People are talking about —

— the interior minister’s request to relevant authorities to devise a plan to cope with traffic jams and how it is a step in the right direction as traffic control was needed and long overdue. But, people say, no matter what steps are put in place unless drivers are trained to observe traffic rules and the rich and powerful are not stopped from breaking them, nothing will change so priority should also be given to this aspect of the situation.

— the order by the CM of Sindh that shops and wedding halls will close at specific times by month’s end and how difficult it is going to be to implement this decision as those affected are protesting. People say unless the CM is adamant and can enforce the law he may have to rethink his decision as the culture of late shopping is ingrained in the public, which has no other form of entertainment except cinema, to pass the time.

— the fact that those in authority in the government are prone to kneejerk reactions and take steps which they later have to rescind after affected persons launch a protest or there is a negative reaction to their orders. People say if action has to be taken against an individual or group, investigations and enquiries should be conducted beforehand and then steps should be taken to ‘punish’ the offenders rather than making it appear they have succumbed to pressure tactics.

— the fact that some persons who work in large hospitals have ganged up to operate a trade that deals in the supply of newborn infants to childless parents by stealing them from the maternity wards. People are horrified and question the security setup as well as the procedure by which attendants are hired, something which should be more incisive so that the safety of infants is ensured and such incidents do not deter women from coming to the hospital.

— the battle of accusatory words between Pakistan’s ace cricketers – one retired and one still playing – and how it has brought to light the unsportsmanlike behaviour that prevails in our sports set up. People say while bickering and mudslinging are now expected from political figures, those who are involved in the field of sports should set an example by not indulging in demeaning conduct so that their thousands of fans can look up to them with respect.

— the increasing number of incidents that see travellers being robbed on the National Highway and how the authorities need to do something about it. People say because the highway is being repaired traffic is slower than usual, giving criminals a chance to carry out their nefarious activities and there are not enough security people to keep them at bay so the work on the highway should be expedited so that citizens do not have to suffer while travelling.

— the tragic death of the country’s ace female football exponent and what a big loss it is not only for her proud family but the sporting world as well, the fact that she was only twenty years old and had her life ahead of her making it even more heartbreaking. People say there should be a trust set up in her name to encourage other young girls to excel in sports, especially those which are considered ‘for males only’ in this country. — I.H.

Article source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/157491-People-are-talking-about