WHEAT PRICE: The protests in various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) against wheat price hike eventually resulted into a mass sit-in. The public from Yasin, Hunza and Nagar Valley made their way to the provincial capital to take part in rallies, demanding withdrawal of the step. Besides, the larger issue of granting GB a semi-provincial status also became a matter of discussion. It had received much limelight back in 2019-20, but Islamabad showed no keenness afterwards. Those at the helm of affairs in Pakistan’s capital must take the issue seriously. And the proposals of the commission led by the late Sartaj Aziz can work as a blueprint for any constitutional solution to the issue.

Asghar Ali Shamoon
Gilgit

BANK STAFF: When I called a state-owned bank recently at the helpline regarding the issuance of a fresh debit card, I found the agent non-cooperative and unprofessional. He had a rather rude attitude as he did not bother to allow me to even complete my request and dropped the call abruptly in the middle of the conversation. Over the next couple of days, I called the helpline twice, and met the same fate. Feeling aggrieved, I accessed the website for filing an online complaint, but the platform was dysfunctional even after I tried a good six times. Will the relevant authorities ensure that people representing the bank behave themselves?

Nasir Ud din Bangash
Peshawar

TRAFFIC JAMS: Traffic jams have become a norm in Karachi, especially during evening hours when people return to their homes from work. A major cause of these traffic jams is the encroached sideways by cart vendors. Besides, a large number of motorcyclists and motorists do not follow the traffic rules. They drive rather recklessly and on the wrong side of the road. Despite the presence of traffic police constables, such drivers violate all possible traffic rules. The authorities concerned must take measures to make these drivers follow the traffic rules to avoid accidents and traffic jams.

Mumraiz Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2024