PEDESTRIAN CROSSING: The sudden disappearance of pedestrian crossings from major roads in Karachi has compr- omised road safety. I remember the existence of pedestrian crossings near Empress Market and on M.A. Jinnah Road near the Plaza auto-parts market. The two were dismantled and were never restored. Moreover, there is no pedestrian crossing near Avari Towers on the signal-free Sharea Faisal. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and traffic management departments should prioritise the restoration and maintenance of pedestrian crossings.

K.A.J.
Karachi

ADDICTIVE POUCHES: Nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular among the youths. These are small packs filled with nicotine powder, and come in a variety of flavours, which may create serious health problems among youngsters. The promotion of these addictive products through mainstream and digital media, and their easy availa-bility have made them popular among the population. Robust measures, such as education, awareness campaigns, and stricter monitoring and regulation of marketing strategies, are needed. Parents and communities should highlight the risks of nicotine addiction to the young generation. The government should introduce strict policies to control the spread of nicotine products.

Hassan Raza
Larkana

EXHAUSTED COMMUTERS: After spending a long day at work, people in Karachi have to deal with the menace of traffic jams to reach their homes. Hawkers and roadside vendors occupy a substantial part of the roads and service roads, forcing the commuters to travel through narrow, congested roads. This causes a slowdown of vehicles. The traffic jams drain the already exhausted people, and leave a negative impact on them physically and psychologically. The authorities should resolve the encroachment problem, and provide an alternative space to these haw-kers so that people may commute easily.

Muhammad Waqas Butt
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024