SPARROW POPULATION: Karachi has reportedly witnessed nearly a 70 per cent decline in the sparrow population. Rapid industrialisation and deforestation have reduced the spaces where sparrows used to build their nests. Moreover, increasing air pollution and excessive use of pesticides have reduced the availability of food for these birds. Some people believe that radiation from mobile towers may also have been harmful to the birds. The unusual decline of sparrows reminds us of how our ecosystem is being disturbed. Citizens and authorities must take action to protect these vanishing birds by planting more trees and raising awareness.

Sohail Zaman
Karachi

EXAMINATION CENTRES: The centralised examination system of the Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC), which has been limited to Quetta, poses significant challenges for candidates from remote and underdeveloped regions. Many aspiring candidates from far-flung areas are unable to appear in examinations due to the high cost of travel, long distances and pathetic road conditions. Those belonging to the Makran region, in particular, bear a massive burden as they must travel the longest distances at considerable expense. As a responsible and equitable testing body, the BPSC should take concrete steps to address these barriers. Establishing regional examination centres in some major cities, such as, say, Turbat and Khuzdar, would significantly reduce logistical and financial hardships for the candidates.

Parvez Ayub
Turbat

BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION: Senior pensioners continue to face difficulties in biometric verification. Due to age, finger-prints often fail to match, and even after repeated attempts through the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), verification remains unsuccessful. Banks ask pensioners to return repeatedly, causing hardship to the elderly, sick and disabled. Nadra should introduce alternative methods, and extend these facilities to banks to ease the process.

Nizam Nizami
Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026