BATTLE OF THE MASSES: Recently, the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq, commemorating Pakistan’s triumph against Indian aggression in May 2025, was celebrated across the country, with television channels continuing to cover the events live for a good two to three days. While the entire nation was rejoicing the occasion, fuel prices were exponentially increased at a time when global prices were showing a downward trend. It seemed more like a strategy by the government to engage the nation in the celebration and covertly carry out another Marka-i-Haq on its own people.

Arsalan Faruqi
Karachi

VACATION SCHEDULE: The govern-ment announces summer vacations for schoolgoing children from June 1 to July 30, while winter vacations are observed during the last week of December. However, weather conditions in Sindh have changed considerably. The month of May has become extremely hot, with temperatures rising to uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe levels for students. On the other hand, December no longer experiences severe cold weather, while the colder period now generally falls during January. In view of these changing climatic conditions, the government should revise the existing school vacation schedule in line with the changing weather patterns.

Yahqub Lodhi
Karachi

NEGLECTED AREA: The residents of Jhuggian Jodha, located beside Bund Road in Lahore, are forced to live in extremely pathetic conditions without access to basic necessities. There is no proper supply of gas, electricity and clean drinking water to the area. The streets are broken and poorly planned, while sewers overflow at several places. Garbage dumps abound. The situation becomes worse during peak summer and monsoon. Furthermore, a large number of stray dogs roam the streets. At a time when Punjab is being promoted as ‘Suthra Punjab’, one cannot help but question whether these conditions actually reflect the vision of development being promised.

Muhammad Gohar
Lahore

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2026