THEFT IN METRO BUS: My wife recently had her valuables stolen while commuting on the Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metro Bus. Despite reporting the theft immediately to both the Islamabad Police and the Metro Bus Authority, weeks of follow-up yielded a shocking response: the Punjab Mass Transit Authority stated that no CCTV backup existed due to ongoing maintenance. It is unacceptable for a major public transport network to operate without working surveillance backups. Blaming routine maintenance for missing footage leaves commuters unprotected and lets criminals continue with impunity. The relevant authorities should immediately investigate this failure, overhaul security measures, and restore accountability to the transit system.

Asad Awan
Islamabad

CULTURE OF DEBATEs: The decline of debate competitions in schools is worrying. In the past, most schools arranged debate competitions regularly. These events helped students improve their confidence, speaking skills and general knowledge. Nowadays, schools give importance only to examinations, and do not organise healthy competitions. As a result, students feel shy while speaking in front of people and often miss the chance to express their ideas. School authorities need to arrange debate competitions. Even one debating session a month can help students become confident and better communicators.

Hassan Lasi
Hub

WATER CRISIS: The Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) has stopped providing whatever little water it used to supply through water bowsers to the residents of Defence Housing Authority (DHA). I am holding a paid water coupon dated June 22, and despite my several visits to the CBC Ittehad Water Hydrant and complaints, no water relief has been provided till date. Now, the hydrant is totally shut and no tanker is seen there. Why is there a total collapse of the water system? Moreover, the CBC charges massive amounts from the residents every year, but fails to provide satisfactory services.

Tahir Hassan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2026