FUTURE OF SYRIA: After the dow-nfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syria is transforming into a new country. Ankara, being an ally of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the leader of the governing body in Syria, is going to have major influence. The Turkish government will also help build infrastructure and institutions within Syria, benefiting from intensified trade cooperation. Though Washington’s long-time support for the Kurdish factions has been a bone of contention between the United States and Turkiye, it is assumed that Trump’s new policy will take a diff-erent approach. Whatever happens, the focus needs to remain on the wellbeing of Syrians and the development of the region.

Nawal Zahra
Islamabad

MONKEYPOX ALERT: Monkeypox virus (MPOX) is emerging as a major health threat in Pakistan. Its symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and a characteristic rash. According to reports, the first MPOX case of 2025 has been reported in Peshawar. In April 2023, there were 11 confirmed cases, of which one ended in death. Currently, there is no treatment approved specifically for such infections, increasing the risk further. By enhancing diagnostic capabilities, intensifying surveillance, and raising public awareness, Pakistan can better protect its population from the threat knocking at its door. The time to act is now.

Noorsaba Jahan
Kech

TRAFFIC JAMS: The Aga Khan Hospital and Liaquat National Hospital in Karachi cater to a large number of patients. Every day, thousands of patients and their attendants visit these hospitals. However, traffic jams due to heavy traffic create difficulty for them. Moreover, a high rise building has been constructed in front of these hospitals with various medical and departmental stores and other busi-ness enterprises to be opened in the near future. With the additional inflow of customers and shoppers on the road, traffic and parking problems are going to incr-ease. The authorities should look into this menace before it becomes a reality.

Dr Shahab Javid
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2025