SALARIED CLASS: The growing spiral of inflation has adversely affected the salaried people. The rates of services and utilities have gone way beyond the capacity of an average household. Making things worse is the fact that there has been no proportionate increase in wages and salaries. Unless the government cuts down its expenses, stops unproductive public programmes, and streamlines the tax system, no real relief is possible for the common man.

Samna Ameen
Karachi

LACK OF CLEANLINESS: The lack of cleanliness at the University of Karachi is a cause of great concern for the students and faculty members alike. The washrooms are not cleaned regularly by the janitorial staff. Garbage dumps and trash floating in the air is a common sight at the campus. The utensils used in the cafeteria are not washed properly. Classrooms have layers of dust and dirt on the floors, the windows and the desks. Such an environment can only cause health issues. The university administration must prioritise and address the issue urgently to ensure a pleasant and hygienic environment.

Qaisra Shabbir Ahmed
Karachi

DOUBLE STANDARDS: Incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran abroad and episodes like Jaranwala in Pakistan continue unabated. One wonders if there are any sane minds left anywhere. If we demand respect for our religion, we should be the first ones to respect other religions. Disres- pecting others and demanding respect for one’s own self is not a strategy.

Anwar Sayab Khan
Peshawar

CREATIVITY: Creativity is the key to success of an individual and of society at large. However, there are a number of cultural, emotional and resource barriers to creativity in Pakistani society. Teachers across the board should work to reduce such barriers and let the students prosper.

Fakhra Ansari
Sukkur

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2023