WHILE travelling recently between Lahore and Farooqabad via Sheikhupura, I noticed many

Chand Gari (or Qingqi) rickshaws on the main roads that were both speeding and also lacked
functional brake- and head-lights.
These dangerous traffic violations are particularly common along routes from Lahore to Sheikhupura and
Gujranwala, where I also observed a dearth of traffic wardens.
I request that the IG Highways and the traffic authorities seek to curb these blatant violations immediately.
If the traffic police are unable to curb this menace, then I suggest that the government seek to overhaul the
highway department so that they are better able to enforce traffic laws in toto, considering that it is being
funded from the exchequer. The laws of the jungle cannot be allowed to prevail.
Muhammad Zahid Usmani

EVERY year we observe International Womens Day but we find that crimes against women seem to be
increasing at an alarming rate. Crime is endemic to the human condition, but a crime specifically directed
at the fairer sex is despicable and unfortunately, one that is least punished.
The media exposure and all the legislation have little impact. Legislation introduced by the government is
often merely token. One would find that the problem before the majority of women in our country is not
equality but survival.
The scenario for women seems grim indeed and this will continue so long as the basic social and economic
structures remain unchanged and the implementing and law and order agencies show indifference.
Merely observing womens day is useless unless real power in the social, political, cultural and economic
arena is given to women through adequate representation.
The thinking of society has to change and parents must value their daughters on a par with their sons and
should give them the same advantages and means of independence.
I would like to point out that while laws alone cannot put an end to evils that are endemic in the social
structure, the government can at least make some attempt to address the issue seriously.
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad, India

I HAVE been a Pakistani national since the late 1940s and been carrying the National Identity Card (NIC)
ever since it was introduced in the 1970s. Subsequently, I held the National Identity Card for Overseas
Pakistanis (NICOP No. 208586-302651-1) which recently expired in 2017.
Applying for its renewal, I thought it was a routine affair , but it turned out to be a nightmare as I have been
declared a Problematic Citizen without specifying any problem that I may have caused all through my life
or may have shown the potential to cause.
I did receive an email from Nadra saying, Your application has been approved, but days later another
email from pak-Identity Team, Nadra/FA said Applicant 780000029850 might have an Indian or Israeli
nationality.
The email further said: If you still face any problem, just let us know and we will be happy to help.
Since all efforts to elicit an explanation from Nadra have failed, it is through your esteemed newspaper that
I wish to let Nadra know that I do face a problem and I do seek its resolution.
I stand stranded without knowing what wrong I have committed. It is like being sentenced without even
being charged or heard.
I ask Nadra officials to sort out the matter that also involves my wife Nasreens application (NICOP No.
208586-684660-2).
Fahim Khan
Karachi

THE idea of holding the CSS competitive examination in Urdu to develop our national language will go a
long way in encouraging the development of our national language.
Nations like Japan, China, Russia and Iran use their national language for all purposes.
Urdu is already Pakistans main language of communication and medium of instruction.
However, an immediate change over to Urdu from English for the CSS exam from 2018 onwards needs lots
of preparation.
A time line is essential. Currently graduate and post-graduate students have an option of sitting exams in
English or Urdu. This option is even more important for the CSS exam and should be allowed for at least
three years.
The CSS written examination has a wide range of optional subjects from law, economics, political science,
history and international affairs besides many science subjects.
Because it is a competitive exam, the candidates have to secure a good position by using the best available
books to prepare.
These are in English and their Urdu translations are not readily available.
A CSS exam candidate competes with the best in the country and has to perform exceptionally well to land
prestigious services and positions. For this he must be proficient in Urdu and English.
Meanwhile, candidates may be given a choice to sit for their examinations in Urdu or English.
Efforts should be redoubled to translate the best textbooks on various subjects in Urdu.
Zaheer Ahmed
Islamabad

