Safe Playgrounds, Safer Communities

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 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 Aamina Asghar The Baloch are an ancient people with a rich culture that is distinct from many other cultures around the world. Whether it is their weddings or their way of life, everything about their culture is unique. Most particularly, Balochi weddings have their own beautiful traditions but many modern trends influenced by social media and other cultures are gradually replacing them. It is good to enjoy modern trends, but we should not forget our own traditions that identifies us in the world. The below I mention some of the keen factors affecting the culture: Our Culture Is Our Identity Baloch wedding traditions have been passed down by our ancestors. They tell the story of who we are and remind us of our rich cultural heritage. Culture is what identify us from any part of the world and make us look different from the native of that particular area. Traditional Balochi Dress Balochi brides and grooms wear beautiful traditional dresses with fine embroidery done by Baloch women’s hand. They are hand-made cloths. Nowadays, many people prefer modern designer clothes instead of traditional Balochi attire. The trend has been influenced from social media and is adopted by the living persons in their daily life. Wedding Customs Many families now arrange Mehndi ceremonies, Dholki events, dance performances, bridal shows, and other celebrations that were not traditionally part of Baloch weddings. As a result, our original customs are becoming less common. As a result, few young people know the traditional practices of Balochi Culture. Decoration Traditional Baloch weddings had simple decorations that focused on family, culture, and tradition. Today, expensive stage decorations, flower walls, and modern themes are becoming very popular, making the marriage more expensive. Upon seeing such things, everyone around the society expects such marriages to take place in future, badly affecting the poor people who cannot afford them and thus ends up insulting them in others’ eyes. Social Media Influence Many people copy what they see on social media without thinking about their own culture. It is good to know about other’s culture, but killing your own culture for others is never beneficial for the generation to come. Our culture should be preserved. Music and Celebration Traditional Balochi music and cultural celebrations should be encouraged because they keep our heritage alive. Sadly, very few people are well aware of Balochi singers. We respect other singers when it comes to our own Balochi singers who are preserving the language are never valued or recognized by majority of us. Thus, modern trends are not bad, but we should not allow them to replace our beautiful traditions. Baloch wedding traditions are an important part of our culture. Our dresses, music, customs, and celebrations reflect our identity, and we should respect and preserve them. This will help future generations understand the value of Balochi culture. Let us take pride in being Baloch, promote our traditions and show the world the beauty of our culture.

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.