AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION: While cotton remains integral to Pakistan’s agricultural landscape, promoting agricultural diversification is a strategic imperative to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on a single commodity. Encouraging farmers to explore alternative crops bolsters resilience and ensures adaptability to changing climatic conditions. This comprehensive approach, taking into account economic contribution, climate-resilient practices, pest management, quality improvement and economic support, is needed to ensure sustainable growth in the long term.

Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi

PENDING POSSESSION: This is with reference to the report ‘KDA plans mega housing scheme on 14,000 acres near Karachi’s Northern Bypass’ (Jan 2). A photograph showing a housing scheme planned and developed by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) decades ago was also published with the report. I was allotted a plot of land in Taiser Town through ballot in February 2007. I have been trying to get possession of the land ever since, but without success. The government should resolve this pending issue of land possessions before announcing any further housing scheme.

K.M. Shafi
Karachi

ABSENT SENATORS: This is with reference to the report ‘Amid thin attendance, Senate passes resolution seeking delay in elections’ (Jan 5). Apart from the mystery surrounding the hasty passage of the resolution, there is another important question that begs an answer. Why were the remaining 83 senators absent from the session? Members of the National Assembly and Senate are paid huge amount of salaries, provided vehicles and scores of other allowances out of public money to perform their duties. A single day’s absence of a public func- tionary without leave constitutes misconduct. All political parties are under an obligation to explain to the people such non-serious attitude towards key affairs.

Sikander Aqeel Ansari
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2024