POST-FLOOD RECONSTRUCTION: Many areas in Balochistan, as was the case in Sindh, were severely hit by the flash floods in 2022 that had swept away critical infrastructure, like the Lundha Bridge in Lasbela district’s Uthal town. Unfortunately, the repair work on the bridge has not been a priority of the current government as it appears to be least bothered by the commuting woes faced by the people every day. The provincial government needs to allocate funds for the construction of the bridge without any further delay.

Gul Afroz
Lasbela

the STATE OF MEDIA: The world recently celebrated the World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the state of media freedom across the globe. In Pakistan’s context, 2023 remained a hazardous year for media practitioners, with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranking it one of the deadliest countries for journalists. This paints a rather bleak picture of freedom of press in the country. On their part, media houses and journalists should adhere to professional ethics, disseminating truth rather than merely sensationalising minor events.

Ali Ashraf Khan
Karachi

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES: The busy I.I Chundrigar Road in Karachi does not have a single pedestrian bridge across its entire stretch. Thousands of people cross the road every day, exposing not only themselves to risks of road accidents, but also jeopardising the safety of drivers and bike riders. The traffic authorities need to look into this critical issue on an urgent basis.

Syed Hussain Raza Abidi
Karachi

UNIVERSITY NEEDED: With a population of well half-a-million people, North Waziristan deserves to have a university so that the young boys and girls in the area may have access to higher education without having to move out to far away cities. A university in the region will surely help change the mindset of the local people over time.

Noor Ullah Khan
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2024