Mental Health Matters

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 Asma Qayyum Brain drain refers to the migration of highly educated and skilled professionals to other countries in search of better employment opportunities, higher salaries, quality education, advanced research facilities, and improved living conditions. This phenomenon has become one of Pakistan’s most serious development challenges, affecting the country’s economic growth and human capital. According to the World Bank, Pakistan is among the countries experiencing a significant outflow of skilled workers. Furthermore, official data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) show that hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis leave the country each year for overseas employment, including a large number of educated professionals. This growing migration places additional pressure on vital sectors such as healthcare, engineering, education, and information technology. Several factors contribute to brain drain, including unemployment, low salaries, limited research opportunities, political instability, economic uncertainty, and poor working conditions. As a result, many talented individuals believe they can achieve greater professional success and a better quality of life abroad. The consequences of brain drain are far-reaching. Pakistan loses experienced doctors, engineers, teachers, researchers, scientists, and IT specialists whose knowledge and expertise are essential for national development. The departure of these professionals weakens public services, reduces innovation, and slows economic progress. According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, 762,499 Pakistanis officially left the country for overseas employment in 2025. Since 1971, more than 15 million Pakistanis have been registered for overseas employment through the bureau. These figures highlight the scale of the issue and the urgent need for effective policy measures. To reduce brain drain, the government should create more employment opportunities, improve salaries and working conditions, invest in research, innovation, and higher education, and provide incentives that encourage skilled professionals to remain in or return to Pakistan. A stable economy, merit-based opportunities, and professional growth are essential to retaining the country’s talented workforce. Pakistan’s greatest asset is its people. By investing in its skilled professionals and creating an environment where they can thrive, the country can transform brain drain into brain gain and build a stronger, more prosperous future.

By Baloch khan Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to highlight the growing problem of plastic pollution in Kosh Malikabad, Turbat. Plastic bags and bottles are scattered on roads, empty plots, and drainage channels, making the area dirty and unhealthy. This pollution harms the environment, blocks drains, and poses a serious risk to animals and public health. The local authorities should install more dustbins, improve waste collection, and launch awareness campaigns to encourage people to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Citizens should also take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean. I hope the concerned authorities will take immediate action to address this issue and protect the environment of Koshk Malikabad.

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 Granaz Assa Every student dreams of getting an opportunity to show their talent and prove their abilities. Schools and educational institutions regularly organize speech, debate, and other competitions to encourage students to discover their potential and build their confidence. These events are meant to inspire students and help them grow. However, there is an issue that is rarely discussed: the disappointment and loss of hope that many students experience after being rejected without being given a fair chance. Many students spend days or even weeks preparing for these competitions. They write and revise their speeches, practice repeatedly, and overcome their fear of speaking in front of an audience. They invest their time, energy, and emotions because they believe that their hard work will be recognized. Unfortunately, some students are rejected within just a few moments, sometimes before they even get the opportunity to present their speech. Such rejection can be deeply discouraging. While rejection is a natural part of life and no one can succeed every time, every student deserves a fair opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. If a student’s speech is weak, if their confidence is low, or if they need to improve their presentation skills, they should be informed of their mistakes with kindness and honesty. Constructive feedback helps students understand where they need improvement and motivates them to work harder. A student who knows their weaknesses can overcome them and return stronger in the future. On the other hand, rejecting students without any explanation or guidance only leaves them confused, disappointed, and hopeless. Instead of learning from the experience, they may begin to doubt their abilities. Such experiences can have a lasting impact on a student’s confidence. Many talented students stop participating in competitions because they fear facing rejection again. They begin to believe that their efforts have no value and that their voices do not matter. As a result, they lose the confidence to express themselves and miss opportunities to develop important communication and leadership skills. Educational institutions should remember that competitions are not only about selecting winners. They are also about encouraging learning, building confidence, recognizing potential, and helping every student grow, regardless of the final result. I have personally experienced this feeling. After being rejected without a chance to present my speech, I felt extremely hopeless and disappointed. I questioned whether all my hard work had been meaningless. However, I later realized that every student deserves encouragement, even if they are not selected. A few words of guidance and constructive feedback can restore confidence and inspire students to keep trying. By giving every participant a fair chance and treating them with respect, educational institutions can help students remain hopeful, determined, and ready to achieve greater success in the future.