STRICT CRITERION: Those running the affairs of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) have been making it almost impossible for post-graduate doctors to acquire the Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (FCPS). Almost every year, a number of doctors fail to clear the FCPS (final) examination by one or two marks. While the CPSP calls it ‘merit’, the same doctors often manage to attain the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in England. The relevant authorities should look into the matter.

Name withheld on request
Karachi

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: According to the United Nations Envi-ronment Programme (UNEP), municipal solid waste generation was predicted to grow from 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. Pakistan generates approximately 49.6 million tonnes of solid waste annually due to poor infrastructure and waste-collection practices. The government should focus on waste reduction, recycling and reusing.

Saad Ul Haq
Mardan

FIRECRACKER MENACE: The use of firecrackers in Peshawar is a massive nuisance for the people. The incessant noise disturbs everyone, especially the elderly and those with health conditions. While the children do not realise the nuisance they create, their parents remain oblivious to this activity, which is more condemnable. The authorities should take action against this menace.

Jahangir Abbas
Upper Chitral

UNNECESSARY ADVERTISING: An advertisement about the government decision regarding the reduction in per-unit electricity charges continued to appear in different newspapers for several days. The decision had already been announced by the prime minister, which meant there was no need to spend taxpayers’ money on advertising the same. This tendency needs to be curbed strictly and urgently.

Ibn e Sadiq
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2025