LOUD LIBRARIANS: Libraries are generally a place where learners come to access the treasure of books and read in a peaceful environment. The same, however, cannot be said about the public library in Peshawar. The library admi-nistration seems to be too busy to focus on basic facilities, such as drinking water and washrooms. Most staff members remain busy on their phones, having lengthy debates and discussions in a loud tone. There are times when staff members fight among themselves over petty matters. As a result, the library fails to provide a peaceful environment to the visitors trying to focus on their reading material. The authorities should take note of the matter.

Abu Bakar Sadiq
Buner

CANCER QUACKERY: Cancer cases have sharply increased in northern Sindh. Most commonly, patients are diagnosed with oral, lung, breast and cervical cancers. The handful of cancer care centres in the region are overflowing with patients, and treatment equipment is at best primitive. Lack of investment over the years has resulted in untrained staff using outdated equipment to deal with a large number of patients. As a result, quacks have started to make the most of this vacuum by ‘treating’ patients with fake medicines. The government must do something in this regard.

Kalsoom Abro
Islamabad

ILLEGAL HUNTING: Illegal hunting and poaching, particularly of migratory birds and iconic species like the common leopard, striped hyena and black bear, remain rampant despite existing laws. The recent killing of a rare leopard near Mandi Bahauddin raises serious concerns about our ability to safeguard these species. Pakistan has made international commitments obligating the country to protect at least 30 per cent of its terres-trial and marine ecosystems by 2030. However, achieving these goals requires significant investments and immediate action to strengthen wildlife departments, empower communities, and tackle habitat destruction effectively.

Dr Muhammad Awais Rasool
Vehari

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2025