POLIO WORKERS: Polio teams put their own lives at risk to vaccinate children. Many polio workers are shot or abducted, while others face harassment, torture and abuse. Providing security to polio teams is fruitless unless the mentality that happens to be the core reason of polio persistence is changed. A holistic approach includes taking into confidence the communities at greater risk, and building trust. Social awareness programmes should be promoted, reiterating the ultimate dependence and lifelong paralysis caused by this virus. Finally, the obligation of spreading awareness should not be left to the government alone. The civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should also play their part.

Alisha Abdul Sattar
Lahore

EL NINO THREAT: A potential Super El Nino is raising serious concerns among the people. El Nino is a natural weather phenomenon which disrupts global weather patterns. For Karachi, this could mean extreme and unpredictable conditions, such as above-average tempe-ratures, prolonged heatwaves and ir-regular rainfall. This increases the risk of water shortages, urban flooding and public health issues. The authorities should take preventive measures, including improving drainage systems and ensuring water management. Citizens should stay informed and take precautions.

Manahil Siddique
Karachi

SMARTPHONE ASSEMBLY: It is imperative that we establish two or more smartphone assembly plants in the country. We would like tens of millions of people to have smartphones in their hands to access fast internet at affordable prices. Indeed, as more and more people embrace the digital economy, Pakistan will have a brighter future. More digital jobs would be created and trillions of rupees worth of commerce, business and economic activity could be brought into the tax net. A dedicated high-level functionary should be tasked with exe-cuting the digital strategy and vision.

Abbas R. Siddiqi
Lahore

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026