ON Jan 8 the prime minister visited the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) building in Karachi. His entourage had moved to and from the PSX via I.I. Chundrigar Road.

Given that the prime minister has always been credited and rightly so with the really commendable uplifting and modernisation of infrastructure of Lahore, it is believed that his eyes would not have missed the sight of a glaring very large and deep main sewer trunk of about 10 by 10 feet that has been lying open right at the main entrance of PSX for about eight years despite repeated, massive and undoubtedly costly repairs and construction works done by the authorities.

Besides, just 20 metres ahead, another such manhole lies open on the very main road ever since its construction two years ago. Also, the prime minister must have taken notice of his driver zigzagging his vehicle to avoid the manhole covers that protrude at least six inches above surface level right in the middle of the whole length of I.I. Chundrigar Road, and are enough to overturn any vehicle and even kill motorcyclists.

God knows how many road users, especially motorcyclists and pedestrians, have suffered accidents,injuries and damages due to these death traps.

In view of the prevailing situation on such an important thoroughfare of the country`s commercial hub, it is unfathomable to think that the prime minister would have failed to observe these glaring death traps on this `Wall Street of Pakistan` that hosts so many important institutions, like head offices of major banks, the country`s central bank, office of the provincial police chief, railways, stock exchange, main offices of hundreds of private firms, and so on.

With this belief, it is hoped that the above mentioned fatal sewer trunk will be properly repaired and covered on durable and permanent basis soon.

Performance of provincial government as well as local authorities has been disappointing so far in this matter.

Raihan A.K. Lodhi Karachi