SADDAR ENCROACHMENT: Saddar Town, once a hallmark of Karachi’s cultural and religious diversity, is now encroached upon by illegal cart-wheelers and street vendors, not only affecting the traffic flow, but also hurting the sanctity of religious and educational institutions in the area. Illegal occupation of footpaths pushes pedestrians, especially students, onto the crowded roads. Swift and decisive action should be taken to reclaim public spaces, and protect the dignity of the city’s sacred and educational landmarks.

Alister Anthony D’souza
Karachi

COLLEGE TRANSPORT: The Gove-rnment Boys Degree College in Hub, affiliated with the University of Balo-chistan, has no pick-and-drop service for the students in practical terms. Buses that were provided by a former chief minister are there, but are not roadworthy anymore. Every second day, these buses develop mechanical issues. The government should provide at least two new buses to the college.

Habib Seyan
Hub

DEADLIEST AIR CRASH: This is with reference to the report ‘Over 60 killed in deadliest US crash of the century’ (Jan 31). The recent crash in Washington was shocking, but, with 67 fatalities, it was the deadliest air crash in the United States in nearly quarter of a century. On Nov 12, 2001, American Airlines flight 587 had crashed in New York shortly after take-off, resulting in over 260 deaths. That remains the dea- dliest US air crash of the century so far.

Aamir Malik
Karachi

NO GAS FROM IRAN: It is interesting to note that Pakistan can have electricity from Iran, about 100MW directly to Gwadar, but it cannot have natural gas from the same country, or indulge in much other trade, due to the sanctions imposed by the United States. Indeed, this is beyond one’s comprehension. Can anyone in the corridors of power explain that in layman’s terms?

Assad Shah
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2025