Youth Empowerment in Pakistan

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 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 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 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 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.

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