COURT VERDICT: Former minister, senator and senior lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan was recently seen on a television channel deprecating the Supreme Court judg-ement of Oct 3. As I understand it, a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly is brought against a member who has previously received a vote of confidence. If due to performance or policy, the house wishes to revise its decision, the exercise shall perforce involve some members who had previously given a vote of confidence. If any law precludes them from doing so, the whole purpose of the no-confidence movement is lost.

Dr Muhammad Reza Kazimi
Karachi

THE PRICE OF A PENCIL: A pencil, which is an essential tool for students, costs Rs30 these days. Once my teacher saw a very small pencil in my hand, and, perhaps to embarrass me in front of the whole class, handed me Rs10 to get a new one. However, she was quite stunned when I told her the current price of a pencil. We, the students, who get Rs20 as our daily pocket money, have to save for two days to buy a pencil; just a pencil, mind you. The manufacturing companies should use alternative material, like recycled plastic and paper, as is done in Germany, Japan, the United States and elsewhere, to reduce the prices. Besides, the woodless and recycled pencils are five times more usable, and are seriously eco-friendly.

Riffat Bux
Hub

TOURISM PROSPECTS: Crippling infrastructure and governance issues continue to affect the cause of tourism in the country. Bureaucratic red-tape and corruption together stifle tourism, while security concerns and social unrest keep potential visitors away. Pakistan’s warm hospitality is often overshadowed by tales of scams, extortion and the odd show of disrespect towards the tourists. Environmental degradation and pollution also undermine all efforts to promote eco-tourism. Tourism must be encouraged for the betterment of the people and the image of the country.

Fahad Baloch
Panjgur

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2024