DEPRESSING RESULTS: The recent results of Intermediate General Science group showed a pass percentage of 48.93 which is deeply concerning. This low passing ratio places students under immense stress, affecting their mental health and their future university adm-issions. The Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) should review its grading methodology and ensure a fair assessment. Additionally, universities could consider temporarily lowering merit requirements this year, giving the students a chance to continue their education. Our students need a system that supports their growth, not the one that hinders their potential.

Abeeha Asad
Karachi

EXPLOITING MASSES: If a pole-mounted transmitter (PMT) goes off due to fire or any other reason, which is not rare in the country, it takes days, some-times even weeks, for the relevant auth-orities to get it repaired. When complaints mount, the utility providers ask the area people to contribute towards the repair, which ranges from Rs50,000 to Rs200,000. After the money is collected, the PMT is shifted to private workshops for repairs. It is unfortunate that the authorities concerned, instead of providing new PMTs, get the damaged ones repaired in private workshops using public money. This is sheer exploitation.

Fateh M. Khan
Hyderabad

DEADLY POINTS: A fire broke out in the engine of a point bus of the Unive-rsity of Karachi near Karimabad. The bus was packed with students who were on their way back from the university. Outdated point buses, their frequent breakdowns and low maintenance have become a norm at the university. Undoubtedly, the students deserve a reliable transportation system. The point bus service, which caters to thousands of students who attend the university daily, needs to be upgraded. The university administration must provide efficient point buses to the students, and ensure their regular maintenance.

Sindhia Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2024