HELPING OURSELVES: Karachi contributes massively to the overall na­ti­onal income, but its own condition is in tatters. And this has been going on since long. The residents of the ill-fated city have to help themselves. From security guards to water tankers, from gas cylinders to alternative power arrangements, and from parking mafia to garbage mafia, people have to spend money to keep life moving despite paying taxes to the government. Maybe people should start donating funds in the name of philanthropy, zakat, and sadqat to improve Karachi’s road netwrok.

Capt (retd) M.A.A. Siddiqi
Karachi

NUTRITIOUS FOOD: The quality of edibles sold in canteens at most educational institutions is worsening with the passage of time. I have seen cafeterias selling unhealthy food and other stuff, such as beverages, regularly. There is a considerable body of research indicating that soft drinks have a direct link to diseases. Fruits are never prioritised in this regard. It is high time school managements ensured the availability of nu­­­t­­­ri­ent-rich food items in their canteens.

Fatima Nadeem
Lahore

ROAD BLUES: I am a hapless resident of sector 17-A in Karachi’s Scheme 33 area where roads were swept away by heavy rains last year. Using these mud roads dotted with potholes is a test of one’s physical and mental health. The authorities concerned need to have a look at the roads in the area.

Muhammad Saad Khan
Karachi

INCOMPLETE MARKSHEET: I recently saw on social media a marksheet of a candidate issued by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). It was disturbing to see that the SPSC had issued only the seat number of the candidate to communicate to him the information that he had not been successful. The SPSC should issue a complete marksheet, mentioning the obtained marks in all subjects, so that candidates may have a chance to improve in their weak areas.

Arshia Zameer Qazi
Matiari

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2023

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