QUESTIONABLE BEHAVIOUR: A recent video circulating on social media showed Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab riding an electric bike to the Sindh Assembly without a registration plate and without wearing a safety helmet. While talking to the media later, he remarked that he did not possess a driving licence for a two-wheeler either. It is unfortunate that a public representative, like the city mayor, had the audacity to not only violate the laws, but to shame-lessly acknowledge that he had done so without the fear of consequences. This incident is surely a sad reflection of the VIP culture we have in the land.

Aamir Malik
Karachi

POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY: The political situation emerging in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) has become a matter of much concern. During previous protest movements and long marches, precious human lives — including those of both civilians and police personnel — were tragically lost. As such, the developing situation can have serious implications for the already fragile peace and institutional stability. Preservation of human life, constitutional stability and peaceful democratic order are of utmost importance. Political groups should put strong emphasis on lawful resolution of all matters, democratic continuity and avoidance of confrontation at all costs.

Kashif Aftab
Muzaffarabad

LIFELESS OCEAN: The surface water temperature in the Arabian Sea is rising, and it is quietly killing marine life. Local fishermen are already returning with empty nets because fish are either dying or moving away to cooler waters. To make matters worse, we are still dumping tonnes of plastic, chemical waste as well as raw sewage straight into the sea every day. Unfortunately, the extreme heat is literally cooking the marine life, and our toxic trash is choking whatever is left. If we keep ignoring this crisis, we will end up completely destroying our own food supply and the livelihoods of thousands of poor fishermen and their families.

Khawaja Muhammad Hamza
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2026