CLOSED SCHOOLS: During my visit to the district education office recently, I came to know that 14 middle and primary schools in Kech district of Balochistan, specifically in Hoshab and Kolowa, have been closed for several months due to shortage of teachers. This was a rather disheartening piece of information that came my way. The relevant authorities have failed to address this critical issue, as they are allegedly engaged in corrupt practices related to ghost teachers. The higher authorities should take action against such corrupt officials, and ensure that qualified teachers are provided so that these schools may once again start functioning to their normal routine.

Jamal Rahim
Hoshab

GAS COMPRESSORS: The usage of gas compressors has become common in almost all areas of Karachi. Due to gas loadshedding, people have resorted to substandard and unsafe options that cause nuisance to the others. The usage of gas compressor is illegal, and is critically dangerous for human beings. Besides, it damages the gas network and affects the supply to other houses in the neighbourhood. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) should keep a check on all the consumers and take strict action against those who adopt such illegal practices, and put lives of others at risk.

Alishba Waheed
Karachi

STRAY DOGS: The number of street dogs in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area is rapidly multiplying. Their constant barking keeps the residents awake most of the nights. I personally counted 10 stray dogs in DHA Ameer Khusro area itself, making it extremely dangerous for children out for playing on empty plots of land in the neighbourhood, or old men with sticks taking a walk in the evenings. Previously, all stray dogs used to be picked up and taken away by the relevant department. Not anymore. Will the authorities concerned rise to the occasion? We must remember that rabies virus is a cent per cent preventable disease, but, mind you, it is not curable.

Talat Rahim
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2024