To fight crime with violence polarises the two sides, and one creates a war. It is the wrong approach. While some of those measures may be needed, the emphasis should be on the positive side.

When I was teaching school, there was virtually no instruction given students on the dangers and consequences of crime and drug use. Schools should have required courses that give clear evidence of the physical and psychological harm to users of those things, and the devastation it can cause to families and others.

The young also need to hear the advantages of a wholesome life. The main thing young people lack these days is a sense of purpose. As President Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Students should be shown what suffering and need there is in the world and what they can do to help.

Give them a purpose to help suffering people and serve their community. The common humanity that dwells in everyone would prompt them to respond and lead them away from the sordid aspects of human existence.

BUSHRA MEHBOOB,

Karachi, May 1.