Thank You for Giving Millions of Ordinary People an Extraordinary Voice

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 Saba Bakhtiyar I am writing this letter to share important information with you that today is the age of technology. Mobile phones and the internet have made our lives easier. But one big drawback of this technology is social media addiction. Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have connected people together, and many people have become addicted to them. What is social media addiction? When someone spends too much time on social media and feels restless without it, that is called social media addiction. In this condition, people think that if they do not check their phones, they will be left behind by the world. People also use social media to overcome their loneliness. However, many people are unaware that this habit can turn out to be dangerous for them. It can affect mental health, cause depression, lead to a lack of sleep, create distance in families and relationships, and reduce students’ attention towards education, which is another big problem. Social media is a tool. If we use it wisely, it helps us. If we misuse it, it harms us. Seeing perfect lives online makes people feel insecure about their own lives, and it has also increased online harassment and hate comments. Moreover, notifications and reels distract people from their work and studies. They are so busy on social media that they are not interested in their personal work. Due to social media, it is affecting people a lot. People share too much personal information, which can be misused. As well as this, many people are addicted to checking their phones every few minutes. The most dangerous thing is that nowadays small children are using mobile phones, and it is affecting them a lot. Their eyes are affected due to excessive phone use. Children can also easily access inappropriate content online, and they spend less time playing outdoor games. Parents should set screen time limits for their children and give them outdoor games and books instead of mobile phones. A mobile phone is a tool, not a toy for small children. Parents must guide them. People should also stay away from their mobile phones as much as possible. It is a very huge problem for people. They should use mobile phones, but within limits. Set a daily time limit for social media use, and follow pages that teach you, not just entertain you. Do not use your mobile phone all the time because it is very harmful.

By Meer Baloch Through your newspaper, I want to draw attention to the serious situation in Dasht. The people of Dasht are facing many problems, and they do not feel safe in their own area. There is a lack of proper security, police protection, hospitals, and other basic facilities. People are worried about their safety, especially women, children, and elderly people. The government should take immediate steps to improve security and provide basic facilities to the people of Dasht. I hope you will publish this issue in your newspaper so that the authorities can take notice and protect the people of Dasht.

By Baloch Khan Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the poor treatment of women at the NADRA office in Turbat. Many women, including elderly applicants and mothers with children, are forced to wait for long hours while some staff members fail to deal with them efficiently and respectfully. Every citizen deserves equal treatment and timely service, especially in a government office that provides essential identity documents. Delays, mismanagement, and a lack of proper assistance cause unnecessary hardship for women. I request the authorities to investigate the matter, ensure respectful behavior by the staff, and improve services so that women can complete their work without unnecessary delays and inconvenience.

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.