DEAFENING SILENCE: During the tenure of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with the Arab world. Today, at this delicate juncture when the suppressed Palestinians have been under attack once again by Israeli forces, Pakistan, at least officially at the government level, has chosen to observe silence. However, the country cannot be singled out on this count because the Muslim world at large, including the Arab states, has chosen to do the same. The collective silence is rather deafening.

Haseeb Ali Quddusi
Lahore

SINCERE EFFORTS: The recent visit by the caretaker chief minister to various government-run schools has yielded positive outcomes in Sindh. Importantly, the number of ghost teachers has started to recede as many of the ‘ghosts’ have begun to return to their ‘human’ form, which is great. Such sincere attempts will bring a robust improvement in the education sector.

Syed Oun Abbas
Karachi

GREAT IMPROVEMENT: Once I had highlighted the irresponsive attitude shown by certain officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) through these columns. I had received a timely response from the department’s staff subsequently, and since then the officials concerned have been responsive to various queries I have put forward in recent times. This is a great improvement in service standards, and the management must be appreciated for it.

Abdul Moiz Abbasi
Karachi

PRIVATE AIRLINES: The recent financial crisis in the national air carrier has turned out to be a boon for private airlines operating in the country. They have taken their domestic fares to unprecedented heights, exploiting the situation. Even the so-called budget airlines are charging exorbitant fares. I was recently charged a one-way fare in excess of Rs50,000 for my travel from Karachi to Lahore. This is exploitation.

Aamir Malik
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2023