CIGARETTE SMOKING: It is heartening that the government has imposed the federal health levy on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Data shows that 86 billion cigarettes were consumed in Pakistan in 2012 alone, or 235 million cigarettes consumed per day. About 75,000 tobacco-consumers die every year in the country, while the health of millions is at risk.

Hussain Siddiqui
Islamabad

ADMISSION TEST: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) recently announced law admission test by increasing the challan fee to Rs1,000. Initially, there was no such fee till the HEC started charging Rs500. The recent announcement has left the poor aspirants disappointed. The HEC should review its decision in this regard so that all students may take a shot at completing their LLB studies.

Azeem Hassan Maitlo
Khairpur Mirs

RISING UNEMPLOYMENT: Across Pakistan, unemployment is on the rise, leaving the young disappointed and disillusioned, and putting marginalised groups of society at a great disadvantage. Many graduates fail to find jobs after university which impacts their wellbeing. Unfortunately, the education system does not impart valuable technical skills and only chooses to focus on theoretical learning. We need a revised educational system that prepares students for the job market. Also, the government must create more job opportunities by allowing foreign investment into the country.

Shifa Rajput
Karachi

UNIVERSITY BUSES: The University of Karachi has started a new shuttle service in order to facilitate students’ commute inside the campus. Unfortunately, the new service is not serving the purpose at all. In fact, it is increasing their troubles as there are not enough buses to accommodate the large number of students. Moreover, the buses almost always run behind schedule, and, because of that, the students miss their classes. The university administration should improve the shuttle service.

Laiba Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2021