AS a Pakistani visiting my homeland after many years, I was delighted to attend the Karachi Literary
Festival. The sessions on arts, music, poetry and books were delightful. Kudos to its organisers. However, I
would like to mention two aspects that I felt were demeaning and unwise.
The first impression one gets is that KLF is dependent on funding from countries like UK, US, Italy, Germany
and Switzerland and relies on many corporations to meet expenses. Cant the government, industries and
the people of Pakistan famous for their charity-- not pool in and organise this event themselves?
The other prominent theme that emerged was some intellectuals tendency to indulge in a smear campaign
against their own military.
There were endless demeaning half-hidden innuendoes and references to Pindi and Aabpara. It appeared
that not saying these words would make one look unfashionable and non-progressive.
There were no sessions that discussed the actual process of democracy, elections and accountability. There
was never a mention of what is wrong with our bureaucracy, police, election commission, judiciary,
education, health, and not least, parliamentarians and how these institutions can be improved.
No speaker pointed out that 23 MNAs had made a law giving legal cover to Jirga and Panchayat in
Pakistan.
Dr Shanawaz Soomro
Larkana

Threat not yet over

THE PSL final was held in Lahore and all went well. While we thank God for His benevolence, we should not
go into complacency that terrorism is over.
The number of measures that we had taken and the number of agencies and personnel involved in this is
innumerable. The amount of money we have spent is also beyond calculation.
The best thing I can say is that it has been done and it goes to prove that when we want to get things done,
it is done. About the PSL festivity, I must praise the organisers who remembered uncountable Shaheeds at
the very outset and passed appropriate tribute to their sacrifices.
Gaddafi Stadium was full, the crowd was thrilled and colorfully dressed up and Lahoriites had wonderful
time at the stadium.
]Ali Zafar performed very well, though Ali Azmat disappointed the crowd and so did the contingent of
dancers with the strange-looking dresses they were made to wear.
It could have been better if we chose the folk singers available, both males and females. TV coverage,
cameramanship, lighting and commentry, as usual, had been superb and we did not miss foreign artistes
who somehow refused to come to Lahore.
The presence of legendaries like Sir Vivian Richards and Dean Jones made all the difference. I would have
loved to see Alam Lohar playing chimmta and some other folk singers enthralling the ceremony. But I
guess we have to prove somehow that we cannot always do things right; we have to fumble.
Terrorists must have got messages from us but all I say is that all is not over yet. We need to keep our anti-
terrorist activities in top gear and get rid of this menace
A.H. Mirza

Threat not yet over

PSL! The epic of cricket commercialisation in Pakistan! Thanks to the market dynamics the PSL centrifuged
guys like Quettas Sarfaraz Ahmad and Peshawars Hassan Ali and Sagher.
Hitherto, none could challenge the monopolistic grey-haired executives in the PCB, but now young chaps
are a new hope for cricket in Pakistan.
These business executives are bridging the faultlines in the Pakistan Cricket Board bureaucracy which
suppressed talent like Misbahul Haq till an age where their Australian-counterparts think of retiring. I
believe the PCB may not be able to assert its bureaucratic red-tapism if this market dynamism and talent
hunt picks up steam.
Moreover, I noticed commercial entities capitalising on this event. With banks opening accounts in our
hearts, I see a pattern.
The financial sector is running for the lead role which, in fact, is a good sign. We saw in the past that
commercial breaks were flooded with consumer products like biscuits, chips, soft drinks and other stuff of
meagre denomination in contrast to the healthy entrants like health and life insurers.
Whether this change is a product or cause of the publics interest in savings and risk-averting, its
something positive.
I am sure you enjoyed flights bringing around decisions from the third umpire! Certainly, you also enjoyed
our heritage trucks transporting loads of runs for batsmen, lubricated with engine oil. We never saw that
before.
I am a medical doctor and naive at commercial things, but I thought it worthwhile to call for the attention of
experts who could holistically analyse this Pakistan Super League phenomenon for a positive impact on our
economy in the long run.
Dr Sheraz Ahmad Khan
Peshawar