GROUND REALITIES: This is with reference to the letter “ICAP’s disconnect with ground reality” (Feb 23). The fact of the matter is that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) announces its Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF) results biannually. The qualified students are required to undergo mandatory training of 3.5 years in any of the 356 approved organisations. Moreover, the policy regarding induction within six months was introduced in 2023, and a record number of about 95 per cent CAF-passed students from Spring-2023 session were inducted within the stipulated period. Besides, any student who is unable to get inducted due to unforeseen reasons has to simply follow a predefined procedure dealing with hardship cases.

ICAP Spokesperson
Karachi

THE SENIOR CITIZENS ACT: The Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens Bill 2021, which protected the rights of the senior citizens of Islamabad, was passed on July 20, 2021. It aimed at setting up a Senior Citizens Council and Darul Shafqat, and old-age home, for the elderly. It also talked about providing a Senior Citizens Card to those aged over 60 years, offering them a number of subsidies. Unfortunately, the act is yet to be implemented. It seems that like all the promises made by various governments, this, too, is not likely to materialise. Let us continue to hope against hope.

Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi

NOT-SO-SWEET CUSTOMS: While the prevalence of diabetes is high in Pakistan, we continue to consume sugar in large quantities. Our sense of celebration is directly linked to the customary distribution of sweets among the loved ones. When we visit someone’s place, customs demand we take cakes as well. Fruits are only applicable when one is visiting someone in bad health; either in hospital or at home. This excessive consumption of sugar by the wealthy is responsible, among other things, for the high prices of sugar. This needs to stop.

Shakir Lakhani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2024