IN a bid to make the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination more effective, the federal government has decided to conduct a screening test before the written test. The decision is commendable as it will filter out the non-serious candidates and make the process quick and transparent.

However, it also poses challenges to those preparing for CSS 2022 exams. With hardly three to four months in hand, candidates are busy revising the subjects. Preparing for an all new test and format in such a short time will be difficult for them.

Moreover, the exam is held every year in February. Thousands of candidates are taking exam yearly so they may finally land the job. However, only a few of them succeed. Considering the time limitations for candidates, the government should conduct the screening test from next year, i.e. CSS 2023 and onwards.

Hamid Ali Rahoojo
Islamabad

FUTURISTIC APPROACH: The excessive use of social media is affecting the physical and psychological health of youth. Most so-called influencers go to any length to have more followers. Besides, social media platforms have accelerated the spread of fake news in societies. Banning these platforms is not the solution. Governments must adopt a constructive and futuristic approach to regulate the content that creates social chaos.

Iftikhar Ahmed
Sukkur

OIL REFINERIES: There has been a disturbing trend over the years of authorities banning anything that they do not understand. A recent proposal to shut down three prominent refineries stems from this very mindset. I wonder how one can think that the solution to the industry’s woes lies in shutting down oil refineries, which contribute to the national economy. Pakistan’s energy industry and oil refining sector are the backbone of the national economy and deserve better treatment.

Zuhair Ali Khan
Karachi

CORPORATE THEFT: Cellphone network service providers usually subscribe their respective users to certain useless packages and services without their consent, and deduct money every time an account is recharged. This is nothing but planned corporate theft. People should be aware of this money-making tactic, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) should take notice of it.

Name withheld on request
Rawalpindi

LAWLESSNESS: The process of allotment of 340 flats constructed by the Pakistan Housing Authority and the Sindh government at Landhi is delayed for 12 years due to nothing but incompetence. During this extended period, the land-grabbers occupied the flats and sold them to people who were forced to evacuate after some time to sell those flats again. The mess has taken place in a project situated right in front of the offices of the relevant deputy commissioner and the senior superintendent of police. Is there someone listening?

Mumtaz Ahmed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2021