NOT A DEMOCRAT: This is with reference to the editorial “Spirit of ’74” (Feb 26), which mentioned Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a ‘democratically-elected’ leader. This is not the first time that the man has been called that. One tends to lose faith in history on distortion of the historical facts. The 1970 elections in erstwhile East Pakistan were won by Mujibur Rehman’s Awami League. The credit of founding the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) goes to Mr Bhutto, though this was basically the brainchild of Chaudhry Khaliquzzman.

Lt-Col (retd) Khalid Mahmood
Abbottabad

DEADLY CRAWLERS: The motorcyclists in Islamabad disregard traffic rules and create a nuisance at the Islamabad-Rawalpindi Expressway. They switch lanes frequently at fast speeds, and keep moving from one end of the road to the other. Moreover, the number of motorbikes is increasing, which makes it even more problematic for the commuters. The motorcyclists do not use side-view mirrors, and, hence, have no visibility of traffic behind them. It is illogical that only the one driving a motorbike is required to wear helmet as if the one sitting behind is not vulnerable at all. Heavy fines should be imposed on all violators, or else the situation will become even worse over time, rising the chances of accidents.

Sheikh Taimur Nawaz
Islamabad

DEPRIVED VILLAGE: The plight of the residents of Haji Ali Nawaz Depar village in Kandiaro tehsil is rather tragic, as the historic village, formerly known as Dharpali, has been deprived of all basic facilities. It is ironic that a village with a few thousand people does not have even a single connection for the supply of natural gas. The non-existence of proper sewerage and drainage system, streets, streetlights and road to the village clearly demonstrate the inattention of the government and the local political leadership. The authorities should pay heed to the people of such backward areas, and take measures to resolve the issues they have been facing for long.

Sarang Jaleel Depar
Kandiaro

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2024