UNPAID DUES: Crackdowns on electricity theft are frequently announced, but there is little change on the ground. This is so simply because power utilities do not have the capacity to act as law- enforcement agencies. The government has to take a proactive approach in this regard. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, was a good first step, making power theft a cognizable offence. It needs a quick parliamentary assent to actually make a difference.

Abdul Hayee
Karachi

CHANGING TIMES: There was a time when we, in Lahore, felt proud to host events, academic, professional or other-

wise, that involved participation from international speakers or audience. Now, when there is uncertainty all around, one wonders what do we have to show to our guests? Should we be welcoming them with poor air-quality, restricted social media, and political instability?

Mariam Khan
Lahore

DEPRIVED CHILDREN: Most children in Pakistan are deprived and denied of their rights. Our rulers are well aware of international conventions, but they rarely adopt them in their true spirit. There is a dire need to put children first on the public agenda by focussing on their rights and wellbeing, and bringing about lasting social and economic progress in the country. Federal and provincial governments and their relevant departments are obligated to frame policies and programmes guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Tasleem Naz Abro
Islamabad

TRAFFIC JAM: Every morning, there is a severe traffic jam near Jauhar Morr, a major thoroughfare in Karachi, leading to long delays. Vehicles of all sorts try to pass each other from different directions in a hurry, creating a traffic chaos. Poor traffic management worsens the situation. The local authorities should improve the flow of traffic by widening the roads and implementing traffic control measures.

Rizwan Ahmed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2024