People are talking about

— the fact that teachers, bound by institutional policies, are unable to enforce strict discipline even through simple positive punishment techniques. Even more concerning is the growing trend of holding teachers accountable for misconduct by the students, regardless of circumstances and whether it happened during the teacher’s presence or not, undermining the educator’s position, treating teachers as ‘slaves’ serving the ‘valued clients’. It is very unfair to expect unwavering commitment from teachers without providing the respect and support they need in return.

— the lavish expenditure on weddings whether they are of the ultra-rich, flaunting their wealth at the expense of modesty and dignity, or those of lesser standing who get into debt rather than ‘lose face’ in front of so called ‘friends.’ People say it’s a sad transition from days when life in the subcontinent was characterized by simplicity and empathy and ostentatious displays of wealth were rare, as even the affluent conducted themselves with dignity, mindful not to demean the less fortunate.

— the schedules of winter and summer vacations for students in different parts of the country. Winter vacations often end before the extreme weather arrives and the same holds true for summer vacations. People say provincial governments should delegate the authority to announce these vacations to district administrations so that considering the severity of the season, they could set vacation schedules that provide maximum relief to students, ensuring their safety at home during adverse weather conditions.

— how, while the outer atmospheric pollution affects our physical performance and anatomy, the “pollution of thought” within us weakens the soul; causes mental stagnation and tarnishes the social fabric. People say the smog of greed and ego within us is far more toxic than the smog outside and according to estimates, air pollution reduces life expectancy in Pakistan by four to five years - but what about the pollution in our characters, which makes every remaining minute of life less meaningful?

— the acute water crisis, with per capita water availability declining as rivers are drying up due to overuse, population growth and climate change. Agriculture, consuming over 90 % of freshwater, relies on inefficient irrigation systems, leading to wastage, while untreated wastewater from urban centres and industries pollutes water resources. Water recycling offers a solution to this crisis, so it is crucial for the government to invest in modern wastewater treatment facilities and enforce regulations mandating recycling, especially in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

— the tax “problem’ and how taxes are added in different amounts in all utility bills paid by consumers so that the government can achieve its ‘targets.’ The highest are charged on electricity bills including ‘income tax,’ which even those living in rented premises have to pay even though they are regular filers because the meter is in the landlord’s name, while houses which do not get water through a regular supply and have tube wells, have to pay tax for underground water!

— the concern by relevant authorities about the rise in solar energy adoption - a direct response to rising electricity costs - as both the government and IMF have failed to understand the very basics of supply and demand, particularly how an increase in prices reduces demand. People say this shift is not a matter of choice, by investing in solar panels, families and businesses are trying to take back control of their energy expenses, achieve energy independence and protect themselves from price hikes. —