Safe Playgrounds, Safer Communities

By Nazaink Majid Everyone dreams of a better future, but dreams only come true when we take action today. Every good choice we make, every lesson, and every small effort we put in helps build a brighter tomorrow. Instead of waiting for the perfect time we should start making positive changes today. “A Better Tomorrow Starts Today” reminds us that if we want to change our future, we must begin in the present. Every small step taken today brings us closer to the life we aspire to achieve. Every day presents us with countless choices. Some may seem small, such as waking up early, completing our work on time, reading a book, or helping someone in need. However, these small decisions gradually shape our character and determine our future. Success is not the result of one extraordinary action but of many ordinary actions repeated consistently. Those who use today wisely are the ones who enjoy a better tomorrow. A healthy future begins with healthy choices. Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, maintaining good hygiene, and getting enough sleep improve both physical and mental well-being. Likewise, avoiding harmful habits such as procrastination, laziness, and excessive screen time helps individuals become more productive. Small healthy routines practiced everyday lead to long-term benefits. Creating a better tomorrow is not only a personal responsibility but also a social one. Every individual can contribute to society by showing kindness, respecting others, and helping people in need. At the same time, protecting the environment is essential for future generations. Planting trees, keeping our surrounding clean, reducing plastic waste, conserving water, are simple action that have a lasting impact. A sustainable future begins with responsible actions taken today. Life is filled with challenges and setbacks, but challenges should not discourage us. Instead, they should inspire us to grow stronger and wiser. Every failure teaches valuable lessons, and every difficulty provides an opportunity to improve. Successful people are not those who never fail but those who continue moving forward despite failure. Determination, patience, and resilience transform today’s struggles into tomorrow’s achievements. A better tomorrow is built not only through success but also through strong values. Kindness, honesty, responsibility create trust and strengthen relationships. Positive values practiced daily create lasting change. A better tomorrow is not a distant dream – it is the result of what we choose today. Every positive action, every lesson learned, every kind word spoken, and every responsible decision contributes to a brighter future. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, we should begin now. By working hard, caring for others, protecting our environment and believing in our ability to improve, we can recreate a future filled with hope and opportunity. The journey toward a better tomorrow begin with a single step taken today.

By Baloch khan Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to the growing problem of unemployment in Balochistan. Thousands of educated young people are unable to find suitable jobs despite completing their studies. This lack of employment opportunities is causing frustration, poverty, and forcing many talented individuals to leave the province in search of work. The government should create more jobs, support small businesses, expand vocational training, and ensure that recruitment is based on merit and transparency. Investing in industries and infrastructure can also help generate employment and improve the province’s economy. It is hoped that the concerned authorities will take immediate steps to address this serious issue and provide a brighter future for the youth of Balochistan.

By Durhum I am writing this letter to draw your kind attention and that of the concerned authorities toward one of the most serious and ignored problems in our country today: the waste and garbage problem in Pakistan. We see garbage on the roads near our homes, schools, and other areas. This problem is getting worse day by day, especially in the big cities of Pakistan like Lahore, Islamabad, etc. When we go out, we see that the dustbins are full, and still no one comes to empty them. Plastic is flying in the air. Because of the garbage, the roads smell very bad and are dirty. If it rains, the drains get blocked because of the plastic. This is not just making the roads dirty; it is also affecting people and making them ill. In some areas, garbage trucks do not come regularly, and there is also a shortage of dustbins. People throw everything on the roads, such as food and plastic, and many people do not care that throwing waste makes our roads dirty. Throwing garbage causes numerous problems. Because of this waste, mosquitoes, rats, and other pests come out, spreading diseases like malaria and dengue. Children are mostly getting sick because of this garbage. Also, water is becoming polluted because garbage is thrown near rivers or seas, making the water dirty. This waste can also cause drains to become blocked. In Karachi, especially in Lyari, garbage is thrown everywhere, and the area is full of waste. This problem can be solved if there is regular garbage collection, more dustbins, and clean rivers and roads. The government cannot solve this problem alone; we must also avoid throwing plastic, paper, and other waste on the streets. Schools should teach students not to throw garbage on the roads. Many countries have solved this problem because citizens do not litter. In Dubai and Turkey, the roads are clean and look beautiful because they regularly sweep the roads and dispose of waste properly. Throwing garbage and waste is not a small problem; it is affecting our bodies, health, and environment. Ultimately, this problem can be solved if we change our habits. Pakistan will become like other beautiful countries if we all work together. If we keep ignoring it, our surroundings will become even dirtier. If a country has a clean environment, it means it has a clean nation. There is a saying that “Cleanliness is half of faith.” Islam also teaches us to keep our country, cities, and roads clean. There is another saying that “Small litter makes a big problem.” This means that waste and garbage may seem like a small issue, but they can affect a person’s entire life.

