SUGAR IMPORT: It is not the right time for the government to import sugar. The sugar cane crushing season will start from November this year and a bumper sugar cane crop is expected due to increase in acreage and higher yield. According to a conservative estimate, the sugar production in the forthcoming 2021-22 season may be more than the domestic requirements. The authorities concerned may reconsider the decision and save precious foreign exchange and the sugar industry.

H. A. Naqvi
Lahore

NATIONAL ANTHEM: It is observed that when the national anthem of Pakistan is played before the start of a cricket match, the posture of our players is not uniform. I suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should develop a uniform posture which should be mandatory for every player to adopt when the national anthem is played. Besides, every player must be asked to recite the anthem.

S. Zaki Hasan
Karachi

POVERTY ALLEVIATION: An estimated 30 per cent of the national population lives below the poverty line, and earn less than Rs300 per day. Unfortunately, our governments have shown a tendency towards launching charity projects instead of initiating an effective mass poverty alleviation programme. The charity programmes force people to rely on financial support rather than attaining the capacity to stand on their own two feet. The government must introduce skill development programmes and train the people to be self-sufficient.

Muhammad Haroon
Islamabad

A HERO: Umer Sharif was a multi-talented person. He was a comedian, scriptwriter, film producer and, indeed, a fine actor. His undying passion for the art of comedy and mimicry remained undiluted till the very end. Though his films were also instant hits, his stage dramas were his basic claim to fame. He effectively used satire and humour to highlight social issues to rid our society of social vices.

Khadim Hussain Subhpoto
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2021