Bridging the Education Gap

By Sania Rahim I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities and the general public toward the rapidly growing issue of fake degrees and certificates, which is becoming a serious threat to our society day by day. Education is considered the backbone of any nation. It builds skilled professionals, responsible citizens, and a strong economy. However, the increasing trend of fake educational documents is weakening this very foundation. Today, some people obtain fake degrees and certificates to secure jobs, promotions, admissions, and other benefits without having the required knowledge, skills, or hard work. This unfair practice is not only injustice to deserving candidates but is also damaging the credibility of our educational institutions. The most alarming part is that fake degrees are now being used in sensitive fields such as medicine, engineering, teaching, law, and public administration. An unqualified doctor, engineer, or teacher can endanger human lives and the future of entire communities. When unskilled people occupy important positions through fraudulent documents, the quality of services declines, accidents increase, and public trust in institutions erodes. It also discourages honest students who spend years studying and working hard to earn genuine qualifications. Another major consequence is corruption. The network of agents, printing presses, and online sellers who manufacture and sell fake degrees is growing because of high demand and weak verification systems. This creates a parallel market where money replaces merit. As a result, competent individuals are left behind while unqualified people move ahead, which ultimately harms national progress. To control this serious issue, I would like to suggest some necessary steps: First, the government should establish a centralized, digital database of all degrees and certificates issued by recognized boards and universities. Every employer and institution should be bound to verify documents through this system before hiring or admission. Second, strict legal action should be taken against those involved in making, selling, and using fake degrees. Heavy fines and imprisonment can serve as a strong deterrent. Third, awareness campaigns should be launched in schools, colleges, and on media platforms to educate students and parents about the dangers and legal consequences of using fake documents. Fourth, professional bodies like the Pakistan Medical Commission, Pakistan Engineering Council, and education departments must regularly audit their members and employees. In conclusion, fake degrees are not just a paper problem. They are a threat to merit, public safety, and the future of our country. I sincerely hope that the concerned departments, law enforcement agencies, and educational authorities will take immediate and effective steps to eliminate this malpractice and restore trust in our education system.

By Muhammad Naseer The road construction project from Shaitump to Turbat Bazaar was initiated in 2022 with the hope of improving transportation and easing the daily commute for thousands of residents. Unfortunately, despite the passage of several years, the project remains incomplete. While one section of the road has been completed, the remaining stretch from Zong Ground to Turbat Bazaar is progressing at an extremely slow pace, causing growing inconvenience to the public. The prolonged delay has created numerous problems for commuters, shopkeepers, students, and pedestrians. In several places, piles of sand, gravel, and other construction materials have been left on the roadside for extended periods, narrowing the road and making it difficult for vehicles to pass safely. Pedestrians are forced to walk through dusty and uneven paths, exposing them to unnecessary risks and discomfort. The dust generated by the ongoing construction has become another major concern. It affects shopkeepers, residents, and road users alike, often causing irritation to the eyes and breathing difficulties, particularly for children, elderly people, and those with respiratory illnesses. During busy hours, traffic congestion becomes worse because of the restricted road space, increasing travel time and creating safety hazards. Development projects are meant to improve public life, but unnecessary delays diminish their intended benefits. If work is carried out efficiently and completed within the announced timeframe, both the public and local businesses can enjoy the advantages of improved infrastructure without prolonged hardship. The concerned authorities and the contractor are requested to accelerate the pace of construction, remove unnecessary construction materials from the roadside, and adopt effective measures to control dust during the remaining work. Timely completion of this important road project will not only provide relief to the people but also reflect a commitment to efficient public service. It is hoped that the relevant authorities will take immediate notice of this issue and ensure that the project is completed without further delay for the convenience and safety of the people of Turbat.

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 Baloch Khan Government schools are established to provide equal education and opportunities to every student. Unfortunately, in some schools, favoritism has become a serious concern. Some teachers give special attention to a few students while ignoring others. This unfair treatment discourages hardworking students and creates an unhealthy learning environment. Another troubling issue is the rude behavior of some teachers. Instead of guiding students with patience and respect, they often scold and humiliate them. Such behavior affects students’ confidence and their interest in education. Teachers should inspire children, not make them afraid of coming to school. The education department should monitor government schools regularly and take strict action against favoritism, negligence, and unprofessional behavior. Every child deserves equal treatment, respect, and a quality education

By Shadri Amanullah I am writing this letter for the people of Balochistan who are facing extreme poverty and unemployment. Most of the people in Balochistan can’t buy basic things like food, clothes, or shelter because they don’t have enough money. It is no longer a small problem, as we all know Balochistan is a land full of valuable resources like gas, gold, and copper. But the government is selling all these resources to other countries, while the local people remain poor. Many people grow crops or raise animals to survive. Due to the lack of rainfall, the soil has been converted into dust. The lakes and rivers have completely dried up. Because of this, farmers cannot grow crops. Everything like rice, flour, sugar, and all these things is too expensive, so poor families can’t afford them. These things are brought from other cities, so the transportation costs make everything too expensive. These are some of the reasons why the people of Balochistan remain poor. Many people in Balochistan are unemployed because there are no big factories, offices, or companies in Balochistan. People can only get government jobs, and the problem is that the government does not have enough jobs. Many people feed their families by buying and selling goods with Iran and Afghanistan. Now the government has closed the borders. Due to this, they can’t feed their families. Most of the universities in Balochistan don’t teach modern skills; they just teach the old lessons. If they teach modern skills to the students, it will be easier for them to find jobs. All the time of the government is spent on the military; due to this, the government forgets to build factories or provide ways for people to earn daily wages. Many young people who have university degrees are still unemployed. Because of frustration and hopelessness, some young people lose hope despite their efforts. The smart people leave the province and go to other cities and countries to study and get proper jobs. When young people don’t get jobs, they may turn to illegal activities such as drug abuse or smuggling. To fix this problem, the government must take three steps. We request the authorities to spend the money made from the valuable resources of Balochistan on building local businesses, roads, and water infrastructure. The government should open markets on the borders so that people could trade and earn some money for themselves. And we want the government to open centers for young people where they could learn useful skills like mobile repairing and other useful skills so they could start their own businesses and earn some money.

 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.