TRAFFIC VIOLATOR: Recently, a young man in Lahore, notorious for flouting every traffic law for years, was finally caught by the traffic police. He was charged with an astonishing 103 recorded violations, totalling around Rs44,000 in fine. And what did he do? He paid the full amount on the spot, was cleared without a second thought, and drove off; free to continue with his reckless behaviour. When money can buy immunity from consequences, the very fabric of justice is at risk. It is not just an individual’s reckless actions at stake here. The safety of every citizen is at stake. Those tasked with enforcing the law must perform their duty responsibly.

Sohail Khursheed
Lahore

RISING ADDICTION: The situation in Khairpur Mirs district, particularly in the town of Kumb, has reached a critical stage because of drug addiction. The local administration has failed to curb the menace. Teenagers while going to school can easily buy illicit drugs, and no one has the power to stand against the drug mafia. The civil society had organised a rally against the drug lords, but it failed to create any impact. The influence of drug lords has grown with time, and police inaction has only emboldened it. If immediate and effective measure are not taken and implemented, the problem will only worsen.

Faiz Muhammad
Khairpur Mirs

MOTOR VEHICLE TAX: I have been paying motor vehicle tax since 2013. Every year, the tax was paid to the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). The registration booklet of the vehicle was promptly returned along with the payment receipt by the officials. This year, the bank has refused to accept the payment, asking everyone to approach the Civic Centre. Disappoin-tingly, there is no arrangement at the Civic Centre to accept the payment. Agents are charging an extra amount of Rs500 to get the job done. The government must streamline the working of the department, and make life easier for the people.

Leo D.R.C. Luis
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2024