OVERCROWDED BANK: At the beginning of every month, government employees and salaried people gather outside the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in Kohlu to withdraw their salaries. They spend hours in long queues waiting to get their money. The entire Kohlu district has only one NBP branch. When thousands of people depend on the same branch for salary withdrawals, over-crowding and delays are hardly surprising. The authorities should establish at least one additional NBP branch or sub-branch in the district, while other commercial banks should also be encouraged to expand their services. More functional ATMs, branchless banking facilities and mobile banking services can further reduce pressure on the existing branch.

Zahid Marri
Kohlu

QUICK-LOAN TRAP: Nowadays, ‘quick- loan’ apps are creating new traps for young people. Apps sanction loans ranging from Rs6,000 to Rs20,000 in just a few minutes, which must be returned in 30 days with 22 per cent interest. They charge 2pc extra every day if the payment is late. Those without employment often suffer, which ruins their self-respect and peace of mind. To pay one loan, they take another one, and, hence, the cycle continues. Youngsters should think carefully before borrowing money. The government must also control the interest rates these apps are charging.

Iqra Bibi
Peshawar

SOCIETAL PROBLEMS: In our higher education institutions, the key value of intellectual discussions and debates about society and politics often remains underestimated. Teachers neither address critical questions related to these topics nor motivate students to read books on their own. The students, too, are least interested. Their minds remain entangled in how to secure high marks. Although good marks and achievements matter, they are worthless if they fail to answer important questions. Education institutions should encourage both teachers and students to focus on societal problems instead of focusing on their achievements.

Mushahid Hussain
Lahore

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2026