THALL-PARACHINAR ROAD: The road linking Thall and Parachinar often remains closed to all kinds of vehicular traffic. It has become an irritating norm. Whatever happens in the area, the solution is found in the closure of this road, which happens to be the only one connecting Kurram to areas such as Kohat and Peshawar. The road is directly associated with the livelihood of thousands of local residents. From shop vendors to medical facilities, all are at the mercy of this critical road. The authorities must realise that the closure of road and suspension of internet services cannot be a permanent solution to anything. They must opt for a viable and long-term solution.

Maryam Batool
Kurram

AFFORDABLE TRAVEL: Government initiatives like subsidised student commute are positive steps towards affordability. However, the reality for the majority of students is different. When local bus routes are infrequent, especially during evenings and on weekends, students are forced to spend on expensive ride shares, which increases their financial burden. Poor transit reliability leads to missed classes, lost wages from part-time jobs and un-necessary mental stress. This situation pushes people to use private vehicles. The authorities should recognise students as primary stakeholders, increase frequency on feeder routes, extend operating hours into the late evening, and offer affordable comprehensive student passes.

Rida Mukhtar
Lahore

EMPATHETIC SOCIETY: Children learn not from sermons, but from the behaviours they observe in adults, es-pecially parents and teachers. It is up to the adults to set an example for the younger generation to follow. When the adults speak kindly, practice patience in disagreements, and offer a helping hand to others, they inspire youth greatly to follow the same path. Rebuilding civility is not just a necessity; it is a moral duty. We should return to the noble values of respect, kindness and good manners to nurture a more empathetic society.

Aysha Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2025