RUSSIAN invasion of Ukraine has global consequences; a humanitarian crisis, an economic shock, and a lot of geopolitical realignments. There is so much at stake here. The issue has divided the world into two distinct blocs; those who have actively condemned the attack by Russia and those who have been neutral or have not been that vocal in their condemnation.

The West, especially Europe and the United States, is helping the Ukrainian army by providing arms and ammunition, facilitating millions of refugees to find a safe space, highlighting the issue internationally, and imposing on Russia sanctions that are getting stricter with every passing day.

Considering the soaring geopolitical temperature, Islamabad should pay heed to the sensitive issue. The eyebrows that were raised after the prime minister’s visit to Russia should be looked at seriously, and the Foreign Office should be working proactively in global capitals in diffusing their apprehensions. It should do so not because we are subservient to them, but because, among other things, the bulk of our trade is with those countries.

Pakistan has done right by hosting a meeting of the foreign ministers of the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad, but more needs to be done. At this critical time in history, we need to focus on international issues because Pakistan cannot stand isolated in today’s world.

Asim Daud
Abbottabad

RAAST ACCOUNT: The State Bank of Pakistan has started Raast payments which are very convenient and helpful. However, only one Raast identity (ID) is allowed against one CNIC. Since most people have more than one mobile phone numbers in use, each individual should be allowed to have more than one ID that may be linked to the cellphone number instead of the CNIC. In this manner, an individual will be able to access different accounts from different mobile phone numbers.

Raja Malik
Chiniot

LEARNING LANGUAGES: According to Ibn Khaldun, the best method of learning any language is by way of communication. One should acclimatise to a language environment, and start talking the way others talk. Grammar is for the grammarians, while the language is for the masses, he argued. In the modern world, the construct is called the communicative approach to teaching a foreign language. We may consider using this approach to learning, say, English.

Shabir Ahmad
Lower Dir

LONG QUEUES: As I need to travel to Alipur Chatha from Islamabad quite often, I use the GT Road frequently, and have observed long queues of heavy vehicles at the Mandra Toll Plaza, causing delays. On my way back to Islamabad, the traffic jams stretch out to around 700 metres. The National Highway Authority should look into the cause of these long queues and take remedial steps.

Dr Syed Ghazanfar Abbas
Islamabad

TRANSFER AND POSTING: The office of the Punjab inspector-general of police (IGP) needs to ensure the implementation of Standing Order No. 9/2020 regarding transfers and postings of officers and officials in different units. The objective of the policy is to facilitate smooth working across all units. But the training directorate, it seems, has no interest in the objectives of the policy order. The officials in training institutions are under stress and look up to the IGP to come to their rescue.

M. Akram
Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2022