THE enclosures housing the automated teller machines (ATMs) of banks have become safe havens for drug addicts who have converted them into sleeping spaces, especially at night. Their presence, however, is a nuisance for the public.

Sometimes, the addicts` sleeping posture is quite vulgar and obscene, and presents odious scenes. Such unsightliness embarrasses women using the ATMs. Women have been seen to skip using the ATMs where and when such nuisance is present around.

What is more pathetic is the reckless attitude of the banks` managements and the guards on the spot. Every movement is recorded in the CCTVs that are installed in every ATM booth. The night-shift guards are eyewitnesses, but become complicit in this practice. The addicts are awoken and shooed away only at the opening time of the banks.

Local administration and police are also culpable in overlooking this nuisance.

Rehabilitation centres must be set up or made functional to provide shelter, counselling and medical care to the drug addicts. Is this not more urgent than providing air ambulance to a few? M. Nadeem Nadir Kasur