LOADSHEDDING DURING EXAMS: Frequent power cuts make it difficult for students to concentrate. Without electricity, fans stop working, rooms become uncomfortable, and students struggle to study. Those who depend on the internet and electronic devices for their education also face difficulties as their devices run out of charge or internet services are disrupted. The problem becomes even more serious during examinations, when students need extra time to revise their lessons. Not every family can afford a generator or an alternative power source. The authorities concerned must take practical steps to reduce unnecessary loadshedding during examination time.
Nashrah Noor
Karachi
SERIOUS HUNGER CRISIS: This is with reference to the report ‘Pakistan worst hit by hunger in South Asia’ (Oct 15). The report, which came as a shock, indicated that Pakistan and Afghanistan moved from ‘alarming’ to ‘serious’ category. Pakistan is a rich agricultural country. I believe this situation is a result of lack of planning and greed on the part of growers. We, as a nation, should take responsibility and avoid lavish parties. The best course would be for the government to declare a food emergency and issue orders for one-dish parties. There should be a strict ban on serving buffets in restaurants and parties to avoid food wastage.
Akber D. Vazir
Karachi
PRIVATE BARRICADES: I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to the growing problem of private barricades installed in residential streets, especially in Gulistan-i-Jauhar and Gulshan-i-Iqbal. In 2016-17, the government had decided to remove private barricades from resi-
dential streets under the National Action Plan, and the decision was implemented by Rangers personnel. Unfortunately, these barricades have reappeared in almost every street, causing inconvenience to residents and restricting free movement. The authorities concerned should strictly enforce the existing rules and remove all unauthorised barricades immediately.
Agha M. Asghar Abbas
Karachi
Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2026
