BAHRIA TOWN ISSUES: Those who have a property in Bahria Town, Karachi, are the most aggrieved party in whatever the friction is between the real estate developer and the government. They have invested huge amounts in acquiring plots and making constructions thereon, which must be protected. They should not suffer owing to lapses on the part of the builders or the negligence on the part of the government machinery. All possible efforts are needed to protect the interest of such investors. As a first step, the company’s management should liaise with the Malir Development Authority (MDA) and other relevant departments of the Sindh government to explore a workable solution. Besides, the management should issue its official version on the issues that are surrounding the project so that the uncertainty may end.

Abdul Alim Nasir
Karachi

GHALIB: This is with reference to the report “Ghalib’s 226th birthday goes unnoticed” (Dec 27). I was fortunate to be invited by the government of India to visit Ghalib’s home, acknowledging my work on Ghalib, comprising the first complete translation of the master’s Urdu and Persian ghazals in English. I am often asked at gatherings about what is so special about Ghalib. And I tell them that the answer lies in their question itself. If somebody is still a matter of discussion more than a couple of centuries after death, there has to be something seriously special about such an existence.

Sarfaraz Niazi
Chicago, USA

UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS: I recently went to Islamabad from Karachi via a local airline that operates both nationally and internationally. I was impressed by in-flight services and the wonderful staff during my journey. However, I was disappointed by the poor quality of the seat cushions that had a negative impact on my overall experience. It felt like I was sitting on a wooden base. All Pakistani airlines should check the quality of the seats, and prioritise the comfort of all their passengers.

Mumraiz Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Immunity gap
Updated 26 Apr, 2026

Immunity gap

Pakistan’s Big Catch-Up campaign showed progress but also exposed the scale of gaps in routine immunisation.
Danger on repeat
26 Apr, 2026

Danger on repeat

DISASTERS have typically been framed as acts of nature. Of late, they look increasingly like tests of preparedness...
Loose lips
26 Apr, 2026

Loose lips

PAKISTANIS have by now gained something of an international reputation for their gallows humour, but it seems that...
Lebanon truce
Updated 25 Apr, 2026

Lebanon truce

THE fact that the truce between Israel and Lebanon has been extended for three weeks should be welcomed. But there...
Terrorism again
25 Apr, 2026

Terrorism again

THE elimination of 22 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber highlights both the scale and ...
Taxing technology
25 Apr, 2026

Taxing technology

THE recent decision by the FBR’s Directorate General of Customs Valuation to increase the ‘assessed value’ of...