People are talking about —

—- how in Gilgit- Baltistan, where climate change has reduced snowfall and disrupted traditional water cycles, farmers are not waiting for salvation from the state but building alternatives in the form of shimmering towers of ice. Local villagers pipe water from streams, spray it into the frigid air and let gravity and winter do the rest. These conical towers melt during spring and summer, providing a lifeline to orchards and crops, transforming lives - not through megaprojects but through willpower and practical knowledge-sharing.

—- the fact that since consumers already pay energy charges and other taxes, the fixed charges on water, gas and electricity are highly unjustified and should be discontinued. People say if this is not the policy prescribed by the government, it is requested to kindly take notice of this undesirable collective punishment and direct the power authorities to target defaulters only but if it’s a government policy then it should rethink alternate ways to raise money and not impose it unfairly.

—- the strange resilience of Eid in Pakistan, which is joyful and over whelming because of extravagant spending and the deeper question, where did this tradition of high priced clothing enter the spirit of Eid? People say growing up, it meant food, laughter, bangles, henna and, above all, family - new clothes were a part of the celebration but not the main character but now they seem to dominate the narrative and despite the price and the overcrowding, people continue to spend.

—- children in jails which is not right as prisons are harsh and isolating environments and when children are exposed to such conditions, they are likely to become hardened criminals. Many of these children come from backgrounds of poverty, abuse, and lack of access to education, which makes them even more vulnerable. To support these children, the government must establish safe homes in every city as alternatives to prison and provide a nurturing environment that includes education, counselling and skill training.

—- the exciting comeback of Pakistan in the world of squash as Noor Zaman was crowned men’s champion in the U23 World Squash Championship in Karachi, when he put on a show for a full house arena. People say that it was disheartening when Pakistan lost the ‘Champions’ title after reigning for many years with players like Jehangir Khan and Qamar Zaman etc: but the new generation of players are doing really well and hopefully will keep the flag flying!

—- the crackdown on beggars and the fact there seems to be an entire mafia behind their proliferation that organises everything, as they pretend to be crippled; shake tin cans asking for money or sit in wheelchairs and claim to have a tragic background, making people feel sorry for them. People say we are also responsible, giving alms to these actors without thinking twice when we should be looking for those who are actually needy but never ask for help. — I.H.