"The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same." – Colin R. Davis

The Poor State of Government School Education in Pakistan
The condition of government school education in Pakistan is deeply troubling and reflects a broader crisis in the country’s public education system. Despite numerous policy promises and budget allocations, the ground realities remain harsh, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. Government schools often suffer from a lack of basic facilities, including clean drinking water, toilets, electricity, and even boundary walls, making them unsafe and unsuitable for learning.

One of the most serious problems is the absence or shortage of qualified and dedicated teachers. In many cases, teachers are either untrained, irregular in attendance, or overburdened with non-teaching duties such as census or election work. This leaves students without proper guidance, resulting in poor academic outcomes and high dropout rates, particularly among girls.

The outdated curriculum and teaching methods also hinder intellectual growth. Rote memorisation is still common, with little focus on developing analytical or practical skills. Furthermore, school management is often plagued by political interference, corruption, and lack of accountability, which means funds meant for development are either misused or never reach the schools.

The situation is more alarming in remote regions of Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where hundreds of “ghost schools” exist – buildings without students or staff, existing only on paper. Without urgent and serious reforms, the dream of quality education for all will remain unfulfilled. Improving government schools in Pakistan is not just an educational challenge; it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention.
Naila,
Islamabad.

Impact of Social Media on Pakistani People's Behaviour and Friendships
In recent years, the excessive use of social media in Pakistan has significantly changed the behaviour of people and weakened the bonds of real-life friendships. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp have become a major part of daily life, especially among the youth. While social media has benefits, such as staying connected and sharing information, its overuse has led to negative consequences on social behaviour and relationships.

People are now more focused on virtual interactions than face-to-face communication. Friends and family members sitting in the same room often prefer scrolling through their phones instead of engaging in meaningful conversations. As a result, emotional connections are weakening, and people are becoming more isolated despite being constantly “connected.”

Another issue is the rise of comparison and jealousy. Many users post only the highlights of their lives, creating unrealistic standards and false impressions. This has led to increased feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and even depression, especially among young people. Furthermore, the habit of seeking likes and attention has replaced genuine friendship and understanding.

In Pakistani society, traditional values of hospitality, respect, and deep friendships are slowly fading as people spend more time online and less in real-life social gatherings. This shift is damaging the social fabric and creating a more self-centered and distracted generation.

To restore real human connections, it is essential for people in Pakistan to balance their use of social media and revive the values of true friendship, empathy, and community interaction.
Anushay,
Karachi.