Brain Drain: A Growing Challenge for Pakistan

By Zoya Khan Naseer Ahmed I am writing to bring your attention to a pressing issue at Government Girls High School in Balicha, which is currently facing a severe shortage of qualified teachers. Many teachers from Balicha choose to relocate and teach in cities so that their own children can receive a better education, leaving our local school understaffed. Not every family has the financial means to relocate or send their children to cities for schooling; most of the local population depends entirely on this government institution. When asked why proper instruction is lacking, some educators explain that staying in Balicha compromises their own children’s academic futures due to limited facilities. However, every child deserves access to quality education regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location. At present, students are deprived of proper instruction in core subjects. While Urdu, Islamiat, and Arabic are taught regularly in some classes, essential subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Geography are frequently neglected due to the absence of specialized teachers. This deficit is particularly critical for students in Grades 9 and 10, where key scientific disciplines—including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics—are not taught properly. Without adequate instruction in these foundational subjects, students are unable to prepare effectively for their board examinations or pursue higher education successfully. Every student deserves an equal opportunity to learn. I urge the relevant authorities to appoint qualified teachers to Government Girls High School, Balicha, ensuring that students can receive a complete education and build a better future.

 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.

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.

By Zubaida Khan I am writing to highlight the pressing issue of road safety in our area and to emphasize the urgent need for strict adherence to traffic regulations. Navigating our streets safely has become a major challenge for both pedestrians and drivers. In busy commercial and residential areas, pedestrians face severe risks while attempting to cross the road due to reckless driving and high vehicle speeds. Simple safety measures such as wearing helmets on two-wheelers and fastening seatbelts in cars are frequently ignored. This widespread disregard for basic traffic rules has led to a alarming surge in avoidable road accidents. These mishaps result not only in life-threatening injuries and tragic loss of life, but also place immense emotional and financial strains on families who must cope with sudden hospitalizations and long-term recovery. Prioritizing road safety is vital to protecting precious human lives and ensuring smooth, secure commutes for everyone. To achieve a safer environment, I respectfully suggest the following steps: Traffic Enforcement & Infrastructure: Install clear traffic signals, designated zebra crossings, and speed humps in high-density areas. Road Maintenance: Ensure regular upkeep by cleaning debris, repairing potholes, and maintaining clear visibility along key routes. Awareness Campaigns: Conduct public safety campaigns in local schools and community centers to promote responsible driving habits. I urge the local authorities to take swift action by improving road maintenance and strictly enforcing traffic rules. Together, we can make our roads safer for every citizen.

By Shayhaq Siraj Gwadar, a city that stands as a symbol of development and economic promise, is unfortunately facing a severe crisis of clean drinking water. Despite being a focal point of national and international attention due to its strategic importance, the basic necessity of safe water remains a distant dream for many residents. The people of Gwadar are forced to rely on water tankers and private suppliers, which are often expensive and unreliable. In many areas, the available water is contaminated and unfit for human consumption, posing serious health risks, especially to children and the elderly. Waterborne diseases are becoming increasingly common, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. It is deeply concerning that while large-scale development projects are underway, the fundamental rights of local citizens are being overlooked. Access to clean drinking water is not a luxury; it is a basic human right that must be ensured for every individual. The authorities must take immediate and effective measures to address this crisis. Investment in proper water supply infrastructure, desalination plants, and efficient distribution systems is crucial. Furthermore, strict monitoring should be implemented to ensure the quality of water being supplied to the public. Gwadar’s true progress cannot be measured solely by infrastructure and investment but by the well-being of its people. Providing clean drinking water is essential for a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future. I hope the concerned authorities will take swift action to resolve this pressing issue.

By Nazaink Majid I am writing this letter to seek justice for the tragic and heartbreaking murder of Ali Raza. Mirza Raza Ali, a famous Wafflix food grand owner from Gulistan -e-Johar and who was murdered in Gulistan -e- Johar, Karachi. According to a Pakistan today on the police investigation, Mir Ali Raza was in contact with his fiance until 11:30 PM, after which he returned to his home in PECHS. At around 3:00 AM on July 28, his fiance attempted to reach him again. Over a span of roughly 20 minutes, she made more than 40 panic calls and sent multiple text messages expressing immediate concern for his safety, none of which were answered. Police Sources confirmed that before leaving his PECHS house, Mir Ali Raza had abruptly deleted his social media accounts and disconnected his whatsapp. And he sent some amount of money to his father’s account. On 28 July at 4:12, Ali Raza went to his home. The following days, on the night of 29 July, his body was left at a location, and people discovered it on the morning of 30 July. The painful death of Ali Raza shows that people’s lives are not safe. No family should have to suffer the loss of a loved one in a such a way. Ali Raza’s death is a reminder that every life matters and every citizen deserves safety. We demand justice for Ali Raza and safety for every citizen of Karachi. No one should live in fear. Every person deserves justice, Safety and the chance to live without danger. The Ali Raza’s death should not become just another incident forgotten with time. It should be a wake-up call for stronger action, and safety for everyone. We appeal to the authorities to stand with the victim’s family, investigate this matter with honesty, and ensure that justice is served. No family should have to suffer such a loss, and no one life should be taken without accountability.