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.
National Security Policy
The first national security policy of Pakistan launched on 14 January 2022, by the Prime Minister Imran Khan which is a good development because without any specified direction or aim it is very difficult to achieve success in today’s technological era. The main themes of the National Security Policy are national cohesion, securing an economic future, defence and territorial integrity, internal security and foreign policy in a changing world and human security.
Direction plays a very important role in the development of any country but due to the incompetence of our rulers, it took so long to give direction to this country. With the right direction, any country stays on its way to its destination. We have to appreciate the good work of the government, regardless of which party it is doing.
NOORULLAH BACHA
Islamabad
Mumbai fire tragedy
The fire tragedy at a high-rise building in Mumbai that killed over six people is a clear indication of the fact that fire safety measures have long been neglected. First off, all fire safety measures possible should be kept in place. In urban landscape, licence to build high-rise structures should be reconsidered.
As for safety measures, advanced facilities like fireproof doors, screens and windows should be installed apart from ensuring proper wide exit points in the building in best interests of all.
P SENTHIL S DURAI
Maharashtra, India
School issues
There are multiple issues in educational sector in Sindh. Books and contents are not only facilities for schools. Other facilities should be equally ensured such as infrastructure, faculty and time management systems in schools. However, many schools, especially my school “Government Primary School” at Thatt in Sukkur district, have been deprived of these facilities since 2007. It is pertinent to mention that the school was established in 1952 and study process is still continuing, which is only for name. There is no any proper school building/boundary wall. Secondly, there is lack of teachers as well and for 200 students only three teachers are recruited. As a result, most of the students don’t get education in a proper way. Most of the nearby schools are upgraded which have been established after this school.
Furthermore, this school is also deprived of water, washroom and electricity. The educational authorities and elected representatives from this area are requested to kindly resolve school issues and provide basic facilities.
WASAND ALI LANGAH
Sukkur
Recourse for sufferers?
Mental health is one of the most neglected subjects in Pakistan and also in the world as a whole, the repercussion of which is evident in the ever-increasing number of mental illnesses and an alarming spike in suicides.
Many in the country face some mental health issues owing to the immense burden of social, psychological and financial problems. Hyperinflation, rising unemployment affect lives adversely. Poor mental health awareness makes things worse. The ongoing Covid pandemic has made things unimaginably bad. The government must introduce a free mental health helpline that may connect people with professionals. This will improve help-seeking behaviour without the fear of being judged or mocked. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with mental illnesses prevents people from seeking help. Many of them suffer from their illnesses silently, sometimes forever. This stigma needs to be rooted out, and it is only possible through mass awareness campaigns.
Moreover, there is a dearth of mental health professionals. The government needs to address all these problems before we lose more and more people to suicide. One of the major health problems that the world is suffering from is depression. Although it is not a newly recognized ailment but is so far off. From the era of antiquity, people around the world are suffering from this lethal malady which eventually leads a person to commit suicide to end his life.
Depression differs from usual frustration and short-term mood swing response. A serious level of depression takes time to develop before it worsens. It makes people suffer in cognition, judgment, workplace and social interplay. In severe cases, this leads to suicides. Approximately 700,000 people commit suicide globally and depression is among the leading causes.
INSAF ALI BANGWAR
Kandhkot
Reckless driving
I would be grateful if you could publish this piece in your famous newspaper. For the last two or three months there has not been a single day when road accidents did not occur in Islamabad.
Most of these accidents were caused by reckless driving. Truck drivers and those who drink and drive are notorious for rash driving.
The other day I was horrified to witness a dreadful accident. A young biker and his wife were crushed to death when a speeding truck that came from behind ran over them. They died on the spot itself. I am sure that it was not an isolated incident. Countless innocent lives are lost on the roads, thanks to rash driving.
The major concern is that reckless driving poses a significant risk to other people as well as the driver. Reckless drivers could kill children, animals and pedestrians. A car that spins out of control can harm other vehicles on the road.
In addition, reckless driving can cause significant damage to property. Thus, it goes without saying that reckless driving is a public safety issue that must be properly addressed.
NUMAIR TAHIR
Islamabad
Education fees
There is no shortage of talent in our country but to nurture the talent the fees of that institutions and universities are too high. Due to high fees of institutions and universities, many talented students do not get a chance to get a quality education.
The percentage of fees for higher education is growing beyond their means which is becoming unaffordable for many students.
The government should control the fees of the institutions and universities and provide the financial aid to all the deserving students.
The government should also make a mechanism for the education sector to make education affordable for everyone. Fees should not become an obstacle in the way of success of students because these students will go ahead and play an important role in the success of the country.
The government should take serious steps and help students to get education through scholarships. The government should also provide student grants so that every student can get a quality education.
NOORULLAH BACHA
Islamabad
