Letter To The Editor


We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already. – Jk Rowling



Plastic-eating fungus

Recently, a plastic-eating fungus was discovered in a dumpster in Pakistan which could be the answer to the country’s mounting problem to eradicate plastic waste from land and ocean. Plastic is one of the materials which often takes years long to decompose and poses a threat to wild and marine life, actively contributing to the land and water pollution. At present, many scientists are collectively working on a rubbish dump in Islamabad where the fungi was first discovered and conducting extensive experiments. Reports suggest that the enzymes found in the fungus can break down plastics such as polyester polyurethane. The government is advised to converge efforts and financially facilitate the ongoing science research, so that the fungi can be used effectively in curbing the plastic waste in all over the country.

Ayesha Naaz,
Karachi


Rat infestation on large

According to latest news report, over 10 cases of rat bites are reported in local clinics in Peshawar and its surrounding cities. Peshawar is rapidly becoming a hub of rat infestation, where these creatures rapidly breed and infest low-income towns. Residents of these towns have reported cases of rats as big as cats scampering across the city and attacking both adults and children at night. Rat bites, if not treated medically immediately can cause fatal infections. As the infestation grows wider, more people are falling victims to this lethal predator. Undisposed trash on streets and home, open sewers and gutters and drainage lines serve as their breeding grounds. With Peshawar being the active victim, rat infestation is rapidly scramming across other cities. The Ministry of Health and local government should deligently address this major issue and render effective solutions on priority basis.

Mehak Bano,
Peshawar


Addressing the malnutrition crisis

According to the National Nutrition Survey, alarming figures have cropped up citing malnutrition in Pakistan to be the most deadly and imminent menace. Malnutrition is a condition in which our bodies are deprived of all the necessary nutrients, which can only be addressed through a balanced diet. Our diets in Pakistan are barely what we can classify as ‘balanced diets’. This is an issue that arises directly as a result of food insecurity. Food insecurity is one of the greatest challenges faced by Pakistan, according to the Food Security and Nutrition Strategic Review for Pakistan in 2017. It is important that both federal and provincial governments put their heads together and formulate an effective strategy to combating malnutrition, so that the unprivileged sector of the society can look up to a better short at life.

Hajra Masood,
Karachi


Encouraging sports

While greater stress is laid on academics and educational curriculum, very little encouragement is given to organised sports activities. Years back, sports activities were cited as important as academic, but at present schools, colleges and universities neglect this aspect of a student’s life. Sports does not only go a long way in shaping one’s personalities, it also encourages discipline, builds confidence and instils a fervour to meet challenges in the young and old. Needless to say it also strengthens one’s body and mental state. Educational institutes should converge efforts and allocate fitting budget and resources for organised sporting events,

Laiba Malik,
Islamabad



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