Dasht is in danger

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.

Due to the lack of proper playgrounds, children and young people often use the grounds of nearby government schools for recreation and physical activity. There is nothing inherently wrong with this. In fact, physical activity is essential for children’s physical and mental health, fitness, and overall development. However, the absence of caretakers and other Class-IV staff in schools during the evening raises serious concerns about safety, discipline, and the protection of school property. Children and young people of different ages regularly gather in these playgrounds. To prevent any untoward incidents, the presence of responsible adults is essential. Having Class-IV staff or other designated personnel available during evening hours would not only reassure children and their parents, but also help to maintain discipline and safeguard school buildings, furniture, and other educational resources. A practical solution can be introduced to address this. The school administration should establish a sports committee comprising responsible members of the local community. The names, designations, and contact details of committee members should be properly recorded at the school, with a copy shared with the local police station. This would enable prompt communication with responsible committee members in the event of an emergency or any untoward situation. The matter requires immediate attention from both the district administration and the education department. Rather than discouraging children from using school playgrounds, the authorities should put in place a proper system of evening supervision at government schools. Such an arrangement would allow children to take part in healthy physical activities in a safe and disciplined environment, while also ensuring the protection of public property. Government school playgrounds are valuable community assets. With a modest and well-organised supervisory system, they can serve not only as spaces for physical activity but also as safe and constructive environments for the younger generation. Protecting these spaces and ensuring their safe use should therefore be a shared responsibility of the administration, schools, and the local community. Muhammad Iqbal Awan (Namal) Mianwali, Punjab (Educationist, Writer, Motivational Speaker)

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

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 Kulsoom Amanullah When Taliban entered Kabul in Augusta 2021,the loss of peace in Afghanistan and the role of the Taliban in the country’s long and difficult history. Afghanistan has suffered from decades of war, political conflict, and instability. The Taliban have been an important part of this history, and their return to power in 2021 changed the lives of millions of Afghan people. The Taliban first emerged in Afghanistan in the 1990s and controlled most of the country by 1996. Their rule was known for strict religious policies and restrictions on many aspects of daily life. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan, and the Taliban government was removed from power. However, the conflict continued for many years. During this period, Afghan civilians experienced violence, displacement, poverty, and insecurity. In August 2021, the Taliban returned to power after the withdrawal of United States and allied forces. Since then, Afghanistan has faced many serious challenges. Although the level of large-scale fighting has decreased compared with some earlier years, peace is more than simply the absence of war. True peace requires safety, freedom, economic stability, education, and respect for the rights and dignity of all people. One of the most serious concerns under the Taliban has been restrictions on women’s and girls’ education and participation in society. Girls have faced severe restrictions on secondary and higher education, while women have also faced limitations on employment and public life. These policies have created deep concern both inside and outside Afghanistan. Education is essential for the development of any country, and denying opportunities to a large part of the population can make it harder for Afghanistan to achieve long-term progress. The Afghan people also face economic and humanitarian difficulties. Many families struggle with poverty and limited access to basic services. Years of war have weakened the country’s infrastructure and economy. The international community has provided humanitarian assistance, but Afghanistan still needs long-term solutions that can help its people live with dignity and hope. At the same time, it is important to remember that ordinary Afghan people are not responsible for the conflicts that have affected their country. They are the ones who have suffered the most from decades of violence and instability. Afghan families deserve the opportunity to live peacefully, earn a living, educate their children, and build a secure future. Afghanistan needs a peaceful and inclusive future. The Taliban, as the current rulers of the country, have a major responsibility to create conditions in which all citizens can live safely and with dignity. The rights of women and girls, access to education, economic development, and humanitarian needs should be given serious attention. The story of Afghanistan teaches us that lasting peace cannot be achieved through force alone. It requires dialogue, justice, education, cooperation, and respect for human rights. I hope that one day Afghanistan will move beyond its painful past and become a peaceful country where every citizen can live without fear and every child can dream of a better future.

By Asma Qayyum Youth empowerment is the process of providing young people with the education, skills, opportunities, and confidence they need to contribute positively to society. Pakistan has one of the largest youth populations in the world. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (2023 Census), the country’s population is approximately 241.49 million, and around 64% of Pakistanis are under the age of 30. This large youth population has the potential to become Pakistan’s greatest strength if it is properly educated, skilled, and employed. Young people play a vital role in the social, economic, and political development of a country. Empowered youth become skilled professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and responsible citizens. Their energy, creativity, and ideas can boost productivity, reduce poverty, encourage innovation, and strengthen national development. However, Pakistan faces several challenges in empowering its youth. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the national literacy rate is approximately 63%, while millions of children remain out of school. Furthermore, the Labour Force Survey (2024–25) reported an unemployment rate of 7.1%, making job creation one of the country’s greatest challenges. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports that nearly four million young Pakistanis reach working age each year, but only around one million new jobs are created annually. It also notes that many young people are neither in education, employment, nor training (NEET), limiting their ability to contribute to the country’s growth. The major challenges facing Pakistani youth include limited access to quality education, unemployment and underemployment, a shortage of technical and vocational training opportunities, poverty, unequal opportunities in rural areas, and limited support for entrepreneurship and innovation. To address these challenges, the government should invest more in education, technical and vocational training, and modern skill development. It should also create more employment opportunities, support youth entrepreneurship through training programs and financial assistance, and encourage young people to participate in community service, leadership initiatives, and civic engagement. At the same time, educational institutions and the private sector should work together to equip young people with the skills required for the modern job market. Youth empowerment is essential for Pakistan’s future. With millions of young people entering the workforce each year, investing in education, skills, innovation, and employment is not merely an option—it is a necessity. Empowering young people will strengthen Pakistan’s economy, reduce poverty, promote social stability, and build a more prosperous and peaceful nation. As the saying goes, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”