THE BRAIN DRAIN: Bureaucratic red-tape, corruption and lack of opportunities are steering our youth to seek greener pastures abroad. The recent surge in passport applications is a stark reminder of the brain drain phenomenon. This underscores the urgent need to address the systemic issues that are pushing our youth away. To reverse the trend, we must prioritise education, invest in research and development, and create a conducive environment for innovation. By reforming our bureaucracy and impl-ementing transparent governance, we can surely inspire our youth to stay and con-tribute to the nation’s progress. It is time we stemmed the tide of immigration, and built a Pakistan where talent is valued.

Irfan Khan
Quetta

DEPRIVED DISTRICT: As is the case every year, a jeep race was held in Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan. Millions of rupees were spent on it, and the high and mighty of the district par-ticipated in the race. Security arrangements were done by the government. Unfortunately, Jhal Magsi is an under- privileged district. People are deprived of their basic rights, such as education, healthcare and food. The government must pay attention to the real issues of the people of Balochistan instead of organising such unnecessary events.

Qurban Murad
Jaffarabad

INCOMPLETE ROADS: Several major roads in Karachi have been dug up for construction. These roads are now full of potholes and uneven patches, with major sections having been narrowed down by a lane or two. People are stuck in traffic jams for hours, which causes frustration and financial loss. In some areas, sewerage lines have been damaged. These sewerage lines have turned into breeding grounds for mosquitoes. It is frustrating to see that despite all the inconvenience, there is no visible repair work going on anywhere in the area. The authorities must take immediate action to complete the projects quickly, and ensure that such delays do not happen again.

S.M. Ashraf Jahangir Ahmed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2025