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 Asma Qayyum Mental health is an essential part of a person’s overall well-being. It influences how we think, feel, make decisions, cope with stress, and interact with others. Despite its importance, many people still hesitate to discuss mental health because of fear, stigma, shame, or misunderstanding. Breaking this silence is the first step toward creating a society where everyone feels safe and encouraged to seek help. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in every 8 people worldwide lives with a mental health condition. The WHO also reported that around 1.1 billion people were living with a mental disorder in 2021. Furthermore, depression affected approximately 280 million people globally in 2019, including 23 million children and adolescents. These figures highlight that mental health challenges are widespread and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or social background. Among the most common mental health conditions are anxiety and depression, which affect hundreds of millions of people around the world. Several factors contribute to poor mental health, including academic pressure, financial difficulties, family conflicts, traumatic experiences, loneliness, bullying, and excessive use of social media. Young people are particularly vulnerable because they often experience significant emotional, academic, and social pressures during their formative years. Poor mental health can have serious consequences for both individuals and society. It may reduce concentration, lower academic and workplace performance, damage relationships, and increase the risk of physical health problems. If left untreated, mental health conditions can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life and overall well-being. The encouraging news is that most mental health conditions can be effectively treated and managed with timely support. Seeking help from mental health professionals, talking to trusted family members or friends, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and practicing healthy stress-management techniques can greatly improve mental well-being. Schools, colleges, workplaces, and communities also play a vital role by promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health. In conclusion, mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health. By encouraging open discussions, supporting those who are struggling, and increasing public awareness, we can break the silence surrounding mental health. Together, we can build a more compassionate, understanding, and healthier society where no one feels alone in facing mental health challenges.

By Umair Ahmed For Gen Z today, their room isn’t just a room. It’s their safe zone.A place where they can find a few moments of peace without any interruption or endless questions.Do Not Disturb Mode (DND) This generation genuinely values solitude. For them, being alone isn’t about feeling lonely it’s about spending time with themselves and finding mental peace.To be honest, their biggest wish is often just to be left in peace, operating smoothly in their own DND mode away from the noise of society.When someone interrupts Gen Z’s solitude, it irritates Gen Z so badly.What does Generation Z want?Gen Z wants solitude and some peaceful hours in a 24 hours cycle. During these hours, Gen Z only thinks and creates ideas, but unfortunately, in today’s modern world, society won’t understand Gen Z.They chose solitude, or perhaps it chose Gen Z,an unspoken pact made in silence during hollow hours where no voices linger but their own. The silence carved spaces with their thoughts, too fragile for the noise of the world.GenZ is always on time their time management skills are superb.They like to read poetry books and listen to poetry, and their music taste is so good—old, but still better than today’s English songs.Gen Z likes to sit in public, but without any conversation. In many restaurants, I see Gen Z sit at a table but not talk to their friends or family members. Even sometimes, they use AirPods and use their mobiles, so imagine from this how Gen Z needs solitude in their life.On a lighter note, I’m also a Gen Z, but at least I don’t wear AirPods at restaurants. I commonly see a group of friends in local restaurants, and literally, they came together, but trust me, they do not even talk a single word or have a conversation. They are all busy on their mobiles. Gen Z wants to sit alone in restaurants or public places. This doesn’t make them feel lonely rather, they are in their comfort zone.And nowadays, when Gen Z wear AirPods, understand that they are in their comfort zone or Do Not Disturb mode.GenZ wants to sit alone in restaurants or public places. This doesn’t make them feel lonely,rather they are in their comfort zone.And nowadays, when GenZ wear AirPods, understand that they are in their comfort zone or Do Not Disturb mode.