HOME LOANS: It is unrealistic to expect from commercial banks to give long-term loans as they do not have matching long-term deposits. Home loan schemes are not successful in Pakistan because the potential borrower neither has the deposit, say, up to 25 per cent, nor can he bear the hefty installments of short-term loans. These schemes can only be beneficial if the deposit is brought down to 5-10pc and the loan term is extended to 30 years or up to the age of retirement.

Sohail Kizilbash
Fethiye, Turkey

MEASUREMENT UNIT: This is with reference to the report ‘Punjab ups wheat support price to Rs2,200 per 40kg’ (Feb28). The 40kg-calculation is used because it is the round figure of the equivalent of ‘maund’ which was in use decades ago. I wonder why this calculation method is still in use.

The government departments should use kilograms and quintal (100kg) for general understanding of the public at large.

Inayat Ullah Sheikh
Lahore

TRAFFIC MAYHEM: The best way to judge the element of discipline in a nation is to see the behaviour of the popele out on the streets. By that yardstick, unfortunately, we are somewhere close to the bottom of the pit.

Until a few years ago, at least Islamabad had a smooth traffic system, but that is not the case anymore. Lack of parking spaces is a major issue in the city and there is no check and balance on illegal parking. The authorities concerned should look into the matter.

Saad Hasan
Islamabad

STREET CRIMES: The area around Hub Chowki has witnessed a sharp rise in the crimes, forcing the people to stay off the streets after 10pm owing to rising uncertainty. In a recent incident cellphones and cash were taken away from three people by muggers on a motorcycle. The police on duty showed no interest in chasing the culprits.

Ahsanullah Mengal
Hub

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2022