GROUPING CULTURE: It is deeply concerning to witness how internal politics and factionalism are eroding the integrity of our higher education institutions. Instead of being bastions of merit, inno-vation and academic freedom, public-sector universities have become arenas for personal alliances, political loyalties and selective favouritism. This unhealthy ‘grouping culture’ not only sidelines deserving faculty and students, but also discourages fresh ideas and independent thought. The result is a serious decline in academic quality, research standards, and institutional credibility. Higher education should never be a playground for politics and factionalism. In essence, it should be a space where talent is nur-tured, diversity of thought is welcomed, and decisions are made purely on merit.

Dr Anum Shafique
Rawalpindi

CONFLICTING SCHEDULE: The State Bank Officer Training Scheme (SBOTS)-28 exam, conducted by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), is scheduled for Sept 7. This exam date coincides with the rescheduled date of the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) screening test announced by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). As such, this overlap has created a rather tricky situation for candidates planning to sit both the exams. Either the SPSC or the SBP should consider rescheduling the examination date, allowing the candi- dates to take the other exam as well.

Jawad Ahmed
Hyderabad

WRONG CONTACT NUMBER: The Sindh Information Department had placed an advertisement (Aug 6) carrying details of Independence Day activities in the province, including an Azadi Train. I tried hard to establish contact on the given number, but all my efforts went down the drain. Upon knowing about the Azadi Train, my family members were all very keen to board the train, but could not do that for obvious reasons. The government should advertise the actual contact number that is easily accessible.

Syed Ahmed Fraz
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2025