People are talking about —

— Pakistan's textile industry, which, while economically significant, is contributing millions of dollars in waste each year, and our air, freshwater, marine life and overall climate are bearing the brunt of this environmental damage. People say producing a single pair of jeans consumes between 5,000 and 8,000 litres of water, a shocking misuse of a resource where water scarcity is a growing concern. This unsustainable practice is leading us toward a future where we may find ourselves starving for the very resources we are carelessly depleting today.

— how the women's cricket team stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, determination and empowerment as it has displayed extraordinary skill and grit on international platforms, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of girls. People say their journey highlights not only their sporting achievements but also the immense potential of Pakistani women to excel in all areas of life when given equal opportunities. Supporting women athletes goes beyond nurturing talent - it's about advancing gender equality, promoting inclusivity and enhancing Pakistan's image.

— the alarming lack of empathy among doctors and how reforming medical education must become a priority. Although our medical universities excel in teaching anatomy, pharmacology and clinical skills, they regularly fail to instil this most foundational aspect of healing. Universities need to integrate empathy training into their curriculums as an essential component of medical practice. Learning programs, where students interact meaningfully with patients, can help future doctors understand the importance of listening, showing kindness and connecting on a human level.

— the report that child abuse in Pakistan has become a silent epidemic that affects many lives even though the prevention of child abuse is supposed to be safeguarded by law. According to data, thousands of children are abused every year and many cases are not even reported, so this situation requires society to act collectively and the approval of the Child Courts Bill by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior will hopefully help it to mitigate the problem.

— the fact that when jobs and promotions are given to people on any basis other than merit, it creates an unfair situation, especially for those who are qualified and work hard. People say there is a need to review outdated policies and take appropriate measures to prioritise educational qualification for jobs across the board, the only way to ensure having the services of qualified and dedicated individuals, so the authorities must ensure merit and transparency in the recruitment process to avoid nepotism and injustice.

— how emergency measures are needed to save yaks and other animals in the Northern areas from perishing due to shortage of fodder, as the torrential rains during the harvesting season affected the yield. Due to extreme

climatic conditions, livestock is the main source of income for the residents and they fear their animals will starve since the fields are covered by snow and livestock loss would be a catastrophe, so opening of the roads for transportation of fodder to the valley's is

essential. — I.H.