DETENTION CAMPS: The release of Saifullah Paracha from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in the United States is a matter of great relief as he has met his family after spending 18 years in detention over nothing. He was accused of aiding Al Qaeda. His son Uzair was also arrested on similar charges, but was released in 2020. Detention camps, such as the notorious Guantanamo Bay, have no legal basis and should be shut down.

Tayab Jummah
Turbat

HELPING FARMERS: The Kisan package announced by the government is a positive development in a scenario marked by a lot of negatives for the community of farmers in the country. The package will encourage the farmers to fight off many a hurdle blocking their way since the heavy monsoons earlier in the year. However, the key element is proper implementation of the package, and one hopes that it will be done in its spirit.

Samad Ali Jiskani
Karachi

LONG MARCH LOGIC: Now that the opposition has clearly said that it blames local players more than the United States for what it earlier called ‘foreign conspiracy’, what is the rationale of continuing with street protests which were launched in the name of getting real freedom from the shackles of foreign powers? The ‘long’ march has cause misery to millions who are already struggling in the face of poverty and hyperinflation. A reconsideration seems to be in place.

Daman Ali
Islamabad

EDUCATION TODAY: The education system today has evolved a great deal, with modern technologies transforming it constantly. However, in Pakistan, the education system appears to be as dated as it was decades ago; only more so. The education that our parents and grandparents acquired seems to be so ‘exciting’ that the children of today are made to follow the same path at the same pace. How long will it take us, as a nation, to come out of this malaise?

Mian Kasteer Kakakhel
Nowshera

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2022