GAS SHORTAGE: In the holy month of Ramazan, the people of Karachi are facing an acute shortage of natural gas. Even when gas is supposedly supplied, its pressure remains seriously low; so low that it is good for nothing. This is especially irksome as most cooking in Ramazan is time-based. The situation is forcing more and more people to opt for unreliable devices, which is a dangerous thing to do, but people hardly have a choice in the matter. Those who are not opting for it happen to be the ones who cannot afford cylinders and expensive devices aimed at improving the pressure. Higher authorities must ensure the supply of gas. There is a growing need to develop policies to meet the demand. There must be accountability across the system to prevent such a crisis.

Sarfraz Ali
Karachi

VULNERABLE CHILDREN: Pakistan is ranked among the top three countries in the world with respect to the availability of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). There is a need to introduce targeted interventions to safeguard our children online. Collaboration among government agencies, tech companies, internet service providers and civil society organisations is paramount in this regard. A comprehensive strategy must include a relentless crackdown on criminal networks involved in CSAM production and dissemination, strengthening legal frameworks and imposing severe penalties on the offenders. Our children surely deserve a safer and more secure environment.

M. Abid Hafeez
Lahore

UNPLANNED EXPANSION: This is with reference to the report “CDA unmoved by Islamabad’s growing housing crisis” (March 18). The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) have to reassess their expansion targets to retain the serenity of the city. To regulate rapid urbanisation and pressure for housing in Islamabad, new satellite towns, linked with efficient mass transit system, may be established at some distance from the capital to avoid disturbance.

Zia Ul Islam
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2024