TRAFFIC PROBLEMS: Increasing population and migration from rural to urban areas is the main cause behind the problem of traffic congestion. At present, one-car-per-person model is seen prevalent in all major cities as the public transport is not sufficient to cater to the needs of the citizens. Better public transport, intercity passenger and freight trains, and discontinuation of incentives to the auto industry can solve the traffic mess on city roads.

Naseem Malik
Islamabad

EDUCATION WOES: The menace of cheating in examinations has gripped educational centres in Lakki Marwat, making things worse in an environment that was already in trouble owing to the fact that most teachers have opened their own private tuition academies where they spend more time and energy than in schools. Besides, local schools have no library facilities to encourage the students to broaden their horizon through reading.

Meshkat Marwat
Lakki Marwat

SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT: The recent tragedy in Murree, among other things, highlighted the need to put in place an efficient local government (LG) system. Unfortunately, people have been long denied of their democratic and constitutional right to have a politically, financially and administratively empowered LG system. It is indeed painful to see how the political elite and bureaucracy have always perceived LGs as a threat to their respective domains of influence and power.

Muhammad Ali Bukhari
Lahore

MIDNIGHT COOKING: Most areas in Karachi are facing extreme gas loadshedding. In many areas, gas is available only for 5-6 hours a day and that too at midnight. This is troublesome, especially for women, as it takes long hours to cook a one-time family meal. Not everyone can afford to depend on the restaurants, and the cylinders are dangerous. As a result, we have to cook at midnight to have the luxury of having home-made food. The government should have some mercy on the people.

Sharoon Saleem
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2022