PRACTICAL NOTEBOOKS: Whenever I visit the Urdu Bazar, I often cast a glance at little billboards advertising the avail-ability of ‘complete’ practical notebooks. These advertisements show the poor standard of our academic system, and how little importance the authorities give to practical knowledge. The government should strictly ban the sale of these solved notebooks. Academic institutions should be made to conduct proper practical laboratory sessions along with the required apparatus in the presence of experienced teachers. Moreover, committees should be formed to supervise centres during examinations. A wholesome effort is urgently required to promote a sound educational platform for the nation’s youth.

Muhammad Shazil Bilal
Karachi

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Smog has been intensifying in major urban centres of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), particularly Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera, over the last few years. Despite its growing severity and adverse impacts, the issue has failed to receive due attention from the provincial administration. A major concern is the widespread lack of awareness regarding smog and its consequences. Unlike other parts of the country where smog is recognised as a serious environmental and public health emergency, it is still not perceived as a ‘problem’ in KP. Unless smog is acknowledged as a problem, the question of imple-menting solutions will remain unanswered.

Syed Yaseen
Peshawar

WOMEN’S SAFETY: Recently, while returning home at around 7pm, the cab driver repeatedly asked unnecessary personal questions and demanded extra charges. Unfortunately, this was not the first time I had encountered such an incident. In our country, many women are unable to travel safely even when using online commute services that are supposed to ensure security. This matter requires immediate attention and strict measures to protect passengers, particularly female commuters. The authorities concerned should take action in this critical regard.

Maheen Saeed Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2026