UNDERPASS OF MISERY: THE construction of new roads and flyovers in Karachi is a tale of sorrow than a sign of development. The newly-constructed Jauhar Chowrangi flyover and underpass are two pieces of misery that commuters have to put up with every single day since the day they became functional. The 1km underpass turns into a clogged tunnel during rush hours. The net result of ill-advised planning is that commuters prefer to avoid the hassle by continuing to use the old service road. This leads to a deadlock of its own. The commuters are still not sure which is the lesser of the two evils. I wonder if there is anything that the authorities concerned can now do after spending (read, wasting) a fortune on the project.

Aqib Javed
Karachi

REVISITING STRATEGY: As happens often, if not always, the initiative to distribute laptops among academically sound students has gone down the lane of favouritism and embezzlement. Besides, the criterion based solely on academic performance overlooked the broader financial challenges that a big chunk of students face. I know some students having fancy laptops who also became ‘beneficiaries’ under the scheme, while others struggling financially failed to make the cut. Instead of handing out laptops, it would be advisable to provide financial assistance in the shape of scholarships to have a far-reaching impact on a student’s academic career.

Moshin Abbas
Karachi

ADULTERATED MILK: The quality of milk in Pakistan has gone worse with time. More than 70 per cent of the milk in the country happens to be adulterated, and this can cause several diseases. Almost every milk-seller adds water to increase the quantity of milk. This happens at the cost of the consumers. Pakistan is among the largest producers of milk in the world, but it is a shame that our people are unable to get a glass of pure milk. This is a great concern that must be addressed by the relevant authorities.

Safiullah Faisal
Sheikhupura

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2023