MORAL VALUES: The flaw of demo-cracy is that the majority rules, with no regard for the character of that majority. For example, in a democratic dispensation, 51 per cent crooks would easily and legally rule over 49pc intellectuals and people of character. There is enormous wealth in the hands of a few, who can do whatever they choose to do. The media powerhouses and their analysts, pollsters and self-proclaimed experts often feed the public vicious theories and make them shallow and arrogant. The only solution to this evil is to modify our education system that will teach our children the moral values and the purpose of life along with other subjects. No doubt, this might take a long time, but will certainly produce great people who will enhance the quality of life on our dear planet.

Naseem Khan
Leland, North Carolina, USA

UNHEALTHY AIR: This is with refe-rence to the letter ‘Toxic air’ (Nov 27). The smog has lifted and everything appears alright, but it is not. My colleague who is asthmatic feels quite ill and miserable due to the bad air quality. If we check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore, it is over 200, which is better, but it is still unhealthy. Those who have breathing issues are severely affected by this unhealthy air. For the rest of us, the gradual effects on health due to continuous and relentless exposure to toxic air are equally harmful.

Mariam Khan
Lahore

REAL CAUSE OF SMOG: The real cause of smog in Pakistani and Indian Punjab is the act of burning crop residue. It is not climate change. Farmers burn crop residue to clear the fields for the wheat season in November. This causes smog. The politicians, however, will never accept this simple fact. They will keep blaming the climate change phen- omenon because they themselves happen to be the ones who own most of the farms. Their own families enjoy clean, fresh air and a comfortable, modern lifestyle abroad. They just do not care if others suffer. They really do not.

Maryam Siddique
London, UK

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2024