EDUCATIONAL WOES: Access to education has been a longstanding issue in Balochistan. There are only four government medical colleges in the province, and many areas do not have any university. People from rural areas often have to migrate to cities in search of better educational opportunities. Regions, like Kharan, Barkhan, Dhadar and Sibi, do not have colleges for girls. Those living in rural areas often face financial struggles, and rely on hostels. Even in Quetta, the provincial capital, there is a shortage of qualified teachers. The new government in office must address the crisis by establishing schools and colleges in rural areas, and hiring qualified teachers.

Aliza Bugti
Quetta

KARACHI ENCROACHMENTS: Encroachments in Karachi are on the rise once again. Pavements across the city have been taken over by cart-wheelers and vendors. The area around Cantonment Railway Station is one of the worst affected. Even the main road has been encroached upon heavily, making it difficult for the vehicles to move around. The eateries and hotels in the area apparently enjoy some kind of immunity as the area police force is reluctant to take any action against these encroachments. The relevant department should launch a clean-up operation in the area to set it free from the clutches of the encroachers.

Mumraiz Khan
Karachi

FUTURE AT STAKE: Students having exceptional intelligence and courage to ask difficult questions in classrooms are often victimised by teachers. Such arrogant teachers threaten the students with consequences for challenging the ideas regurgitated by the teachers. Fabricated cases are made against such students. School administrations also act on the side of the teachers, especially if the latter happen to have some links with the powerful. Sadly, nobody has ever raised a voice for rights of the students and the genuine grievances that they have. The typical mantra of ‘teacher is always at right’ needs to be consigned to the dustbin.

Asim Arif
Sheikhupura

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2024