SMART TIMINGS: The government’s directive to shut down businesses by 9pm was a welcome and necessary step towards addressing the energy crisis. It deserved full public support, but had to be rolled back. I think the policy had a serious flaw. Most offices released employees at 5pm or later. After a lengthy commute, workers reached markets with little to no time to purchase daily necessities before the 9pm closure. This left ordinary citizens unable to meet basic household needs. On their part, shopkeepers suffered because a compressed shopping window directly threatened their livelihood. The fix is straightforward: enforce a strict 4-5pm office closing time alongside the 9pm market closure. This would give workers adequate time to shop and allow businesses to serve customers.

Ahsan ul Haque
Karachi

ROAD FOR NASEERABAD: The people of Naseerabad need a bypass road for an efficient commute. They currently face several challenges, including traffic congestion, road accidents and safety problems. Patients go through great trauma and difficulty in reaching hospitals during emergencies. Businesses suffer and economic activity slows down due to lack of proper road infrastructure. Accidents involving motorcycles, cars and large vehicles are increasing day by day. Besides, heavy vehicles cause air pollution, which increases health risks for the locals. Given this, the government, stakeholders and political leaders must join hands to resolve the issue.

Ahsan Ali
Naseerabad

TAMGHA-I-KARACHI: The recent decision by the mayor of Karachi to confer Tamgha-i-Karachi upon residents who have made invaluable contributions to the development and welfare of the city is laudable. The initiative to acknowledge those who bring pride to the city deserves commendation. Karachi is the economic hub of the country, and those who dedicatedly contribute to the well-being and progress of the metropolis must be appreciated and acknowledged.

Wasi Ahmed Siddiqi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2026