ISRAELI SALT: I recently bought a 1kg pack of pink salt from a grocery in North Karachi area. When I returned home, I noticed that the label of salt packing was printed in some strange language. Upon searching on Google, I came to know that the language was Hebrew, which is Israel’s official language. I am totally shocked how this Israeli-packaged Pakistani pink salt is on sale in the country, when we have no business relationship with Israel. In any case, why is our own product being sold in Israeli packaging to us? This is truly concerning. The same pack is still being sold in the market. The media should probe this mysterious ‘trade’.

Khalid Saeed
Karachi

FAULTY PORTAL: The Punjab School Education Department recently announced internship opportunities for teachers in government schools. Some of my friends approached me to assist them in subm-itting their applications online. However, the online application process was marred by technical issues, with the portal failing to accept applications despite multiple attempts. Unfortunately, the majority of candidates faced the same issue. To ensure merit, fairness and transparent induction, the relevant authorities must take necessary action in order to prevent negativity and pessimism among the candidates. Otherwise, there will only be a few application submissions to fill over 12,000 internship positions.

Syed Haider Abbas Shah
Hyderabad

SELF-CONFIDENCE: There is a lack of self-confidence among our people, especially our youth. Confidence gives people the courage to overcome challenges. Lack of self-confidence leads to negative thinking, mental stress and anxiety. Those who lack confidence often compare themselves to others, and feel less worthy. Many people possess educa-tion, academic degrees, skills and experience, but only a few manage to achieve the success they desire. Teachers should help students overcome self- doubts so that they may lead a happy life.

Ahmad Sarwar
Kot Radha Kishan

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2025