SENIOR CITIZENS: Amid various promises made by the political parties in the run-up to the elections, I found nothing good for the senior citizens whose total number is about 11-12 per cent of the total electorate. It is apparent that they do not feature on the priority list of the politicians even though most of them happen to be seniors themselves. The difference is that such politicians are well-off and unaware of the miseries faced by the elderly belonging to the middle and lower-middle classes. They should revisit their promises.

Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi

DETECTING MANIPULATION: It is very simple to find out the truth about the outcome of the recent elections. The judiciary can ask the contestants and the polling agents to submit a copy of Form 45 under oath. Once this exercise is over, a clear picture about the total votes cast will emerge, and it will be known if there had been any manipulation in Form 47.

Zersis Rustom Birdie
Karachi

UNTRAINED OFFICERS: I am a newly recruited teacher. Just two days before the recent elections, the returning officer (RO) of Dadu issued a list of staff on election duty. I was assigned the duty of a presiding officer. But there was no proper training for such a critical assignment. It was very stressful for me as I had no prior knowledge about this role. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should take swift action against the ROs who neglect their responsibility of appointing properly trained presiding officers.

Name withheld on request
Dadu

POST-ELECTION PROTESTS: Due to the ongoing post-election protests, many cities are blocked and highways are closed in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan. Hub and Turbat cities remained continuously blocked by different political parties, leaving life paralysed. My cousin, who studies at the University of Karachi, has been unable to attend his classes due to these protests. The authorities should take steps so that the people may live in peace.

Arif Azeem
Awaran

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2024