Vox pop

With reference to the editorial Where there's nobody home (Our Take, January 14), Pakistan, after 63 years of independence, is still caught up in the one-upmanship between its military and political class, instead of thinking about the welfare of the nation.

Pakistan suffers as its civilian and military leaders battle it out
With reference to the editorial Where there's nobody home (Our Take, January 14), Pakistan, after 63 years of independence, is still caught up in the one-upmanship between its military and political class, instead of thinking about the welfare of the nation. The state of affairs highlights the weak constitutional framework in Pakistan and the inability of civilian institutions to serve their people. By introducing strong legislation, the Pakistan army and ISI must be brought under the strict supervision of Parliament.
Vishesh Kumar, via email

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The present scenario in Pakistan is rather serious. Maybe it is time for India and other neighbouring countries to intervene and help defuse the crisis before it turns ugly.
Rajan Kalia, via email

With votes on their mind
This refers to the report Cong makes 360-degree turn on quota for Muslims (January 15). The recent fiasco over quota for minorities shows that political parties are only interested in securing votebanks and will not baulk at introducing measures that are divisive in nature. As a shortcut to attaining power and forming government, these strategies might work but they might inflict long-term damage on communally sensitive states like UP.
Sumeet Mahendra, Delhi

Holding one's breath for cleaner air
Bharati Chaturvedi's article Every breath you take (January 12) should serve as an eye-opener for those in authority. Air pollution has reached the levels of an environmental disaster. Unfortunately, children remain the most vulnerable to the effects of deadly vehicular exhaust.
Mudita Sodder, Patna