KARACHI:
According to national surveys and newspaper reports, nearly half of Pakistan’s population lives in rural areas, yet these regions continue to suffer from poor infrastructure, weak healthcare systems, lack of educational institutions and inadequate sanitation facilities. Many villages are still devoid of proper roads, electricity, clean drinking water or hospitals.
Education in rural areas is also badly affected. Students often travel long distances to attend schools, while many villages have no libraries, laboratories or trained teachers. Due to poverty and lack of awareness, many children are unable to continue their education. Newspaper reports frequently highlight high dropout rates in remote parts of Balochistan and other provinces.
Healthcare conditions are equally alarming. Many rural communities lack awareness about dangerous diseases and proper hygiene practices. People often live closely with animals due to their dependence on livestock for income, increasing the risk of harmful infections and diseases. In emergency situations, patients must travel long distances because nearby medical facilities are unavailable. In summer, people suffer severely due to extreme heat, shortage of water and lack of electricity.
Rural people are an important part of our society and deserve equal rights and opportunities like citizens living in urban areas.
Naikbakth Bijjar
Shapuk
