The hidden weight of labels

This is regarding the cover story “The hidden weight of labels” by Shahmeer Asif (YW, July 5). The article opened my eyes. I never realised how casually we use labels without thinking how deeply they might hurt someone.

It’s true that these words can affect someone’s confidence and identity. It made me reflect on things I might have said for fun that weren’t so fun for others. I think not just kids and teens, but adults too should read this article to realise where they might be crossing the line.

Sarah Ahmed,
Karachi

II

It was heartbreaking to read the article “The hidden weight of labels” by Shahmeer Asif, because we often don’t realise how casually we call someone names, without thinking about the pain they cause.

Name-calling can be disheartening and damage someone’s self-esteem. All the examples shared in the article were relatable. This article made me feel guilty, but also encouraged me to change.

Hamza Shahid,
Lahore

Chaos in the rain

Reading “Chaos in the rain” by Zainab Sultan (YW, July 5), I was completely drawn into the festival scene — from colourful stalls to the mouth-watering food smells.

But what I loved most was how the story suddenly shifted from joy to chaos with the arrival of the rain. The panic, ruined artwork, and soaked food felt so real. What stayed with me most was when the narrator decided to help others despite being drenched. It reminded me how powerful small acts of kindness can be, especially in difficult times.

Areeba Khalid,
Islamabad

Little marvels of nature

This is with reference to Little marvels of nature by Mirha Asif (YW, July 19). Since I love small plants like succulents and cacti, this article was a refreshing read.

The health benefits of keeping succulents at home were impressive. I think everyone should have these plants to improve their indoor air quality. All the tips were very helpful!

Rania Khalid,
Abbottabad

II

The article Little marvels of nature by Mirha Asif was wonderfully written and well-researched. I especially appreciated the tips on watering and light conditions. I hope more articles are published on how to care for our homes from the inside.

Saliha Azeem Nizami,
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 16th, 2025