POLIO CRISIS: Efforts to eradicate polio from Pakistan need to increase as 14 environmental samples from Karachi, Peshawar and Hyderabad have tested positive recently. Experts believe that 30 per cent of the children do not actually receive full immunisation due to lack of awareness and government inattention. Polio affects children under five years of age. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food. Polio virus attacks the human nervous system and causes paralysis. It can be prevented by administering polio drops and by maintaining good hygiene. A government-led mass awareness campaign and vaccinationfor every child are critical for eliminating the polio virus.

Muhammad Amin Kech MOCK EXERCISE: Every election in the country comes with its own peculiarities. Hence, the polling staff requires proper professionaltraining.

Unfortunately, their training is limited to the counting of ballot papers. The polling material should be distributed through the union councils (UCs).

Additional counters may also be set up forresult collection atthe end ofthe polling day. In previous elections, the polling staff was directed to reach early to collect the material, and they were then transported to various polling stations in vehicles meant to transport animals. All such issues can be, and should be, resolved through proper planning and mock exercises.

Abdullah Khuhro Gambat BANK HOLIDAYS: Every year, banks remain closed on Jan 1, July 1 and on the first day of Ramazan. In today`s age of technological advancement, it is not required to declare holidaysforthe calculation of mark-ups and Zakat. This year, Jan 1 had fallen on a Monday, which meant the banks remained closed for three consecutive days from Saturday to Monday and that really caused alot ofinconvenience to the customers. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) should urgently look into the matter.

K.M. Shafi Karachi