LAHORE CANAL: A beautiful landmark, the canal in Lahore is also an important water artery. The canal was closed over a month ago for cleaning and desilting. With the reflow time approaching, the desilting effort in progress is far from satisfactory. Heaps of sedimentation can still be seen all along the canal for which the whole exercise has been under- taken. The irrigation authorities should give the canal its rightful attention.

Brigadier (retd) Javed Ahmed
Lahore

FOOD INFLATION: This is with reference to the editorial ‘Utility Store prices’ (Jan 3). Price spiral is a phenomenon that has gripped all cities and towns in the country. The government has announced price hike in Utility Stores that continue to be the last resort for the poor who represent a minimum of 20 per cent of the population. In December 2022, food prices increased by up to 35pc. The government should control inflation and reverse the prices in Utility Stores.

Zohaib Ahmed
Hub

DOUBLE STANDARDS: People around, especially in the West, have double standards when it comes to any matter related to the Muslims. For instance, they do not mind teenage girls getting pregnant out of wedlock, but frown upon teenage Muslims getting married. The principle of ‘freedom of choice’ is a matter of interpretation for such people. The world needs to avoid conflicts and to live peacefully.

Tehreem Fatima
Guddu

POWERLESS POLICE: It is important to analyse the factors behind the wave of terrorist attacks in the country, including the one on the Counter Terrorism Depart- ment in Bannu. Reports have suggested that the department was not equipped with the latest arms and the officers were not provided due training. Also, there is the matter of insufficient salaries, petty budgets, dated equipment and worn-out vehicles. The country needs to strengthen the force to win the battle.

Asadullah Siddiqui
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2023