THIS is with reference to the article ‘The riders of the e-commerce storm’ (EOS, Feb 13). The concerns expressed about e-commerce delivery staff, arguing that the riders do not work in congenial circumstances are absolutely true.

The State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC), being the largest insurance company of the country, is cognizant of this particular sector. It has entered into meaningful agreements initially with those engaged in such ventures whereby the target client is the rider/passenger, and their death/disability insurance is ensured at a very nominal cost. The valuables they carry have also been taken care of.

The primary objective is to ensure that this segment of society, which otherwise cannot be part of any other insurance coverage, are part of the SLIC’s public service e-initiatives aimed at enlarging the scope of safety net for the have-nots of society.

We have, however, just started. In the coming weeks and months, the canvass is expected to be broadened manifold as we are engaging similar other corporate entities to take advantage of our public service outreach.

Spokesperson, SLIC
Karachi

EXISTENTIAL THREAT: The member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should not forget that the people of occupied Kashmir are facing an existential threat. India’s policy is designed to bring about demographic changes. Influential OIC countries have a huge economic leverage with India which does not appear to have helped the cause of the Kashmiris. A just and equitable resolution of the Kashmir issue will be benificial of all concerned.

Zafar Khan
London, UK

CALL FOR ACTION: The benefit to be a member state of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has remained hidden all these years, as nothing seems to have happened on the basis of any resolution passed by it. Just look at the European Union, their unity, their power, and the command they have over their fellow states. Equally useless is the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc). The only difference perhaps is that OIC meets often, while Saarc does that rarely.

Maria Nissar
Karachi

UNIVERSITY POINTS: The transport system of the University of Karachi is in a terrible state. The buses, also known as points, are inadequate in number, and have far outlived their scheduled lives. They cause a negative impact on students’ lives as well as their academic performance. The authorities concerned must improve the system for the betterment of both the students and the environment.

Syeda Saiqa Hashmat
Karachi

FORGOTTEN FORT: The Meeri Kalat Fort in Turbat dates back thousands of years. It has a rich history, including the great love story of ‘Punnhun’. English historiographers and experts had found precious elements during their research before partition, but post-partition it has not been taken proper care of. The fort has been left all but abandoned. The fort can become an ideal tourist attraction and a research site if the government pays some attention.

Farahnaz
Turbat

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2022