STRESSED STUDENTS: Students often feel overburdened and stressed during Ramazan which is broadly due to the academic pressure that often compromises their ability to observe the holy month of fasting in its true spirit. Educational institutions should at least try to design their respective academic calendars in a manner that may take into consideration this very basic element. The current approach often fails to consider the unique challenges that the students face during the month. Besides, the combination of fasting, late-night prayers, and rigorous academic demands can lead to physical exhaustion, decreased concentration, and a decline in academic performance. Therefore, both the authorities and policymakers should take proactive measures to alleviate the burden on the students during Ramazan.

Bilal Ahmed
Karachi

LAWLESSNESS: In Pakistan, not a single day goes by when we do not hear about some heart-wrenching incident involving heinous crimes. Earlier this month, a distressing incident took place in Hyderabad where a young girl, law student Yusra Batool, was gunned down in cold blood while she, along with her brother, also a law student, was returning home after appearing in examinations. They were intercepted by a man in a vehicle who opened fire, killing the girl on the spot. Her brother sustained two bullets in the head and is said to be in a critical condition. When will this brazen lawlessness end? When will the state take strict action to protect the people?

G. Akbar Palijo
Larkana

WOMEN’S DAY: The theme of the International Women’s Day this year (March 8) was ‘Inspire inclusion’. This brought to my mind the critical role the powerful women leaders in the corporate world may play in changing the lives of countless women and minor girls in society. Women’s Day should not be a one-day affair, as it currently happens to be. There should be more substance to it than mere ‘celebrations’.

Mehmood Aziz
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2024