This is related to last month’s cover story on ‘The Quota Controversy’ that is deeply embedded in our system. It has been a norm that a Sindhi will prefer Sindhi, a Punjabi will give benefit to a Punjabi and so on, no matter how much they are educated or even otherwise. We talk about nepotism in the Indian film industry but we fail to see what is happening in our system. Today, educated youth are being deprived of their right to a worthy job based on merit and they end up making bad decisions for their future and taking up jobs they are least interested in. Hence, it is time to break the walls of the quota system to ensure a better future for them.

Taha Muneer,
Karachi, Pakistan.

This is regarding the Special Editorial Feature on the Pakistan power sector titled ‘Independent Power Producers: Light at the end of the Tunnel!’. The special feature contains informative and interesting articles discussing the challenges and a way forward for the power sector. Though the government has time and again accused the IPPs of fleecing the nation by minting billions in profits, the IPPs have denied this. The feature also highlights how the IPPs can take a different route to ensure a sustainable future for the power sector in Pakistan.

Jessica Fred,
Dubai, UAE.

The start of the BRT in Peshawar is a welcome sign. However, at the same time, it should be ensured that it is used judicially and with care. We need to have a dedicated task force for the BRT to ensure its smooth functioning and for securing the national asset from damages and hooliganism as observed immediately after its launch.

Law enforcement agencies should come down with a heavy hand on trouble-makers. With the BRT on the road, the old buses, wagons and rickshaws should gradually fizzle out, at least from the BRT routes to resolve the outstanding traffic issues of the city.

Col (r) Faqir Tariq Masood,
Peshawar, Pakistan.

Books are a main source of knowledge and inspiration. They provide us with authentic information. A person who is fond of reading books is always considered a man of knowledge. But, unfortunately, in today’s busy world, people are no more interested in doing so and prefer to read on mobiles, laptops and tablets. Recently, an initiative of street libraries was introduced in Hyderabad in Pakistan to enhance the habit of reading among people. There should be more book reading initiatives to get in touch with worldly affairs. It is said that the more you read; the more are the chances of success in life.

Pendleton Jones,
UK, Europe.

This is with reference to the article ‘Chitta is not the Colour’ by Zara Maqbool regarding the ‘gora rang’ which is considered superior over other skin colours. In our society, a girl is considered to be beautiful if she has a fair complexion. The kind of rishtas she will get heavily depend on the skin colour she has, for she must be a ‘gori chitti’ if she wishes to marry a highly respectable and educated guy, no matter what complexion he has. Further, the skincare advertising campaigns leave no stone unturned in joining the bandwagon. This is the reason why everyone is so obsessed with outer looks rather than the inner traits. Yes, it is important to present your best but colour is not all that matters.

Adeela Kamil,
Karachi, Pakistan.