SAFETY REGULATIONS: The recent Basant celebrations in Lahore have shown that when the government and district administration act with resolve, public safety can be ensured. The requirement of registered kites and approved strings significantly reduced accidents and proved that strict enforcement works. Unfortun-ately, gas cylinder blasts continue to occur frequently. These incidents are largely due to the use of uncertified, substandard cylinders, illegal refilling and weak regulation. The seriousness shown during Basant must be applied to the regulation of gas cylinders. Only cylinders meeting due specifications should be allowed, with authorised sales points, strict inspections and effective penalties against violators.

Fahad Bin Farooq
Lahore

CIVIC INDISCIPLINE: Each day the road running parallel to the National Stadium in Karachi remains blocked for hours owing to the presence of a university just opposite a housing society. Morning commuters as well as those trying to reach two major tertiary care hospitals a little further on the same road endure traffic paralysis, caused by uncontrolled student vehicles, illegal parking, and the complete absence of traffic oversight. Traffic rules appear optional, courtesy is conspicuously absent, and inconvenience to the public seems irrelevant. A university is expected to model civic responsibility and respect for the rule of law. Instead, what is on display is entitlement compounded by administrative indifference. This road is a vital public thoroughfare used by workers, students, patients and emergency services. Treating it as a private driveway reflects poorly not only on campus management, but also on the values being imparted to future graduates. One hopes the university’s mission statement includes accountability.

Abu Bakar Kareem
Karachi

A HEADLESS BODY: It is astonishing that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) remained without a fulltime chairman for so long. Without a head, any organisation is nothing but a headless body that is unable to function properly.

Albert Samuel
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2026