CUSTOMS and traditions are the identification of a tribe or a community. However, on most occasions, they do nothing except for creating difficulties.

Some old traditions are proudly performed by some people. Nobody has the courage to change them. In fact, who will bell the cat?

I have found that no one, be it a boy or a girl, is allowed to marry of one’s own choice. If they did so, they become a blotch on society and the community concerned.

I also learnt about another strange custom. When a couple got married and were about to have their first baby, all expenses for the pregnant mother’s stay at the hospital till her delivery and arrival to her home with the newborn were borne by the baby’s maternal grandparents, even if they happened to be poor. Sometimes, they even took loans to keep the custom alive.

I wish all age-old customs could be abolished with the stroke of a pen.

SIKANDAR YOUSUF MEMON Karachi