FALL FROM GRACE: The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area in Karachi was considered an affluent neighbourhood with modern infrastructure and services, but that is not the case anymore. The area has experienced a fall from grace. The focus of the administrators is more towards cosmetic measures in DHA Phase VIII rather than the uplift of the entire DHA. The road network in phases V, VI, VII and others is worse than what one sees in slums. Sewerage lines often get choked, beggars remain busy at traffic intersections, and commercial areas paint a painful picture. There seems to be no authority taking notice of these miserable condi- tions that the residents face on a daily basis.

Arsalan Faruqi
Karachi

MICROPHONES: During press con-ferences by government functionaires, numerous microphones are seen placed on the dais or rostrum in front of the speaker. This practice not only obstructs clear visibility, but also detracts from the overall aesthetics of the event. To enhance both the visual appeal and the effectiveness of communication, no more than two compact yet high-quality microphones should be installed on the podium. These microphones should be connected to a central audio distribution box, equipped with dozens of output channels. Media personnel can then connect their equipment directly to this distribution box, eliminating the need to place individual microphones on the dais.

Muhammad Abdus Samad
Islamabad

DATA PRIVACY: Smart devices and voice assistants make our lives easier, but they also collect a lot of personal information, which can be misused or shared with others without due permission. We need better rules to protect our data. Companies should clearly explain what data they collect and what they do with it. People also need to learn how to protect their information by checking privacy settings and being careful about which devices they use. As smart devices become more common, we must make sure that our personal data stays safe.

Zuriat
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2025