LIBRARY FEE: I have been a regular member of Swabi Public Library for about a decade. In addition to a one-time payment of Rs1,000 as the security fee, I have been paying an annual renewal fee of Rs100 for the last nine years. A few days ago, I visited the premises to renew my membership, but the staff demanded a payment of Rs1,000 as the renewal fee. This, I was told, was because of the new policy implemented by the library administration after the announcement of the recent budget. This sudden surge in the fee has left the students wondering what to do and who to approach. The government must ensure the availability of library services free of cost.

Waseem Abbas
Swabi

KIDNAPPING IN KASHMORE: The recent kidnapping of three Ghouspur town residents has sent shockwaves across the social media. The victims were abducted while they were travelling to Kandhkot some 14km away in search of livelihood. This incident is not an isolated one in Kashmore district, where innocent residents live in fear, and mostly confine themselves to their homes after sunset due to rampant kidnappings. The state, constitutionally bound to protect citizens’ lives and properties, seems to be helpless. The provincial government should take immediate and effective action to eradicate the scourge.

Riaz Ali Panhwar
Hyderabad

SPOILED MILK: On a recent visit to my hometown Kolaho, I bought a pack of milk for Rs200 in, but it was spoiled and well past its expiry date. I went back to the shop to have it exchanged, but the shopkeeper refused to entertain my request, arguing that it was not his fault. My family told me that many people in the area have died after consuming contaminated food. Besides, the shopkeepers overcharge people by up to 70 per cent on most items. It is the responsibility of the government to take action against such shopkeepers to ensure the safety of the consumers.

Hammal Zahid
Kolaho

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2024