THIS is apropos of your editorial ‘Better sense has prevailed’ and news item ‘Asma lauds show of restraint by Altaf’ (Dec 20).

They have together done a great service by pointing out serious issues that deserve to be resolved in a way that maintains the dignity of various entities without unduly curbing the freedom of expression and discussion, conducted in a constructive manner, and within civilised norms, on matters of public interest and concern.

As is often the case, manifestation of serious differences of opinion among individuals or institutions sometimes creates situations in which the hapless people of Pakistan end up as losers.

For that reason, I would request all those who are in a position to prevent such situations to spare the people, whenever possible, the agony and the resultant loss, which can be substantial at times.

I think it won’t be too much for our hard-pressed people to expect those concerned not to place their vanity higher than the well-being of the downtrodden, especially in circumstances where not many of them could claim to possess a reputation which has remained completely untainted at all times, even by any minor controversy.

S.R.H. HASHMI     Karachi