PEACEFUL RALLIES: Peaceful protest is a legal right of people, but protests that block roads for hours punish the people. A labourer who loses a day’s wage, a patient who remains stuck in an ambulance, and a student who misses an exam end up suffering without having done anything to upset the protesters. Violence also weakens the cause. When containers block the roads, people suffer and forget the demand. A calm, disciplined rally earns far more respect than a burning tyre. Organisers should promise publicly that their rallies will stay peaceful. The government must address the problems faced by the people. When complaints are ignored, anger grows, and everyone pays the price. And the cycle continues.

Javeeria Aqeel
Rawalpindi

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: The shortage of CT scanners, MRI machines, X-ray units and oxygen ventilators in government hospitals across Turbat, Gwadar and Dasht has turned into a healthcare crisis. This critical problem forces patients to travel to cities like Karachi just for having these basic medical tests done. These long journeys place an overwhelming financial burden on poor families who are either forced to sell their belongings or take expensive loans to pay for their travel, food and stay. Furthermore, qualified doctors and consultants refuse to work in these towns because they feel completely helpless without proper equipment. The government should urgently set up hospitals in small towns and provide due medical equipment.

Zainab Abubakar
Turbat

NO RESPONSE: According to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) calendar, the LawGat test was to be held in October and December. I wanted to appear in the latter because of some personal health issues, but the Education Testing Council (ETC) of the HEC remained deaf to my continuous phone calls and email requests. What is the point of having a publicly advertised phone line and email address if there is no intention to respond to either of them?

Amjad Javaid
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2026