ACADEMIC YEAR: The potential delay in the commencement of the new academic year in Sindh has posed a significant challenge for privately-run schools across the province. While efforts are being made to address the issue of textbooks’ availability, no timely resolution is expected. In any case, there is no reason why the new academic year for privately-run schools should be jeopardised. Uncertainty and delayed government decisions invariably create problems for students, parents and school administrations in the private sector. The government should ensure that the new academic session is not delayed for private schools. Timely action is needed to ensure the overall smooth functioning of the education system, and to minimise disruptions, creating countless problems for students, parents and educational institutions.

Prof Muhammad Riaz Hamid
Khairpur

VILLAGE SCHOOL: The goverment primary school in Mevo Khan Khoso village of Noorpur union council (UC) in Naushahro Feroze district is in a state of utter disrepair. The students enrolled in the school are frustrated by the prevalent lack of facilities. The school is used by the local influentials as their personal property, while the officials are not in a position to take any action against this illegal activity. The authorities concerned should do the needful to provide quality education to the children of the village.

Momin Mohbti
Naushahro Feroze

ALIEN TREES: While it is good to read about Karachi’s beautification project that intends to plant many fully grown date trees on Sharea Faisal. However, I am concerned about the consequences of planting an alien tree species in the climate of Karachi, as was seen in the case of conocarpus species. One wonders how such an alien tree species can take roots in an alien climate. A better option would be to plant trees that are endemic and adapted to the climate of Karachi, such as coconuts, neem and banyan trees.

Tufail Ali Zubedi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2024