— the heartbreaking state of Karachi’s beaches, which used to a place where families enjoyed picnics and children built sandcastles but are now littered broken glass; industrial waste and plastic, which does not just look ugly but also chokes marine life and takes centuries to decompose People say social activists organise clean-up drives but how long can a handful of people keep up when the problem keeps growing, as a proper system is needed to stop this mess from happening in the first place.
— the fact that the government has not completely eliminated, or planned to eliminate, some avenues of corruption and it has been confirmed that high denomination notes like the Rs5,000 one, have allowed corrupt individuals to receive bribes, while also allowing easy the storage of untaxed money. People say cash bonds are also pose similar problems, therefore the government should announce the final cut off dates for prize bonds and Rs5,000 bank notes to end corruption and bring unaccounted cash into the tax net.
— the importance of recreational spaces which are essential for providing a peaceful environment where individuals can unwind and connect with nature and the fact that most of our smaller cities lack these essential areas. Parks, playgrounds and community centres are vital for the mental and physical wellbeing of citizens, particularly the elderly and children, who need a safe and healthy environment to grow in, while the absence of areas for social gatherings and community interactions can contribute to loneliness
— how sad it is that Karachi, which was known as ‘a city where the past and present coexist’ and that much of this rich architectural and cultural heritage is slowly fading away. Many historic buildings that once shaped Karachi’s unique identity are being demolished to make room for new developments and this loss is more than just about old structures; it is about losing a part of the city’s soul - its history, culture and the memories of generations who lived here.
— how the increasing number of beggars has become a cause for concern as it has become a profession, with organised networks and dedicated locations. Even more alarming is the induction of little children who are being forced to beg instead of going to school and playing. People say exploiting for the sake of generating income not only ruins their future but it inadvertently damages the future of our country, so a swift solution to the problem is the need of the hour.
— the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, experts say it is imperative to recognise that plastic pollution is not merely an environmental issue; it is an economic, social, and political challenge that demands urgent, comprehensive solutions. Pakistan must take this opportunity to rethink its plastic problem from a fresh perspective. Rather than chasing reactive bans and short-lived policies, we need a long-term vision — one that embraces innovation, incentivizes responsible behaviour, and fosters a culture where sustainability is second nature.
— the announcement of a new motorway connecting Lahore, Sahiwal and Bahawalnagar, funded by the federal government which is a welcome development but it is crucial to prioritise the completion of existing projects that have been left incomplete before beginning new ones because they were initiated by a previous set-up. People say this kind of behaviour by the federal government gives the impression the one province is more favoured than another and that is not a good thing. — I.H.