People are talking about —

— how the Margala Hills, a chain of lush green hills encircling Islamabad, are vanishing at an alarming rate because they are subjected to relentless stone-crushing operations, stripping away their rich natural cover and reducing them to barren landscapes. People say excavators and crushers are systematically tearing apart the terrain, leaving a dirty, lifeless expanse and this once scenic place presents now a scene of unrestrained exploitation, where the beauty is overshadowed by the constant hum of machinery and clouds of dust.

— the report “Lahore’s Air Quality Index AQI touches unprecedented level” which is seriously alarming as it has reached dangerously high levels, forcing the closure of schools and putting the health of countless individuals, particularly children and the elderly, at risk. People say only with a comprehensive commitment to cleaner air can we hope to prevent this environmental and public health crisis, so the policy makers should take the matter seriously and prioritize sustainable, impactful solutions for cleaner, breathable air for all.

— how countries have historically used a number of ways to destroy their rivals and in modern times, destroying the rivals by destroying their economies has been a tool used more often than any other, including using economic hit men to do the job. People say no country can achieve economic prosperity by relying on loans and aid. Such a target can be achieved only through self-reliance, industrialisation, investing in human capital, digitalisation, utilising resources and by encouraging financial discipline.

— the wild goose chase by thousands of young individuals every year to become doctors, who face uncertainty while preparing and appearing for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), which has been a controversial process beyond doubt for the last several years. People say there is life without being a doctor, maybe a much better life with a variety of options, because according to reports many doctors cannot find jobs and not all of them want to migrate.

— the troubling lack of empathy in our society for those with disabilities, particularly among the younger generation and how our society has normalised such cruelty, side-lining an entire demographic deserving of respect and compassion. People with disabilities should be considered for employment opportunities, given a fair shot at educational advancement; welcomed in all areas of public life and not be seen as burdens but as individuals with unique perspectives and talents that can enrich our communities and workplaces.

— the ‘Basic Education Community Schools’ (BECS) which are based on a basic education system having a single teacher, with the premises provided free of cost by the community. The single teacher is responsible for classes I to V of a school by adopting multi-grade teaching methods, while the honorarium, learning material and text books are provided by the government. People say it’s an encouraging start for the children living in the far flung areas of Islamabad Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

— the poor management of public service departments that are operated by the government, especially those in the livestock sector and how they need to be revitalised for the country’s economic future. Provincial governments must ensure that those who are work in these areas are dedicated; strengthen institutional frameworks promoting transparency and accountability; ensuring effective management of resources; investigate all corruption allegations; implement accountability measures; provide training to veterinary staff and ensure timely availability of medicines and vaccines. — I.H.