: This is with reference to the editorial ‘A welcome reform’ (Oct 9). Setting up a new depar-tment for price control and commodities management is an appreciable step by the Punjab government. However, one would like to know how this new depar-tment is going to be different from its predecessor. In reality, the initiative can only succeed if stern and ruthless action is taken against hoarders, owners of sugar and flour mills, and politically-aligned traders and distributers of commodities. I wonder how the government will muster up the courage to bell this cat. It is high time for the government to focus on long-term and effective projects that are based on solid foundations rather than indulging in short-term gimmicks. The tragic and unfortunate kidnapping and killing of mango orchard contractor Hassan Nasir Nizamani has sent shockwaves across Sindh. As the matter unfolded, his parents were ready to pay the ransom for his recovery, but the police asked them to wait. In the subsequent operation, police from only four of the 27 districts took part. The operation failed terribly. Undoubtedly, the botched operation was a shame and so was the five-minute press conference held by senior police officials who blamed the driver for the failure. Why is the police force denying its failure? The answer is not a secret. : The hostels of the University of Punjab have become an abode for those who have already grad- uated, but have remained affiliated with different ethnic councils. These people, as such, provoke the fresh entrants against other councils, and this often leads to clashes, leaving many injured badly. The freshers seeking hostel accommodation are unable to secure allotments because the rooms are already illegally occupied by the council-backed former students. The relevant authorities must take due action in all such cases.