"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill

Ajrak Number Plates: A Symbolic Move or an Added Burden?
Karachi – a city grappling with crumbling infrastructure, chronic water shortages, a dysfunctional traffic system, and a relentless rise in inflation – now faces yet another challenge: the mandatory implementation of Ajrak-themed vehicle number plates.

What appears on the surface to be a cultural tribute has, in reality, added a new layer of financial and logistical strain – particularly on the city’s working and middle classes. Citizens are now required to replace their standard number plates with a redesigned version featuring Sindh’s traditional Ajrak motif. The cost of this new plate stands at Rs. 2,500, a steep price for those already struggling to make ends meet. For motorcycle owners, many of whom belong to low-income brackets, this cost – along with the time-consuming and frustrating process of obtaining the plate – has become another burden in an already unforgiving economic climate.

Adding to the confusion are widespread reports suggesting that vehicles without the new plates will face heavy fines, regardless of whether they are parked or in motion. This has sparked widespread concern and frustration, especially since the government itself originally issued the existing number plates. One must ask: Is this the right time for such a cosmetic policy?

At a time when Karachi’s roads are riddled with potholes, when tanker mafias monopolize water distribution, when traffic signals are routinely ignored due to lack of enforcement, and when traffic officers are often seen clustered in groups rather than managing intersections – is redesigning number plates a priority?

The focus of traffic regulation should be on genuine public safety concerns: verifying vehicle documentation, ensuring drivers possess valid licenses, and deploying traffic personnel effectively to reduce accidents and lawlessness on the roads. Instead, the government appears to be fixated on a superficial change that does little to address Karachi’s pressing urban challenges.

Cultural pride in symbols like Ajrak is valid and appreciated. But when cultural identity becomes a mandatory expense enforced through penalties, it crosses the line from celebration to compulsion. Policies must consider the economic reality of the people they affect.

We strongly urge the Sindh government to reconsider this decision. In times of economic hardship, citizens deserve relief, not additional costs. Public policy should be rooted in need, not novelty – and right now, Karachi needs roads, water, and safety far more than redesigned license plates.
Muhammad Bilal,
Karachi.

Impact of Israel-Iran Conflict on Petroleum Prices
The ongoing tensions and potential conflict between Israel and Iran have a significant impact on global petroleum prices. Both nations play strategic roles in the Middle East, a region that holds a major share of the world’s oil reserves. While Iran is a key oil-producing country, Israel’s military actions and regional influence can disrupt trade routes and escalate geopolitical instability.

Whenever tensions rise, markets react quickly due to fears of supply disruption. Iran controls access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which nearly 20% of global oil passes. Any military confrontation that threatens this route causes immediate spikes in oil prices due to fears of restricted supply. Even without direct blockades, increased uncertainty encourages speculators and oil traders to raise prices as a precaution.

Higher petroleum prices affect global economies, especially oil-importing countries like Pakistan. Increased fuel costs lead to inflation, higher transportation expenses, and greater economic pressure on developing nations. In short, the Israel-Iran conflict doesn't just impact their region – it sends shockwaves throughout global energy markets.

Therefore, maintaining stability in the Middle East is crucial not only for peace but also for the economic well-being of nations dependent on petroleum imports.
Naila,
Quetta.