienced physical violence in Pakistan and 40% even married women have suffered from spousal abuse at some point in their life which is appalling. Although, Article-15 of the 1973 Constitution ensures that every citizen has right to movement and freedom. More importantly, together with article 25-A prohibits that nobody has authority to discriminate anyone on the basis of gender.
The above mentioned facts and figures clear indicate that GBV has become one of the main obstacles in the process of development because one cannot deny that half of population is of women. If women get equality in social, economic and political spheres, it will lead towards the welfare of state. Quaid Azam said “No nation can ever be worthy of its existence that cannot take its women along with the men” Therefore, the government must bring strong laws related to gender-based violence and implementation should be the first priority.
SAJID NABI KHOSO
Hyderabad
Dealing
with climate change
The soaring temperature in Karachi hitting 40 Celsius at the end of year is flabbergasting and an eye opener for relevant authorities. Most tellingly, severe winter is approaching in numerous parts of country in north while masses in Karachi are enduring sizzling sunny days. This is a worrying situation for everyone.
Some studies suggest that Pakistan could witness horrible effects of climate change in near future hurting agriculture sector the most. The recent urban flooding in Karachi and major floods in various parts of the country proved highly detrimental for crops and that no doubt is an alarming sign of climate change. All stakeholders must shun state of complacency and evolve judicious policies redressing climate change forthwith.
SYED MUSHARAF RASHDI
Karachi
