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LESSON IN HUMILITY: Back in the day when I was a student of Cadet College Petaro in 1962, the famed principal, Col Coombes, instructed the students to paint the walls of their classrooms and polish the desks. We were very upset and considered it humiliating. We took a delegation to him and conveyed our feelings, but he remained adamant and made us do it. Looking back, we realise that the principal, a World War II veteran, wanted to teach us a lesson of humility and equality. I still do not mind doing any job, however low it might be perceived by society. I believe instructing students to clean their own classrooms or paint the furniture is not a bad idea.
Air-Cdre (retd) Khayyam Durrani
Karachi
SIGNBOARDS IN ENGLISH: The Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) has undertaken the renovation of lanes and roads, which is appreciable. However, the new signboards are only in the English language. Previously, all such signboards were written in both Urdu and English. People living and visiting Defence Housing Authority (DHA) are more familiar with Urdu than English. Urdu is our national language, and, as per the Constitution, it should have been officially introduced at all levels within 10 years, which was never done. We follow the developments in China, but fail to realise that it gives prime importance to its language. The officials concerned should replace the signboards and include the national language as well.
Arshad Alam Shamsi
Karachi
EXCLUDED PEOPLE: Not a single TV advertisement shows wheelchairs, aids or other assistive products for persons with disabilities. When dramas show persons with some disability, they are shown as helpless and tragic. They are rarely shown as doctors, teachers or leaders. Real inclusion means telling diverse stories. It means informing the public about assistive technology and accessibility rights. I have lived with Friedreich’s ataxia for 27 years. I know what exclusion feels like. Media has the power to include persons with disabilities — not with sympathy, but with truth.
Faryal Zubair
Rawalpindi
Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2026
