People are talking about —

— the plan to erect the tallest building in Islamabad but people say that along with these projects that will benefit the well to do, projects to provide housing for the lower income group should be prioritized. Because there is a shortage of housing for them, landlords charge exorbitant amounts for one or two small rooms - sometimes with common toilets for both men and women; common gas and electricity meters; no running water etc., which adds to their misery!

— the sad news that mango, the ‘King of Fruit’ and pride of Sindh’s agriculture, is under serious threat this season. Because of climate changes, shortage of irrigation water and a recent powerful thunderstorm that has caused major damage to mango orchards. To protect this heritage, the following steps are urgently needed: adopting climate smart farming practices; promoting drip irrigation and water-saving techniques; planting windbreak trees to reduce storm impact; introducing climate resilient varieties and providing support and compensation to affected farmers.

— the horrific fuel tanker explosion in Noshki, Balochistan that has again exposed the alarming state of our emergency response system and healthcare infrastructure. Dozens lost their lives due to a late response and lack of medical care; the absence of burn units, trained staff meant that most of the victims had to be shifted to Quetta and Karachi. People say emergency teams must be trained; properly equipped and burn centers and mobile health units must be established in all remote districts.

— the decline in the operational efficiency and customer service standards of banks and other public service organizations which were excellent at one time but have gradually become shoddy. People say it is imperative that they, especially banks, take immediate corrective measures, ensuring better staff management, adherence to regulatory guidelines and a commitment to providing a seamless, hassle free experience to those who are dealing with them, especially senior citizens; the handicapped and women.

— the fact that in any civilised society, taxpayers are respected and facilitated for being the backbone of the nation’s economy but unfortunately in our system, the very individuals who contribute to the national treasury are treated with disdain. Senior citizens and women are made to stand in queues for hours, then sent away with excuses or unofficial demands while agents and middlemen receive preferential treatment. This reflects not only institutional failure but also a dangerous disrespect for the law and public trust.

— the increasing number of abandoned pet animals on the streets that are now struggling to survive in an environment they are not adapted to, often lacking the survival instincts needed to find food and shelter on their own. People say in situations where pet owners genuinely find themselves unable to care for pets, every effort should be made to surrender these animals to reputable animal shelters that are better equipped to provide the necessary care and can find them new, loving homes.

— how it has been a couple of decades since the federal government announced that senior citizens would be treated on a priority basis in all public places where various services are provided, with special windows and booths reserved for them and people with disabilities. However this has not materialized. Our society has stooped so low that it has started giving new meanings to the notions of ‘good values’, ‘acceptable manners’ and ‘respect for the elderly’. — I.H.