BOOK PRICES: As a student preparing for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), I visited a bookstore recently to purchase the necessary study material. However, the prices of the relevant books were shocking, with just one book costing as much as Rs3,200. Such prices are demotivating, to say the least. The relevant authorities should regulate book prices to ensure affordabilityfor students.

This would enable students to focus on their studies without financial stress.

Shahid Mustafa Khuzdar HOSPITALINBOSTAN:Despitebeing a significantly populated area, the city of Bostan in Pishin district does not have even a single basic healthcare facility. Due to the absence of timely medical attention, several critically ill patients have lost their lives while being taken to Quetta. The issue is a cause of immense hardship for the local population, especially for those who cannot afford private treatment or travel to Quetta. The provincial government should immediately set up a well-equipped hospital in Bostan.

Atig Khan Bazai Pishin SAFE DRINKING WATER: Hyderabad, the second largest city of Sindh, continues to have areas that remain deprived even today of safe drinking water. Parts of Qasimabad, for instance, have no water pipelines,forcing the residents tofetch water from other areas. The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) must get rid of its lethargy, and address this basic issue.

Waqar Ahmed Nizamani Hyderabad NEWS WITHOUT MUSIC: Almost all television news channels in Pakistan play loud and unnecessary music during their news bulletins, which makes it difficult to focus on the actual news.

This is especially frustrating when serious stories like floods, bombings or deaths are aired with dramatic background music. The local channels need to follow the calm and respectful style of international news networks.

Shireen Azfar Karachi