NOISE POLLUTION: Generally, when people talk about pollution, they refer to air and water pollution. Indeed, they are the major categories, but noise pollutionis often neglected even though it ruins the peaceful environment that oneneedstocarry outarange of essential activities. As such, houses close to main roads are more affected by noise pollution as vehicles playing loud music whizz past them, disrupting the peace of mind. All of us need to work actively to focus on the problem and to somehow manage it effectively.

Agha Abdul Basit Pathan Khairpur Mirs INTEREST RATE: This is with reference to the report `Pressure mounts on SBP for rate cut` (May 5). The real interest rates have been artificially kept low in Pakistan over the years despite mega-inflation. In real terms, it hovered around 40 per cent. Is it not a fact that the practicefailed tobolster the economy, and, in fact, was primarily responsible for landing the country in the present economic meltdown, forcing the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to take corrective measures? Additionally, a higher interest rate is a toolto encourage andincrease savings, sustain the worth of national currency, control inflation and stabilise the economy by giving fair treatment to all segments of society. Hence, there is a need to keep the interest rate unchanged.

S. Israr Ali Karachi COLLEGE PRINCIPALS: The College Education Department working under the Sindh government issued a notification earlier this year outlining the administrative roles and responsibilities of college principals. In the past, seniority was a key factor in the appointment of college principals, but things have taken a turn for the better over the last two years. As things stand, the government seems to have fulfilled its responsibility, and it is now up to the principals to run their respective colleges effectively, and improve the academic atmosphere across the colleges.

D r. Z afar Farooqui Karachi