LOST SOULS: Six prominent religious figures hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan have been killed within a span of one year. They were allegedly killed for being outspoken against flawed aspects of democracy, the Constitution and parliament in their viewpoint. The recent murder of Sheikh Muhammad Idris was yet another part of this tragic chain. Their contribution was that they chose pen over weapon and ballot over bullet. They were said to have jihadist affiliations having thousands of followers whom they guided towards democratic channels. When these bridges fall apart, severe consequences follow. Condemnation alone is not enough. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

Farhan Ibne Aman
Pano Akil

HIJACKED EXAM: Recent and frequent paper leaks have shattered parents’ confidence in the Cambridge examination system. It has raised serious questions. Has the Cambridge system also become part of Pakistani social system where the powerful can buy whatever they want? Are the Cambridge system’s checks in Pakistan so weak that the paper-leak mafia can jeopardise the whole process and make millions? Whatever the case may be, it is ultimately the parents whose hard-earned money goes down the drain and their efforts to keep their children away from the menace of cheating become futile. If such an expensive examination system gets hijacked, why do we blame other board exams where corruption is rife?

Kamran Akhtar Siddiqui
Sukkur

BASIC UTILITIES: The government should take immediate steps to improve electricity supply and water management systems across the country, particularly in Karachi. The authorities concerned should repair damaged pipelines, control water wastage, and ensure fair distribution of electricity and water to all areas. Citizens should also avoid wasting water and electricity and use these resources responsibly. Water and electricity are basic needs of life, not luxuries. The government should take practical steps to provide relief.

Kulsoom Fatima
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2026