Pakistan is on the cusp of a pivotal decision regarding its population growth, which is expected to reach 340 million by 2050. According to Parimal Rai, the representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the country must weigh whether this growth will be a blessing or a curse. Rai made these remarks at a recent conference in Karachi, where he emphasized the importance of ensuring education and healthcare for every mother and child.
The conference, which was attended by prominent figures including German Ambassador Anil Pasch and Yasmin Hyder, highlighted the significant role women play in Pakistan’s economy. According to the speakers, 56% of the country’s adult women are illiterate and unemployed, while nearly 3 million children out of school are mostly girls.
Despite improvements in recent decades, Pakistan’s statistics on education and healthcare lag behind the global average. Experts agree that investing in women’s education and healthcare is not charity but a guarantee of national progress. The conference also stressed the importance of women being empowered to contribute to their families’ and communities’ prosperity.
In a show of solidarity, the speakers reiterated their commitment to supporting the Kashmiri brothers in their struggle against Indian oppression, which has been ongoing for seven decades. The conference also touched on the topics of interfaith harmony and religious tolerance.
Meanwhile, in a significant development, the opposition alliance, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced its willingness to engage in talks with the government. The PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, is expected to return to Pakistan with his son, Qasim Khan, to meet with Khan’s estranged wife, Bushra Wattoo.
In other news, the Judicial Commission has issued a notification regarding the investigation into the 2016 Gul Plaza attack in Karachi. The incident claimed the lives of several employees of the district court, who were working as stamp paper vendors.
In a related development, the Railways Department has restored two train services, the Jaffar Express and the Chaman Passenger, which were suspended due to security concerns. The train services will resume today, with the trains departing on schedule.
Additionally, the opposition leader, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, has accepted the government’s offer to engage in talks. The government’s advisor on political affairs, Senator Rana Sanaullah, has confirmed that the talks will aim to establish a fair election code.
Lastly, the Sindh Police have arrested a suspect, Nadeem Jamali, in connection with the shooting of two police officials in Karachi on January 6. Jamali was involved in a shootout with police, following which he escaped, leaving behind his arms and a vehicle.
