THIS is apropos of the news item on 300 scrap consignments blocked at dry ports of Pakistan (Aug 13). As a concerned citizen, I acknowledge the fact that around 250 companies, importing plastic scrap, will be directly affected due to the blockage of these consignments and will also have a direct impact on employees working for these companies.

However, we also have to act responsibly and consider what we are gaining from this exercise of importing scrap. A lot has been said and reported in the media about Pakistan being made a dumping ground for developed and developing countries. We have already suffered severe loss due to the dengue virus when we irresponsibly allowed the import of scrap tyres in Pakistan.

I, as a citizen, have no qualms about the scrap business; but at what cost? Exposing the workers and the masses directly to unmentioned chemicals and unknown diseases is more lethal than target killings and bombings.

It is the responsibility of the authorities concerned to ensure that anything imported is non-lethal and in compliance with international safety laws. It is time to take tough and correct decisions or else we will endanger our lives once again at the mercy of profit makers.

SAFWAN WASI Karachi