CHAOTIC VENDORS: The Khanna Pull is a very busy area in Islamabad. The traffic situation at the spot is worsened by fruit and vegetable vendors who not only occupy the road and cause traffic jams, but also litter around. People stop their vehicles in the middle of an already busy road to buy fruits from them. It is a shame that no permanent action is taken against these vendors. They are moved away, but they return to the spot before long. There are plenty of open places near the bridge. I suggest that some open places are allotted to these vendors so that they may earn their livelihood without creating chaos for the public at large.

Muhammad Qasim Malik
Islamabad

CLOSURE OF METRO: The Metro, a vital facility connecting Rawalpindi to Islamabad, has been plagued by frequent closures, leaving the intending commuters in a state of uncertainty. As the only affo-rdable alternative to expensive rickshaws and bikes, the Metro offers a superior service with air-conditioning and proper seating. However, its operations have been marred by unpredictable closures due to international matches, protests in the twin cities, and construction and maintenance of its route. As a result, the frequent closures have affected the livelihood of many poor individuals who use this service for their daily commute. Furthermore, the administration’s decision to close the Metro on weekdays, while operating it on week-ends, is also perplexing. Such closures affect the overall commute experience.

Mushaid Aziz
Bagh, AJK

USELESS FACELIFT: Various city bodies are working together to beautify Sharea Faisal and Shahrah-i-Quaideen as part of the government’s plan to give all major roads in Karachi a facelift. I commute through the Sharea Faisal every day. Due to severe traffic jams, I have to stand in public transport buses for at least an hour each way while going to and returning from my office. The relevant civic bodies should fix the traffic chaos on all these roads first, instead of wasting time beautifying them.

K.M. Shafi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024