— the fact that whenever it rains, the Islamabad Expressway and all the roads connected to it experience gridlocks for hours; rush hours create the same miserable situation, while VIP movements, security blockades and road closures further increase the suffering of commuters and it is always the common man who pays the price through wasted time, fuel expenses, stress and exhaustion. People say public cooperation is important but the state has the responsibility not only to punish traffic violations but also to ensure convenience and ease for citizens.
— how ordinary citizens are fleeced by officials in all government offices as those approaching these various offices for the issuance of sale certificates, registration of properties or other lawful revenue related matters are often coerced into paying illegal gratification. People say if they refuse, their legitimate work is deliberately delayed or denied on one pretext or the other and this malpractice has become so deeply entrenched that bribery is now treated as an unwritten prerequisite for accessing basic legal services.
— how Pakistani firms have the talent and potential to succeed internationally but face an uphill task because the challenges are not only internal, they are deeply rooted in the country’s macroeconomic environment. People say the taxation system is heavily dependent on import duties, with customs taxes accounting for half of the tax revenue and this inadvertently punishes exporters by inflating the costs of imported raw materials, so a business already operating on thin margins, finds these added expenses crippling.
— the fact that our sports sector continues to rely on individual talent rather than institutional strength and despite abundant potential, inconsistent governance and weak grassroots development continue to hinder success. People say sporting success is built on transparent and effective management, athlete welfare and long term planning but frequent administrative changes and political interference disrupt continuity; sports require professional management, accountability and investment in academies and should be viewed as a development tool that promotes health, discipline and social cohesion.
— people say it is unfair that the elite are given the opportunity to live and buy more luxury homes in the name of ‘investment’ and ‘development’ but the government does not cater for the majority of its citizens who are the backbone of the country.
— the fact that in parts of Pakistan, children are forced into marriage before they are emotionally or physically ready, destroying their education, health and future. Instead of enjoying their childhood and pursuing their dreams as they are burdened with responsibilities at a young age. Early marriage can cause serious health problems and affect mental wellbeing; many girls face abuse, while boys suffer as well, as they are often forced to take on responsibilities before they are emotionally or financially ready.
— the ‘sculptures’ of birds and animals which are being put up in Islamabad and what an eyesore they are for those with any aesthetic sense and a real waste of money which could be put to better use. — I.H.
