JHELUM WATER CRISIS: For the last few months, many areas in Jhelum have been facing an acute shortage of drinking water. People are either forced to rely on unsafe water or bear the heavy cost of purchasing it. Various waterborne diseases are spreading in the city, severely affecting public health. Poor water supply management, outdated and damaged pipelines, and the increasing population are the key factors behind the crisis. The authorities should take immediate and effective measures to resolve the crisis, ensuring the provision of clean and safe drinking water to the people.

Nimra Kazmi
Jhelum

ARMS LICENCE RENEWAL: The Punjab government has increased the annual arms licence renewal fee from Rs1,000 to Rs5,000, and the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) fee from Rs1,500 to Rs2,350; a total increase of Rs7,320 per non-prohibited bore (NPB) weapon. I use my licensed weapon for sports shooting at a renowned club in Lahore. It is almost impossible to compete in national and international shooting contests with such an exorbitant licence fee. The Punjab government should reduce the annual renewal fee to Rs1,000 per NPB weapon for bonafide shooters affiliated with any licensed gun club. This will encourage the sport and keep a proper check on the proliferation of illegal weapons.

Azhar Hussain Shamim
Lahore

PROPER SEWERAGE: The lack of proper sewerage infrastructure in Hub city has increased pollution and created health hazards for the community. The overflow of untreated sewage has ravaged entire neighbourhoods, leaving trails of destruction and despair in its wake. Homes that were once safe and secure are now inundated with toxic waste of factories, forcing families to flee and seek shelter elsewhere. Despite repeated complaints, the authorities have paid no attention to the matter. Immediate action must be taken to prevent any further devastation across the city.

Kaleem Baloch
Hub

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2024