ELECTION VIOLENCE: Immense pressure is often faced by election staff every time the country goes to the polls. Different political parties create hindrance in their work process. These elements enter polling stations with weapons to terrorise the workers. In the general elections of 2018, more than 30 people were killed and many more were left injured. In the 2013 elections, there were bomb blasts in Karachi and Peshawar. Moreover, 55 incidents of violence were reported in different cities during the by-election of Sindh local government in January this year. The government needs to provide protocol and security to election staff. The government machinery at the district level must ensure the safety of all election worlers.

Himayat Hussain
Karachi

YOUNG AND EDUCATED: With elections approaching, people in Pakistan are witnessing rallies, campaigns and political gatherings. Politics has grown to be such an expensive affair in the country that the educated people with meagre or no resources in hand cannot even imagine taking part in the process. Candidates and parties need massive loads and loads of money to run their campaigns. This has led to the situation where power is now firmly concentrated in the hands of the high and the mighty in the country, blocking the path for the young and the educated to enter politics and bring change.

Muhammad Ismail
Karachi

STREETLIGHTS: The streetlights in Malir area have not been repaired for quite a while. Only a few of them are functioning properly. At various places, there are no streetlights at all. The situation turns dangerous after sunset. Many accidents have taken place due to poor visibility at night. The situation is dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians. Besides, the area falls into complete darkness at night which has increased the incidence of crime in the vicinity. The authorities concerned should install more streetlights in the area and repair the broken ones.

Bushra Afsar
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2023