THIS refers to letters about the controversial bestowing of civil awards on Aug 14. I must add here that not only were a number of awards indiscreetly conferred, medals were also awarded to a few serving civil servants in violation of the rule.

The rule disallows the conferring of orders of Nishan, Hilal, Sitara, etc., on serving civil servants.

I myself was recommended twice for Sitara-i-Imtiaz and that too at the behest of the then President of Pakistan.

Hence if a law debarring civil servants from getting civil awards exists, it must be adhered to and if considered appropriate, courts could take notice of this violation.

My advice to those who have been taken aback by the Aug 14 medals issue is to sit back and enjoy the ride because as long as the present state of anarchy continues in this country, you can be assured of even more dazzling and shocking fiascos.

SULTAN KHALID MASUD KHATTAK Retired Civil Servant Karachi