GAS CRISIS: The gas crisis in the country has gone worse even after winter. The people of Karachi have been facing gas loadshedding for up to 10 hours every day. The prolonged loadshedding has disturbed the routine of residents and made it difficult for them to chart out a routine for the day. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is following in the footsteps of K-Electric (KE) in terms of loadshedding and annoying the consumers with apparent glee. Various areas of Karachi, including Mehmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, North Karachi Sector 11, New Karachi, Federal B Area and Buffer Zone, are among the worst affected.

Shayan Idrees
Karachi

KILLER LOAN SHARKS: This is with reference to the editorial ‘Killer loan sharks’ (July 15), which shed light on the alarming issue of predatory lending and its tragic consequences. The story of Muhammad Masood reminds us of the urgent need to address the credibility and practices of online lending apps. It is high time we put an end to the unchecked growth of exploitative lending practices and ensured the wellbeing of those seeking financial assistance. Let us all rally together and demand accountability and reforms needed to protect the vulnerable from online predators.

Sajjad Rizvi
Lahore

PUBLIC LIBRARY: The condition of the Mufti Mehmood Public Library in Dera Ismail Khan has gone worse. Readers suffer from electricity loadshedding, non-availability of furniture, and, worst of all, the rude behaviour of the staff. There used to be a solar backup power system, but supply from it has been disconnected in the reading area to ensure smooth supply to the offices. Similarly, extra chairs are kept reserved in the library office and auditorium, while the students have to sit on the floor. When complaints are lodged, the students are blatantly asked to come up with funds. Can the government look into the matter?

Abdul Hafeez
Dera Ismail Khan

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2023