IT is all about a journey — from a stranger to a friend to a lover — and then back to square one; again to a stranger. This kind of chain has been in play since people started living in close proximity; basically, since the birth of civilisation.

Having said that, it is not necessary that every person goes through all the four stages. Largely, it is for those who had quite a close bonding over a certain period of time. People usually enjoy the second and third legs, while the last one is quite painful for many.

The fourth leg — lovers becoming strangers again — comes into play due to lack of insight between them, depicting a false image in front of another person, living double or multiple lifestyles at a time, changing of priorities, lack of inner satisfaction, deceit and such other reasons.

However, many people manage to forge strong relationships just by sticking to the basic principles of understanding and trusting each other, and by making calculated compromises.

If one of the partners is not toxic, the other must strive hard not to lose the person over some petty issue.

Muzaffar Hussain
Karachi

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: Hospitals in Turbat lack medical equipment and testing machines, and, hence, doctors diagnose and treat patients based on mere guesswork. An individual was recently diagnosed with cancer without having undergone any tests. He went to Karachi for treatment only to find that he did not have cancer or anything serious at all. It was just an ordinary abdominal issue for which he was treated and returned healthy. It was an eye-opener for us. Is it the same for those in authority? Will someone at least try to equip the hospitals properly? Will someone ask the doctors not to issue definitive diagnoses when they have not run any tests?

Eman Hanif
Turbat

CRIMINAL GANG: The law-enforcement agencies are ignoring the recent surge in criminal activities within the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in Karachi. A criminal gang, fully armed, is reportedly active in the vicinity. The police force is either patronising such crimes or shying away from an encounter with the gang. The DHA administration should take serious notice of the situation.

Arsalan Faruqi
Karachi

TRAFFIC ISSUES: Timergara is the gateway to Upper Dir and Chitral, and the road connecting the destinations remains under severe traffic pressure all day long. Motorists make things worse by parking their vehicles in front of shops. The situation at Chakdara is no different. The construction of the bypass, which has already been delayed significantly, must be completed at the earliest to resolve the traffic problems.

Muhammad Saqib
Shawa

POOR DENTAL CARE: The incidence of periodontitis, the inflammation of the periodontium or the surface surrounding the teeth, is on the rise on account of poor dental hygiene. Dentistry is a less prioritised area in most public-sector facilities, while dentists running their own practice make a fortune at the expense of the patients.

The government should ensure due dental care for all, especially in the rural areas.

Dr Kashif Mastoi
Moro

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2021