CAUGHT OFF GUARD: Recently, China has issued the official standard map of its Territories, showing the whole of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as Chinese territories. When a television reporter drew Indian Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar’s attention towards the Chinese stance, he said making absurd claims on Indian territories does not make it China’s territory. It is interesting the Indian minister unconsciously conceded the futility of Indian claims over the disputed territories of Jammu and Kashmir, which India shows as its territories on the country’s maps. The minister was clearly caught off guard.

Abid Mahmud Ansari
Islamabad

CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS: Illegal cigarette brands are breaking the law despite the government’s ban on advertising and reward schemes for cigarette sales. A recent market survey discovered that tobacco companies in major cities are openly using advertisements and rewards to lure customers. The notification issued by the federal government strictly bans the promotion and advertising of cigarettes through any media. Despite these regulations, no action has been taken against the violators. The government should enforce the laws rigorously, and launch a crackdown against companies and vendors involved in such violations.

Usama Ghulam Rasool
Karachi

TESTING PATIENCE: The recent examination held by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for trained graduate teachers made a mockery of the whole process. Among other issues, the answer keys were incorrect. Despite sending several emails to the FPSC, inquiries have met with complete silence. The exam was conducted a year after its announcement, followed by a year of interviews, and then an additional year for recruit- ment. The already sluggish process, coupled with these blunders, is causing the youth to lose faith in the system.

Rakhshanda Abbas
Gilgit

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2023