CAMPUS POLITICS: Recent conflicts among student councils and bodies at universities in Lahore and Islamabad have highlighted the growing tensions within the domain of campus politics. Disputes often arise over leadership positions, representation and campus dominance among rival groups, sometimes leading to protests, boycotts and even clashes. These conflicts disrupt academic life, and make the task of university administrations a challenge in terms of maintaining peace while respecting freedom of expression.

Keeya Rashid
Karachi

TAX CONFUSION: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) recently announced a special provision to encourage sales documentation by reducing the rate of general sales tax (GST) to five per cent on payments made through credit or debit cards. I recently bought a cake from a five-star hotel in Lahore and was charged 16pc GST instead of 5pc. When I asked the reason, the staff there told me that the FBR instructions were not applicable to them. Can the FBR look into the matter?

Pervaiz Ali Khan
Lahore

LOAN SHARKS: Facing severe fin-ancial distress, people have recently fallen prey to predatory lenders. Now, unable to repay crippling loans with exorbitant interest rates, they are under even more stress. Disturbing videos on social media highlight the terrifying fate of those who cannot pay back such loans. Their daughters are being abducted and families are losing their homes. All this while, the government has failed to take action against these ruthless loan sharks. Vulnerable individuals need protection.

Tallat Hussain
Ghotki

DUAL QUOTA SYSTEM: The federal and provincial governments should review Sindh’s quota system. At present, Sindh’s quota in federal jobs is about 19 per cent, which is further divided into rural (60pc) and urban (40pc) categories. Unless this dual quota is not reviewed, the grievances of urban population may not be addressed.

K.T.H.
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2024