EXORBITANT charges: The recent announcement by the Board of Intermed-iate Education Karachi (BIEK) about examination results reveals a concerning trend. With each supplementary paper costing Rs3,800, the BIEK has turned education into a business rather than a support system for the students. While education boards exist to facilitate learning and progress, the high supplementary fee places an undue burden on families, especially those already struggling financially. It raises questions about whether the board’s priority is truly academic success or financial gain. For students who may need multiple attempts, the cost becomes a substantial barrier to their education. The BIEK must reconsider these excessive charges and prioritise accessible education for all.

Tasneem Yousuf
Karachi

QUETTA VISIT: A few days ago, I went to visit my family in Quetta, and was worried to see the uncertain law and order situation there. The fear of being attacked and even killed in an assault was prevalent everywhere. All amusement parks were completely or partly shut down. On the roads, one was never certain about what one was going to witness next. People are living in fear and shock. The government must resolve all such issues at the earliest, and formulate a holistic strategy to contain militancy in the region.

Mir Babar Ali Khuhawar
Larkana

NATIONAL SECURITY: Social media monitoring has become an essential practice for governments, businesses, and organisations globally. By analysing data from social media platforms, these entities can gain insights into public sentiment, track trends, and respond to issues in real time. Misinformation campaigns can significantly impact national security. False information has the potential to cause panic in society, and adversaries may exploit such tools to embolden extremist groups by casting doubt on the state’s ability to maintain security. This issue has become a significant threat to national security in the modern world.

Abdul Basit Alvi
Muzaffarabad

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2024