PAIN-KILLERS: This is with reference to the report ‘Over 48m Panadol tablets seized in Karachi raid’ (Sept 16). The said tablet has become a sort of the national medicine of Pakistan that is consumed for every problem. The same medicine is available under other less known but equally effective brand names, but ‘Panadol’ is what is known to all and sundry. Its shortage in the market can easily be nullified if people opt for paracetamol, which is the generic name, rather than for any particular brand.

Eman Mudassar Tarar
Sargodha

STREET CRIMES: Over the last few weeks, street crimes in Karachi have increased considerably. No one in the city is safe on the roads and even within the confines of their houses. The government seems to be indifferent, and has left the residents to fend for themselves.

Senior officers of the police and law-enforcement agencies should be held accountable for such unsatisfactory performance and utter neglect of duty.

Dr Sabeeh Haider
Karachi

A VIABLE STEP: Government employees used to pay a certain part of their salaries during hard times without any hue and cry. But this time it is different. The current wave of hyperinflation has turned things around and it will be extremely difficult for the employees to allow a deduction from their salaries. Things are not too good for even the middle and upper-middle classes. Appropriate distribution of funds received for the help of the flood-stricken will be the right step in the right direction.

Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi

PINNING HOPES: The devastating floods have caused widespread miseries, while post-flood issues are bound to take their own toll. Many philanthropists and relief organisations have put in remarkable efforts, but the scale and spread of issues is too massive for it to have a real impact. The government has to do what it is supposed to do. The flood victims are pinning their hopes on its ability to deliver.

Wania Azhar
Sargodha

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2022