SURGEON NEEDED: It has been over a month since paediatric surgeries came to an abrupt halt at the Bacha Khan Medical Complex in Swabi. My son’s surgery had been scheduled, but I came to know of the development on the date of appointment. Patients who come from far flung areas are merely told that the surgeon has gone on an indefinite leave. A large number of parents return daily with nothing but disappointment. The relevant authorities must arrange a substitute surgeon on an ad-hoc basis to provide the needed care to the ailing until the ‘missing’ doctor’s case is decided.

Waseem Abbas
Swabi

MOB MENTALITY: This is with reference to the editorial ‘Tragedy averted’ (Feb 27) which mentioned the role of ulema in combating mob mentality. In a video, a veteran actress also appealed to religious scholars, who preach tolerance, to redefine their focus. They should make it a part of their mission to go to students in schools and seminaries, and educate them about the true spirit of the religion. As such, reforming seminary education is something that the new set of legislators should consider rather seriously. They must try to develop a consensus on this critical matter for the sake of ensuring a peaceful Pakistan.

Mariam Khan
Lahore

STREET LIGHTS: Well-lit streets ensure visibility and safety of residents. However, many neighbourhoods, including mine, in Karachi plunge into darkness after sunset as they do not have sufficient street lights. In the absence of street lights, people have to walk in dark streets, which makes them an easy target for robberies and other illegal activities. Furthermore, lack of street lights leads to road accidents, which does not just put people at risk, but also makes our already burdened hospitals busier. The authorities concerned should install street lights in all areas of the city to reduce the number of accidents, and to make Karachi a better and safer city for all to live peacefully.

Syed Ali Sultan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2024