FOREIGN CURRENCY: This is with reference to the letter ‘Foreign exchange’ (Nov 9). I agree with the assertion that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) should issue a circular notifying all outgoing Pakistani passengers to show original foreign currency purchase receipt or proof of it at the time of departure. The said letter also mentioned that the official purchase receipt issued by the exchange company should also mention the series number of relevant currency notes, which is neither feasible nor possible.

K.M. Shafi
Karachi

SHUTDOWN: The idea of closing schools due to smog in Lahore is not a good idea. Educational institutions can spread awareness about the changing climate. It is the factories and other industrial outlets that are polluting the environment, and need to be closed. Why does the government not close the industries, instead of schools, for two days every week? The government must ensure that the main contributors to environmental pollution are shut down for a few days in a week.

Kamran Saleh Joyia
Lahore

LYARI’S PLIGHT: Lyari needs immediate development work as roads in the area are in a pathetic state for a long time. The whole area is dotted with puddles of stagnant water that are breeding grounds for vector-borne diseases. The areas around Gabol Park particularly wear a haunted look. Even with general elections approaching, nobody seems to be interested in taking up the matter.

Saad Ahmad
Karachi

OBSOLETE THEMES: W. H. Hudson writes, “Literature is a vital record of what men have seen in life.” True. Moreover, many drama serials are based on literature. But drama serials in Pakistan are confined to some predominant thematic aspects, such as relationships, marriages, trivial family disputes, etc. This shows the lack of potential in the overall entertainment industry, failing to shed spotlight on different aspects of life.

M Essa Channa
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2023