IMPROVING LITERACY: Lack of literacy is one of the biggest problems in Pakistan. According to 2023 census, 60.8 per cent people were literate, leaving 39.2pc Pakistanis illiterate. A thoughtful solution lies in setting up technical and vocational training institutions that could educate even the adult population. There should be a complete and effective ban on child labour. Their schooling is necessary to ensure fairness in society, and to enable them to have a decent future for themselves, their families and the country.
Ryaan Abdullah Khan
Rawalpindi
REFORMS NEEDED: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), while crucial, requires immediate reforms to remain effective. Inflation has drastically reduced the value of its payments, and many deserving families remain excluded due to outdated data. The programme must evolve beyond temporary relief to offer sustainable solutions. People urgently need increased payment amounts tied to inflation, an updated registry of beneficiaries, and the programme’s integration with skill-training programmes. These changes would transform BISP from a short-term safety net into a powerful tool for poverty eradication. The government must act to ensure this vital programme truly serves those who need it the most.
Maheera Tariq
Lahore
NATURALISATION CERTIFICATES: Pakistani applicants in Ireland awaiting their naturalisation certificates have been facing prolonged delays. During the verification process, the Irish Naturalisation Department often sends requests for ground checks to Pakistan. Unfortunately, these verifications take an unreasonably long time to be completed, resulting in applicants having to wait for years before receiving their naturalisation certificates. This unnecessary delay causes immense hardship to applicants. The relevant ministries in Pakistan should coordinate effectively with their Irish counterparts to ensure that such verifications are processed efficiently and within a reasonable timeframe.
Gul R. Khan
Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2025
