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.
Exemplary companionship
There is a longstanding history of prosperous bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan was the first country to extend recognition of the United Arab Emirates, while the UAE continues to be a major donor of economic and financial assistance to Pakistan.
From helping the UAE to establish the renowned international airline ‘Emirates’ to humanitarian assistance from the UAE at times of crisis and natural disasters in Pakistan, both nations, through thick and thin, have been together.
Even during the tough times of Covid-19 the fraternal ties between the two states only became stronger.
Officials from both the countries have recognized the support and cooperation exchanged over the years and aim to further deepen the relationship between them.
TASEER ALI
Islamabad
Fee structure in COVID conditions
No doubt schools, colleges and universities are doing a good job by continuing the online mode of study as an alternative to overcome the pandemic conditions.
In addition, sudden notifications of lockdown given by our respected government authorities also affect public health.
But a poor family may not be able to pay the same fee as they are paying in physical classes.
If we take an estimation, combining the tuition and School/College/University fee then it will make at least 2000 for each learning; 2000 Rs for tuition and 2000 Rs for the 8th class. In this complex situation, the public becomes violent and doesn’t want to stay in lockdown conditions.
Peoples’ lives already suffer in harsh conditions due to lower or no earning in COVID situations. And they are paying the same amount of fee in their institutions.
When academic institutions start going online then definitely their expenses like electricity bill, water bill, transport services and repairing or maintenance cost becomes lower as compared to conducting the physical classes.
On the other hand, in universities if students stay only for two months, then still, they pay the same fee.
Therefore, if the education department of the government can take the decision of lockdown, then they should also be concerned about restructuring the fee criteria.
Public has not much money to pay until and unless institutions aren’t back to their respective duties.
If the government does not rethink the public availability and affordability, then after COVID countries’ economies will suffer and especially underdeveloped countries will become poorer.
Thus, the Government should also restructure the fee structure with continuing such lock downs.
RAGNI LUND
Sindh
SPSC corruption
The Sindh High Court Bench Hyderabad’s decision to sack the Chairman and Secretary of the SPSC and null and void combine competitive examination 2018 along with doctors’ appointment is indeed a historic and an admirable decision.
Not only had these appointments, the Sindh Public Service Commission also appointed bureaucrats in CCE-2019 and Assistant Sub-Inspectors during 2019-20 through corruption, nepotism and political influence.
Undoubtedly, the SPSC has lost its credibility because of prevalence of corruption and nepotism. Political influence is rampant while authorities remain negligent when it comes to preparing the question paper. The CCE-2021 and lecturers’ tests are its recent examples.
On the other hand, the SPSC had announced jobs for the post of ASI in 2016. The physical test for these jobs was conducted in 2018 while the written test consisting of two essays and a 50 mark MCQs paper was conducted in 2019.
One wonders even after providing a carbon copy of the answer sheet to each candidate, the SPSC didn’t upload answer key on its website till to date.
While the SPSC announced written test results for these jobs without uploading answer key and showing marks of both the written and interview results which made the ASI recruitment controversial.
Such negligence of the SPSC even after taking a long time to complete the ASI recruitment process disappointed and frustrated the candidates.
Sadly, hundreds of ASIs, who neither know how to write or speak proper English, have been selected through corruption, nepotism and political influence. This has frustrated the talented and deserving youth of the province.
Instead of appointing these sub-inspectors based on merit, the SPSC sold these jobs for personal gains. Such practices have destroyed the future of these talented candidates.
IMTIAZ JUNEJO
Hyderabad
Tips to stop the spread of Coronavirus
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its 18th month, experts agree that observing SOPs is as important as ever to stop the spread of the virus.
Masks are just one of the many preventive measures we can take to slow down the spread of the virus.
In addition, one should continue to practice social distancing, avoid crowded areas, washing hands often and staying home if one feels unwell.
Not everyone infected with the virus develops symptoms but they may still transmit the virus to others. Even people who eventually develop symptoms may be infectious before the symptoms even surface.
So even if one doesn’t feel sick, observing SOPs can help unwittingly avoid the spreading of the virus.
Besides wearing a mask, you must also maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and others.
Avoid large gatherings. Socialise outdoors. Get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Minimize touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces regularly. Wash your hands as often as you can with soap and water.
The spread of the super contagious Delta variant is likewise, provoking new lock downs throughout the world and spurring new warnings from public health officials.
Henceforth, taking precautions in order to avoid getting infected by this virus/disease is an absolute must.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
