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.
Overpopulation
Rampant population in the country is in direct relation with the already existing problems.
Cities are expanding most haphazardly. Large influx of masses from villages to cities is turning small cities to mega-cities.
In 1971, East Pakistan’s population was about 65.5 million and West Pakistan’s population was about 5.8 million. There was no major difference in population between East and West Pakistan.
According to statistics, Bangladesh’s current population stands at 166 million while on the other hand, Pakistan’s present population is about 220 million.
After separation from Pakistan, Bangladesh’s successive governments managed to control the population while Pakistan continued to face free fall.
Bangladesh’s government focused on economy and welfare of the country but Pakistan did nothing to halt overpopulation and even to work on GDP of the country.
In this regard, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony could advise the public to restrain themselves from multiplying.
Usually they appear on media, they ought to give public messages to indulge in other healthy activities instead of having more time with families. Undeniably, most of the public issues are rooted in overpopulation.
It’s now to lessen the issues, like mistreatment of government in hospitals, public offices and many other government institutions. The heart wrenches when we listen that someone has killed his wife or his children because of failing to feed them.
Civilized nations try to hamper overpopulation and make sure to provide all the necessary amenities to people.
Now it’s crying need to halt the issue of overpopulation so as to lessen the existing problems and to improve prosperity of the country.
Owing to dearth of resources it seems difficult for the concerned authorities but not impossible. Government must provide jobs to the people.
Proper planning is needed to control population. So, the concerned authorities must pay heed to this dire problem and endeavour to control it.
MUHAMMAD SUFYAN
Bhimber Azad Kashmir
The dengue virus
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has lost hundreds of lives caused by dengue virus. The dengue virus is a type of virus which travels by mosquito.
It is very dangerous virus; the mosquito injects the viruses in human RBC. It can cause illness even death. There is not any specific facility to control the virus.
On the other hand the educational institutions are on physical mode of learning, therefore, students are unsafe too because there is not any facility for controlling the virus in educational institutions. It can make a huge loss of Pakistan. The government must take appropriate action on this issue.
ABU BAKAR USMAN
Islamabad
Diwali festival!
Diwali is the five-day famous festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus and Sikhs all around the world.
The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November.
While each faith has its reason to celebrate the festival, one of the most popular stories told is the legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern India from exile after defeating the demon king Ravanna in the 15th century BC.
The festival is largely marked by firework displays, to remember the celebrations which, according to the legend, took place upon Rama’s return as locals set off their version of fireworks.
Those celebrating the festival also light traditional earthen diyas, candles and decorate their houses with colourful rangoli artworks – patterns created on the floor using coloured rice or powder.
During Diwali, families, and friends share sweets and gifts and there is also a strong belief in giving food and goods to those in need.
It is also traditional for homes to be cleaned and new clothes to be worn at the time of the festival.
Last but not the least, I want to suggest all celebrators be very careful while making fireworks as every year I have observed many kids through firecrackers on one another even they through it in pockets silently, and they get injured. I advise all parents to take care of their little ones particularly.
PEHLAJ KUMAR
Khairpur Mirs
Why shutdown refineries?
In the period of COVID-19 pandemic turmoil, Pakistan’s economy suffered a calamity of uncertainty and stagnancy as businesses came to a standstill.
Due to the lockdown of business activities at the peak of a global pandemic, Pakistan’s oil industry particularly became the victim of economic disaster with poor chances of a rebound.
On a positive note, with the availability of vaccines in the country, Pakistan is readjusting its economy back to normal.
However, there is no cure for the poor decisions made by those in power. I recently came across a news report about the proposed shutting down of Pakistan’s key oil refineries by a minister.
The oil refining industry of Pakistan is one of the major pillars of a modern economy which makes crude oil, an essential raw material the backbone to conduct major economic activities and a strategic value for the country.
Consequently, shutting down oil refineries in a country that is vastly dependent on the import of oil will trigger both short and long-term damaging repercussions.
ATTYAB SHAYAN ZAMAN
Malir Cant
Smog
Nowadays, Lahore suffers from a high level of air pollution and ranks at the top of the IQAir Visual’s live pollution. Smog is a mixture of fog and smoke, its level is spiralling beyond the safe level, which is damaging the health of citizens. It is caused by emission of smoke from vehicles, factories and brick kilns and a major contributing factor of smog pollution is deforestation.
Due to temperature inversion smog in winter from October to February, is at its high peak. To reduce the smog, we must do some contribution to clean our environment such as real state of air quality must be available at public level so that people must be aware how many polluted substances they inhale and take preventive measures to protect themselves. Reducing the industrial and vehicle emissions, using more public transport and by planting more plants, we can save our environment.
NIDA ABDUL QADIR
Lahore
Merits, demerits of online classes
As a result of the massive circumstance of corona-virus, seminaries, universities and academies are shifting to online classes. Although these forums can help palliate the loss of studies, to some extent, they also come with several serious downsides.
A pupil can take an online class from anywhere in the world. Indeed, though lockdown was assessed this time, it reduced the time and plutocracy needed to get to academy and averted scholars from missing classes. Even though scholars are trying to manage their studies, there are some serious difficulties. One of the most serious issues is that internet access is occasionally shy.
As a result, pupils are unfit to connect to their classes. Another major issue is the lack of one-on-one instruction, which makes it delicate for pupils to ask questions when they’re confused. In addition, the overuse of electronic gadgets for studying has resulted in a variety of health problems.
At present, both preceptors and scholars have espoused this new model of education and are trying to get used to it with each passing day. However, it’ll be a big revolution in the coming times, if we can try to resolve the problems related to this model. Ask questions if they’ve mistrustful. Also, the overuse of electronic devices for studies has resulted in health hazards.
MALAIKA MUZAFFAR
Lahore
