EDUCATION EMERGENCY: Education must be accessible to every school-age child in Pakistan. Currently, a large number of boys and girls remain out of school for various reasons — a figure likely to rise alongside unabated population growth. While the government has made progress by improving state-run schools and increasing new enrolments, more needs to be done. The government should declare an education emergency and make intensified efforts to drive a positive shift in enrolment across the country. We must not compromise on investing in our younger generation. Shahzad Lodhi

Dewsbury,
UK

UNIVERSITY CHAOS: Rapid decline in security arrangements, absence of monitoring systems, and lack of verification at entrance gates have created an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability for thousands of students in the University of Sindh in Jamshoro. Equally alarming is the growing frequency of protests, clashes and disruptions that repeatedly halt academic activities. Students miss classes due to unrest. Also, recurring incidents of harassment, exploitation and the presence of weapons on campus are a grave threat to the institution’s learning culture. The current situation urgently requires firm administrative measures.

Afreen Khoso
Hyderabad

SCHOOL TIMINGS: Heatwaves in Karachi have made it increasingly difficult for students to attend school during regular hours. Rising temperatures expose children to serious health risks, especially during afternoon commute. Many schools also lack proper cooling and ventilation facilities, making classrooms uncomfortable, and affecting students’ concentration and learning. During peak summer months, commuting under the scorching sun becomes exhausting and unsafe. The authorities must revise school timings, preferably introduce early morning shifts, and ensure access to clean drinking water in schools. If ignored, the worsening heatwave conditions will continue to endanger students’ health.

Rubesha Siddiqui
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2026