INCOME TAX RETURNS

INCOME TAX RETURNS: We are half way through August but the Income Tax Return mechanism is still in the repair and overhaul process even though the deadline for submission is Sept 30. How will the whole country be able to submit the returns on time? The process has now become so technically complex that it requires time and effort to be completed. Nobody knows how to meet the deadline. Nasir Ali Shaikh Shahdadkot PREVENTING THALASSAEMIA: Thalassaemia is a common but completely preventable genetic disorder. A simple blood test (haemoglobin electrophoresis) costing less than Rs4,000 can reduce the prevalence of thalassemia in society. In fact, premarital thalassaemia screening is recommended for both the potential groom and bride. Thalassemia and other genetic diseases can be prevented by simply avoiding first-cousin marriages which are so common in Pakistan. According to some estimations, about 70 per cent marriages in Pakistan are among cousins, whereas in other developed countries, it is only two per cent. A serious and honest survey about cousin marriages in Pakistan is urgently needed if we want to be a healthy and strong nation. Prof Serajuddaula Syed Karachi THEFT ON TRAIN: A recent journey on Pakistan Railways' Green Line from Karachi to Lahore exposed a disturbing security concern. In the same and adjoining Lower AC Standard coaches, several passengers reported having their cellular phones stolen during the train journey. Passengers are certainly responsible for safeguarding their own valuables, but multiple theft complaints within a few connected coaches on a single journey cannot simply be dismissed as carelessness. It warrants serious scrutiny of all security arrangements and the movement of people within the coaches. Pakistan Railways must investigate all such incidents, strengthen onboard vigilance and ensure that passengers can travel in peace without the constant fear of losing their valuable belongings. Perkash Patel Karachi Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2026