HEALTHCARE ON WEEKENDS: Healthcare is a basic human right, but many patients face serious difficulties in obtaining medical treatment on Sundays. Public hospitals often operate with reduced staff on weekends, leaving patients to endure long waiting times, delayed treatment and unnecessary suffering. In many hospitals, outpatient departments (OPDs) remain closed on Sundays, while the number of available doctors is significantly lower than on regular weekdays. Hospital administrations should introduce effective rotational duty systems to ensure adequate staffing throughout the week. Senior doctors and specialists should be available on weekends. Limited outpatient services could also be introduced on Sundays to reduce the burden on emergency departments.

Faiza Hakeem
Turbat

A MALL IN A BAD SHAPE: On my recent visit to Islamabad, I had a chance to visit a famous shopping mall in the federal capital, and was shocked to see its deplorable condition. The shops had a worn-out look, and the so-called food court had pathetic seating arrangements. Islamabad is the federal capital and receives high-profile visitors from all over the world. Besides, a lot of tourists visit the northern areas of Pakistan and spend some time in Islamabad. Shopping malls need to maintain some standard.

Tahir Hassan
Karachi

PUBLIC TOILETS: Inspired by social media reels, I recently visited the Safari Park in Karachi. The local government has spent millions of rupees on its renovation and new features, but it has ignored the basic facility of washrooms for a large number of visitors. The toilet facility in the park was not only small compared to other toilets available at public places, but was also in a rather dilapidated condition. People were waiting for their turn in a lengthy queue. Families were compelled to use the filthy washrooms as there was no other option. The administration should increase the number and improve the quality of washrooms.

Naseer Ahmed Soomro
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2026