MISSING PHARMACISTS: If phy-sicians diagnose ailments and prescribe treatment, pharmacists ensure the effective use of medicines. Unfortunately, pharmacists remain unavailable to the general public in Pakistan, as many find themselves more comfortable working for leading pharmaceutical companies. Medicines are sold without pharmacists’ supervision in pharmacies. A recent study found that only 1.6 per cent patients interact with pharmacists. This is despite the fact that a single instance of misconduct can result in lifelong disability and emotional suffering for a patient. Furthermore, our healthcare system is bearing the brunt of this unchecked practice. The authorities concerned should ensure that patients consult professional pharmacists after receiving a diagnosis.

Hammad-ul-Hassan
Lahore

NETWORK OUTAGE: People of San Saweri village in Shaheed Benazirabad district have been deprived of mobile network services since the signal tower of a private cellular company became dysfunctional. This tower, which once provided network coverage to at least 10-15 nearby towns and villages, has remained non-operational for the last about six years. With no other tower nearby, approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people are severely affected by the situation. Even when the tower was functional, the absence of electricity used to be a huge problem, as the tower was not equipped with standby power backup. Despite many complaints, the matter has not been resoled yet. The issue should be resolved as soon as possible.

Zaid Hussain
Shaheed Benazirabad

ELECTRICITY CRISIS: Jacobabad is among the hottest cities in Pakistan, with temperatures exceeding 50°C during summers. Frequent power outages and transformer tripping have worsened the lives of ordinary people. Businesses are also affected by power cuts. The authorities concerned should take immediate and effective steps to ensure uninterrupted power supply at least during the hottest hours of the day.

Abdul Aziz Gulwani
Jacobabad

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026