ELECTORAL REFORMS: During debates on electoral reforms, people often mention proportional representation and first-past-the-post systems. No one can deny that the existing system has failed. But the country should not follow the strategies adopted by others. We need to adapt and this can be achieved through low-scale experimentations through research by technology experts and experienced professionals. Pakistan needs one small step at a time, but in the right direction.

Umar Naveed
Rawalpindi

CONCRETE JUNGLE: This refers to the editorial ‘KCR rigmarole’ (June 19) which rightly stated that there is no ‘will’ to make the dream of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) come true. The people of Karachi have been living without KCR for the last 40 years. We should forget KCR now and create urban forest instead on the encroached concrete jungle and mounds of garbage. The absence of KCR did not kill people, but heatwaves in the last few years have, and more will die if we do not plant trees.

S. Nayyar Iqbal Raza
Karachi

EHSAAS BENEFICIARIES: The officials managing the biometric device who are supposed to hand over Ehsaas programme cash to the beneficiaries in Dadu are charging an illegal fee, deducting Rs500 from each beneficiary’s amount. The poor and illiterate beneficiaries think it is some legal payment for which they criticise the government and not the culprits. The higher authorities should look into this matter.

Name with held on request

Dadu

NO MASKS: While watching the National Kissan Convention on a TV channel recently, I was appalled to see the total disrespect on display for Covid SOPs. The prime minister was wearing a mask, but many others around him were not. It is safe to say that only 10 per cent of the attendees were wearing masks, while some were even seen blowing their nose. This blatant violation of SOPs at an important conference may give a false impression to the masses about the Covid situation.

Dr Mirza Ali Azhar
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2021