FAVOURITISM: During the interview for the post of Assistant (BPS-16) at the Appellate Tribunal, Sindh Revenue Board, conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) on June 4, a candidate was seen confidently claiming he had submitted documents via WhatsApp and boasting of having a family link to the speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly. He accessed restricted areas and freely interacted with staff.

As was feared, his name duly appeared in the final list issued the same day.

Suchfrequentincidents raise serious doubts about transparency in the hiring process. Does the SPSC have any explanation at least in this identified case? Name withheld on request Karachi EFFECTIVE TE ACHING: Many senior faculty members, despite their academic credentials, struggle to teach undergraduate students effectively. As such, lectures are often one-way, dense and devoid of questions and discussions. In contrast, social media educators, mostly comprising senior students and recent graduates, often explain the same material with far more clarity, engagement and empathy. Unfortunately, this shows that high-level academic degrees do not make a person a good teacher.Teachingrequires a distinct skill set communication, adaptability as well as a genuine interest in the process. More inclusive teaching models and skilled communicators would serve the studentsbetterthan the so-called `highly qualified` faculty.

Pervaz Ali Hyderabad PAPER LEAK: The recent A level Cambridge examination was marred by the alleged leaking of certain question papers. This was not the first time such an incident had taken place, but the problem has escalated dangerously with time. The relevant authorities have failed to take any strong,transparent action in this regard. Their silence has added to the prevailing confusion among the students. There should be a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

SomeaFaisal Sheikhupura