Preserving Balochi Traditions

By Baloch Khan Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the poor treatment of women at the NADRA office in Turbat. Many women, including elderly applicants and mothers with children, are forced to wait for long hours while some staff members fail to deal with them efficiently and respectfully. Every citizen deserves equal treatment and timely service, especially in a government office that provides essential identity documents. Delays, mismanagement, and a lack of proper assistance cause unnecessary hardship for women. I request the authorities to investigate the matter, ensure respectful behavior by the staff, and improve services so that women can complete their work without unnecessary delays and inconvenience.

Jamia Masjid Lakhi Dar is one of the few surviving ancient buildings in Shikarpur and a masterpiece of historical architecture. Located in the city’s famous Lakhi Dar area, it is popularly known by that very name. This noble mosque stands as an unparalleled testament to the architectural, artistic, and cultural heritage of Sindh, and of Shikarpur in particular. Today, though, it awaits the attention needed to ensure its very survival. The mosque has two entrances. The main one faces east, towards the Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar), while the second lies on the north side. Passing through the eastern door leads into a spacious courtyard, followed by a veranda with a wooden ceiling. From this veranda, three doorways open into the mosque’s inner sanctum. In earlier times, the mosque’s interior was adorned with beautiful fresco work. Over the years, however, haphazard and amateur renovation and repainting have nearly erased this original ornamentation. Fortunately, traces of the exquisite artwork survive on the ceiling of the central dome, rendered in soft, pastel tones. The mosque comprises three domes, the central one larger than the other two. Handsome turrets rise from its corners, while two smaller minarets stand on the front parapet wall facing the central dome — a further showcase of its architectural mastery. Its most distinctive feature is the ornamental lantern crowning the central dome, a fine example of Sindh’s Islamic architectural artistry. It was arguably the first mosque in Shikarpur to feature such a decorative lantern atop its dome. But alas — today, this history is breathing its last. To look upon Jamia Masjid Lakhi Dar now is to feel the eyes fill with tears and the heart sink with sorrow. Centuries of history, this rare architectural specimen, its exquisite frescoes, the beauty of its domes, and its ornamental lantern are all slowly decaying under the weight of time, weathering, and sheer neglect. If this monument is not preserved on scientific principles today, future generations may know it only through the pages of history books. We strongly appeal to the Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department of the Government of Sindh, archaeology experts, the district administration of Shikarpur, elected representatives, and all responsible authorities to take these measures without fail. First, immediately conduct a technical survey of Jamia Masjid Lakhi Dar. Second, carry out scientific restoration that preserves its original architectural beauty. Third, conserve the remaining fresco work and intricate motifs. Four, take emergency measures to protect the ornamental lantern, domes, and minarets. And last but not least, manage the mosque more effectively as a protected cultural heritage site of Sindh. Jamia Masjid Lakhi Dar is not merely a structure of brick, mortar, and lime — it is a living document of Shikarpur’s civilization, history, religious legacy, and the artistic grandeur of Sindh. If we fail to save it today, history will never forgive us.

By Syed Anwar Wasti For most of my life, I carried countless ideas, experiences, and stories within me. I wanted to write, share, and contribute—but I struggled to express myself. English was not my strongest language, I couldn’t type in Urdu, and many of my thoughts remained locked inside my mind. After living in the United States for more than four decades, I have witnessed many remarkable technological advances. Yet, in my personal opinion, few have transformed my life as profoundly as Artificial Intelligence—especially ChatGPT. Today, I can write articles, create blog posts, prepare speeches, develop video scripts, organize research, manage my website, and share my experiences with people around the world. Whether I am writing about my travels, my community, my business, or my personal reflections, AI has helped me turn ideas into words and words into meaningful conversations. What once required a team of writers, editors, and researchers can now be accomplished by one determined individual with the right tools. That is not just innovation—it is empowerment. Technology is most powerful when it gives ordinary people the opportunity to do extraordinary things. For me, AI has done exactly that. It has given me confidence, creativity, and, most importantly, a voice. Thank you for giving millions of ordinary people an extraordinary voice. Hats off to the brilliant minds behind ChatGPT and AI. May God bless you all, and may your work continue to benefit humanity for generations to come.

By Baloch Khan The education gap is one of the biggest challenges facing Pakistan. Students in cities often have better schools, qualified teachers, and modern facilities, while many students in rural and remote areas study without basic classrooms, libraries, laboratories, or even enough teachers. This unequal system denies many children the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Every child deserves access to quality education regardless of where they live or how much their family earns. The government should improve public schools, appoint qualified teachers on merit, provide learning materials, and ensure equal educational opportunities for all students. Investing in education is investing in the country’s future. Unless this gap is reduced, social and economic inequality will continue to grow. It is time for the authorities to take practical steps to ensure that every child receives the education they deserve

Why would two nations that had been at war for months agree to let Pakistan carry their words to one another? The answer says a great deal about the place Pakistan has earned in the global hierarchy. Few countries are able to exchange views openly with both Tehran and Washington, yet Pakistan has built exactly that kind of standing through years of patient and balanced diplomacy. In Switzerland this June, that effort proved its worth. When the Iranian delegation grew frustrated and stepped away from the table, the negotiations might easily have collapsed. Instead, mediators from Pakistan and Qatar kept the channels open, passing messages between the two sides until the heat dissipated. The meeting at Burgenstock stretched on for eighteen hours, a test of patience that Pakistan met with gracious endurance. And what did it pocket for its own benefit? Nothing for itself. Its only aim was to silence the guns and keep the Strait of Hormuz open, so the wider world could feel some relief. Is that not the affirmation of a nation that proceeds in good faith? Credibility of this magnitude is not cultivated overnight. It is built progressively, through transparency and disciplined action, and in Switzerland, the world saw clearly that Pakistan possesses this cross-cultural credibility.

By Shayhaq Siraj Balochistan, despite being the largest province of Pakistan, continues to suffer from a deeply neglected education system. Thousands of children are still out of school, while those enrolled often face a lack of basic facilities. Many schools exist only on paper, and in several areas, buildings are either in ruins or completely absent. One of the most pressing issues is the shortage of qualified teachers. In rural districts such as Kech and Turbat, students are deprived of quality instruction, leading to poor academic performance and high dropout rates. Additionally, the absence of proper monitoring allows ghost teachers and mismanagement to persist unchecked. The situation is further worsened by a lack of infrastructure. Schools without electricity, clean drinking water, and furniture are a common sight. In extreme weather conditions, students are forced to study in unbearable environments, which discourages attendance and learning. Education is the backbone of any society, yet it remains a low priority in Balochistan. Immediate steps must be taken by the government to improve school facilities, recruit trained teachers, and ensure strict accountability. Without urgent reforms, the future of an entire generation remains at risk.