RUPEE DEVALUATION: While the value of the rupee is decreasing against the dollar, making life difficult for one and all, it is surprising that there is not much that the government seems to have done in terms of giving people something to hook their hopes on. The government has to realise that devaluation of rupee at this pace can be disastrous for the ruling party in the next elections as inflation will rise as a direct result of the devaluation. There is urgent need of long-term structural reforms in the economic sector.

Ali Aqdas
Jhang

TOBACCO FACTORY: A tobacco refining factory in Pothi Abowala village in Bhimber district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is causing serious environmental pollution in the area. Officials had visited the factory, and issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) despite knowing that the factory is producing hazardous chemicals which will soon result in causing respiratory and other ailments among the villagers. The authorities concerned should take up the matter forthwith.

Tauqeer Hussain
Pothi Abowala, AJK

EDUCATION EMERGENCY: The Ehsaas Education Stipends programme is a laudable step towards improving society through education. Its focus should also be on providing basic facilities to the students, and the criteria for stipend disbursement should change to cover those with average passing marks.

Neelam Yasir
Karachi

TIMELY ACTION: This is with reference to the report ‘Torghar families compensated for rain losses’ (Sept 14). An amount of Rs4.3 million was given to the families whose 13 members were killed and houses were destroyed by a cloudburst. Had some part of this amount been given to the families to build their houses before the tragedy, lives could have been saved. The administration is assessing the area for further damages, and it is advisable that such assessments take place in every district as a pre-emptive measure.

Suleman A. Khan
Swat

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2021