SHURKO ROAD: Shurko Road is an alternative road that connects Lower Kurram with Upper Kurram, the two Shia majority areas. Due to the recent sectarian clashes, the Shia community of the district avoids using the main road that passes through Central Kurram, a Sunni majority area. It takes one and a half hours to travel from Alizai to Parachinar through the main road. However, through Shurko Road, it takes almost three hours to cover the distance. The road is unpaved, having water streams and a rough terrain, which causes problems for passengers and vehicles alike. There is a dire need for the development and construction of this road.

Maryam Batool
Kurram

EDUCATIONAL FRAUD: The recent suicide of a graduate student highlights the devastating consequences of educational fraud in the country. The girl was allegedly deceived by a fraudulent educational consultant who took millions of rupees and provided fake admission documents, shattering her dream of pursuing higher studies abroad. There are countless educational consultants who exploit students’ dreams and families’ sacrifices. There is an urgent need for stricter regulation, accountability and public awareness. Students and families must verify admission offers directly with universities before making payments. No student’s dream should become an opportunity for exploitation, and no family should have to suffer such a devastating loss because of a fraudulent promise.

Nasir Soomro
Karachi

HEALTH FACILITIES: The lack of basic healthcare facilities in Balgatar union council (UC)is alarming, but the situation has failed to attract the attention of decision-makers. The local rural health centre (RHC) is practically non-functional, and no doctors are present even to attend to cases in an emergency. Patients must travel nearly 100km to Turbat city for treatment, and many lose their lives on the way. The relevant authorities should make the RHC in Balgatar fully functional by posting qualified doctors.

Ahmed Khan
Turbat

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026