SAFER MOTORBIKES: Every day, a distressing number of motorcycle accidents are caused by loose clothing getting entangled in the wheels. These incidents often lead to severe injuries. While awareness campaigns aim at mitigating such risks, their impact remains limited. Given that motorcycles have been in existence for over a century, it is perplexing that manufacturers have not yet prioritised a built-in, comprehensive wheel guard system. A design that fully encloses the wheels and chain could significantly reduce such accidents, making motorcycles safer.

Dr Mubashir Hussain Shaikh
Hyderabad

HOSTEL CHARGES: For the last few years, private hostels have been raising their charges unabashedly. Unfortunately, this consecutive increase is a serious issue for students who belong to middle-class families and often get limited money from their parents. Regrettably, the government remains silent on the matter when it should be keeping a check on hostels. The authorities concerned should intervene in the matter and ensure that there is no unnecessary rise in charges.

Wasim Ahmad
Peshawar

MASSIVE INCREASE: The recent massive increase in the salaries of federal and Punjab legislators has left the poor people of the country rather astonished. Have we become rich overnight, or is there a loot sale going on? The State Bank of Pakistan has cut the profit of Behbood saving certificates that are meant to benefit the senior citizens and widows. This was done perhaps to arrange the money needed to pay the legislators’ salaries.

Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi

ZAKAT DUES: Muslims all over the world tend to pay their Zakat dues in Ramazan. However, it is important to give Zakat to those who really deserve it. People must ensure that their Zakat money is not wasted, and is paid exactly in accordance with the religious guide- lines that are clear and unambiguous.

Qasim Abbas
Mississauga, Canada

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2025