EXPLOITING SENIOR CITIZENS: I am a septuagenarian living on the profit that I get against my savings in a commercial bank. The bank is compelling me to change my account from Senior Citizen category to Islamic banking. This will reduce my rate of profit and increase the profit of the bank. How is it Islamic? Islam is basically against any exploitation of the poor and the needy. In a regular account, the profit is regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), whereas in Islamic banking, the profit is determined by the bank itself. Usury is forbidden in Islam, but not the profit gained through trade. The pros and cons of Islamic banking should be debated in parliament.
Khayyam Durrani
Karachi
CHARACTER BUILDING: Universities play a crucial role in shaping the habits and attitudes of young people. Character is built through repeated actions. A person becomes honest by telling the truth again and again. Similarly, courage is developed by facing difficult situations instead of avoiding them. We also need balance in our character. Courage should not become recklessness, while humility should not lead to a lack of confidence. Our religious teachings also put emphasis on balance and good character. Therefore, universities should have greater focus on character building of their students along with imparting critical academic education. The young should be encouraged to practise honesty, responsibility, fairness, courage and humility in their daily lives.
Awais Qarni
Lahore
Increasing WOOD THEFT: Every year when leopards appear on the Margalla trails in Islamabad, the trails are closed. When after a few weeks they are opened, the hikers find 30 per cent of trees and bushes either missing or mercilessly pruned. Hikers are complaining that at present the weather is not cold, but those with vested interests are continuously trying to push leopards towards the trails to start the wood theft season. The relevant authorities should take swift and immediate action in this regard.
M. Shaikh
Islamabad
Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2026
