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.
Islamophobia & UN’s landmark decision
The “Muslim World” has ceaselessly been encountering multifaceted challenges both internal and external since two decades after 9/11 attack. Internal challenges encompasses; socio-political; communal war and all forms of intolerance and discrimination on the basis of religion, whereas the rising tide of “Islamophobia” remains the most tremendous external daunting challenge heretofore.
“Islamophobia” initially emerged following the 9/11 outrageous attacks because Western politicians and their so-called media outlets dubbed these attacks as “Islamic terrorism”.
Considering 9/11 episode, thenceforth “Islam a peaceful religion” was viewed as a grave threat to the Western world, and Islamophobia was subsequently germinated to evince fear-related concern and bias against Islam and Muslims.
Furthermore, in the last two decades, unremitting hostility and antagonism towards Muslim immigrants having in western countries has disproportionately skyrocketed with also ‘ appalling, offensive’: Western media has, at a stretch, depicted Muslims in a hellish, disparaging and negative light, what is more, tidings—related reporting based on terrorism has become biased. In addition, Muslims are regularly subjected to violent verbal and atrocious physical attacks in most Western societies.
To put an end to Islamophobia and controvert the claims of Western countries that Pakistan promotes violence and terrorism, “United Nation” has designated March 15 as an “International Day” to combat the rising tide of Islamophobia is indeed a significant and landmark decision. In particular, Pakistan deserves all appreciation and dice of applause which moved heaven and earth at all fronts to contain the menace of Islamophobia.
USAMA MUGHAL
Kandhkot, Sindh
Rising tech addiction
With great admiration and faith in the columns of your newspaper, I seek to bring to the attention of those who matter the rapidly growing menace of tech addiction and the resulting health scares among our country’s youths. Today, we have access to some of the most convenient gadgets ever created, which provide far more information and entertainment than any other. As a result, the next generation is becoming increasingly information-rich.
With a screen in front of our eyes showing us new wonders every minute, the number of hours an average person spends gaining new information, whether wanted or unwanted, is rapidly increasing. Furthermore, the wonders are chosen and preferred by the user.
All of this temptation frequently leads to young children spending far more time on these gadgets than is healthy. And, even if we don’t notice it right away, it puts a huge strain on our brains and eyes, often resulting in inexplicable stress and irritability. As a result, I would like to appeal to the youth of the world, through the pages of your esteemed newspaper, to maintain a balance in all aspects of life in order to fully enjoy it.
MARYUM TARIQ
Karachi
SLO based learning
SLO (Students Learning Objectives) based learning is an initiative taken by FBISE to enhance students’ learning level. It gives students choice to learn things from more than one textbook which not only double their knowledge but will aware the students about the topic in a broader way. Previously, students were only bound to refer one book only but now they have choice to go through more than a book to gain more knowledge.
This new roadway by FBISE will become quite fruitful in future and will have positive impact on students if practised well. Moreover, it focuses on knowledge, understanding and application-based learning of students where they can utilize their skills in a more better way.
Question papers, according to FBISE, will also be designed keeping in view all these three levels of learning. SLO-based learning has carefully planned goals for what students will learn over a given period.
Successful implementation of SLOs depend on policy decisions from the boardroom to classroom. If it is implemented in a better way, we will have positive outcome but if it is not practised well, then not only students but teachers and management will also suffer.
This SLO-based learning will now focus on conceptual-based learning which will enhance students’ understanding-based learning.
Let it be run smoothly for the better learning of students because it is in now practice in all affiliated institutions of FBISE. Hope, it will bear sweet fruit which can lift the education of Pakistan.
SHAHZAD PANHWAR
Sukkur
Women’s vulnerability
Voices against women vulnerability have always been brushed off. The patriarchal society has never contemplated on the plight of women.
The predicaments for women include acid attacks, domestic violence, forced marriage and rape. Pakistan was ranked 153rd out of 156 nations by the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap 2021 index; it placed 151st out of 153 in 2020.
In a Thomas Reuters Foundation poll in 2018, Pakistan was ranked as the sixth dangerous country for women. The atrocities on women should be terminated for which concerned authorites are requested to take consequential actions .
SHAHRUKH YOUSUF
Karachi
