People are talking about —

— the fact that the country’s coal mines, a mix of registered and numerous unregulated pits, operate under conditions that can only be termed as death traps because not only are the miners bereft of even basic protective gear such as masks and even shoes, they face many hazards, from methane blasts to cave-ins, not to mention the long-term effects on their lungs and eyes. Collusion between the mine owners, contractors and inspectors, ensures the continuation of these deplorable conditions.

— the H2O or ‘Help 2 Others’ wheel, a water-carrying device that removes the burden from women’s shoulders, invented by a Pakistani NGO, motivated by a female behavioural science graduate, so that the women who travel long distances to fetch water do not suffer from backaches; bent backs and sheer exhaustion. The wheel allows water to be carried inside a wheel, shaped like a gallon drum, with a firm handle for control over tough and rocky terrain and a sealable opening.

— how Krishna Kumari's lifelong struggles, determination and advocacy made her the first Hindu Dalit woman elected to the Senate in 2018; her inspiring story of how she managed to achieve this success despite all odds and the fact that she is now retiring. People say since many ‘old faces’ are seen in the Upper House again and again, why was she not nominated again by her party so that she can carry on the good work of inspiring other women.

— the list of nominees of presidential civil awards which are bestowed upon people from various professions who show excellence in their respective fields, which was released by the government on August 14, 2023 (Independence Day) and the accolades conferred on March 23, 2024 (Pakistan Day). People say it is sad to note that the name of director Sarmad Khosat was removed from the list, maybe because of his so called ‘controversial’ films which have won many laurels for the country.

— the generosity of those who feed the less privileged during the month of Ramazan as part of their charitable contribution to society but leave people to wonder why this is done along roadsides and medians, causing traffic jams and delaying many commuters from reaching home in time to open their fast. It would be better if these iftaris were arranged in open grounds or other designated places so that inconvenience is not caused and upsets others who are fasting.

— the report that one million saplings will be planted in Rawalpindi in ‘Spring’ and the planting will go on till June which seems like an exercise in futility as it is far too hot after March for young saplings to thrive, especially since there is not enough water in the area. People say it would have been a more feasible option if most of these saplings were distributed free to those who are interested and they would ensure that they survived.

— the report that twelve persons were killed and many others injured in two separate gas cylinder explosions that happened recently. People say the onset of Ramazan has arguably increased the risk of deadly blasts as unreliable gas supply around Sehri and Iftar times often pushes even more households to opt for cylinders, so a nationwide campaign regarding cylinder safety should be launched about the potential risks of using pressurised gas, while the unregulated cylinder refilling industry needs to be controlled. — I.H.