People are talking about—

—how selling unworthy, adulterated and spurious merchandise is never acceptable by any yardstick of business ethics as it is a violation of public rights and responsibility but society has become disturbingly individualistic and it is common practice to sell substandard goods. People say the human ecosystem demands that symbiotic relationships must not be parasitic nor commercialised - they must act in such a manner that it is mutually beneficial to both.

--- the fact that shopping malls and government offices use a number of air conditioners that are constantly operating while all the doors and windows are kept open since they are getting a heavily subsidised rate for their electricity. People say though the government has promised to have a uniform electricity rate and end all subsidies, they are still available to many people in Pakistan but this carelessness shows how such policies can lead to excessive waste and pilferage.

—- the report that the HEC is reportedly considering reducing the LLB programme to four years, which is a commendable idea as it currently spans five years, though ideally, it should be no more than four. People say many students are opting for external law programmes that offer a three-year LLB as they find the five year duration too lengthy, so it’s time for the HEC and the Pakistan Bar Council to seriously consider this change as it will save students a year

— the typical mindset that students taking up Faculty of Science or Intermediate in Computer Science programmes are ‘intellectuals’, while those who choose the Faculty of Arts do not have sharp minds, though many who want to but do not simply because they fear the reaction of family and friends. Many traditional parents also pressure their children because they want them to become either doctors or engineers, suppressing their children’s talents, which could help them excel in the real world.

—- the auto-rickshaws that form the backbone of public transport and how the time has come to replace these rickety, smoke-spewing three-wheelers with modern, noiseless and eco-friendly alternatives as their engines emit excessive noise and fumes, contributing to air pollution and respiratory issues. People say modernising this system will bring relief to both commuters and the environment, so the government should formulate a policy for converting them into electric vehicles which produce minimal noise, eliminate harmful emissions and provide a smoother ride.

— the fact that our large population requires a proper transportation system but unfortunately the public transport is anything but efficient, with old buses reckless drivers and rickety rickshaws or Qingqi (chingchi) with drivers justifying their high fares by blaming fuel prices; stop wherever they please, ignore traffic rules and block lanes without a second thought. If buses were modern, safe and well-maintained, many people who prefer bikes or private cars just to avoid this chaotic transport system, would willingly switch to public transport.

— civil servants are meant to be the backbone of governance, but political interference has turned many into personal aides for politicians. People say frequent transfers, appointments based on loyalty rather than merit and a culture of obedience over professionalism have weakened institutions and while many officers work with integrity, some are forced to obey unfair political demands to keep their jobs, leading to inefficiency, corruption and poor governance. – I.H.