AN UNFAIR DECISION: The decision of K-Electric (KE) to increase peak hour tariff from Rs26 to Rs42 per unit has come as a serious and unpleasant surprise to the consumers. This is a drastic increase in per-unit charges during peak hours. The decision seems to be a miscalculation. The peak hours, as identified by KE, are from 6pm to 10.30pm. One may well differ with this claim as the sweltering heat maximises the use of air-conditioners between 2pm and 4pm. KE needs to revisit its decision.

Shakir Lakhani
Karachi

CULTURE OF CORRUPTION: The bribery culture has taken roots in society. From someone paying, say, Rs100 to a peon to get ahead in a queue to those paying, say, Rs3,000 to the lineman for uninterrupted electricity for the whole month without ‘inconvenience’, the culture is rampant and people have stopped feeling bad about it. Everyone seems to be greasing some palm every now and then. As such, everyone is part of the problem, and not of the solution.

Taimoor Ali Khanzada
Sarhari

PALESTINE ISSUE: American President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East has given a fresh dimension to the tripartite ties among the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia should not ignore the fact that it plays a vital role as the leader of the Muslim world and at this juncture, it must use its influence to address the Palestinian issue, making it part of its regional interest. This will bring some relief to the Palestinians who have been suffering for long at the hands of the rather brutal Israeli forces.

Kiran Baloch
Kech

WORKING CONDITIONS: A few senior officers associated with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) are said to have been facing internal inquiries owing to alleged misconduct, and are being replaced by retired officers from other departments with no expertise of electoral procedures. The uncertainty among the officers is worrisome and deserves attention.

Name withheld on request
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2022