Reckless drivers
I think the decision to impound vehicles of reckless motorists who endanger other's lives is great ("Dangerous drivers in Dubai risk losing cars", Gulf News, September 2)! Several stories and letters have been published on the subject, but it is good to see some initiative that will discourage people from driving badly. Now, everyone will be more careful as they wouldn't want to loose their vehicle. Reaching your destination on time is not more important than your life and the lives of other motorists. But, many people did not seem to care so far. I am sure the thought of their car being impounded will deter them from rash driving — or at least I hope so.
From Ms Rabia K., Sharjah
A long wait
This letter is to highlight the non-cooperation of some of the call centre agents. Most of the time the agent puts the caller on hold and often the waiting time is a minimum of 10 minutes — whether they are banks, telecommunication or utility companies. Most of the time there is a lot of initial filtering, like language and type of query. We all wish that someone would just answer the call, but they put you on hold for a long time and push us to the periphery of our patience and we end the call without getting any positive response. This is irrespective of the time of call, whether it is day, night or even on a holiday. Even if you call after 11pm, they put you on hold saying, “Your call is important to us”. If this is the response many of the international and world class companies are offering, we feel dejected.
From Ms Sami, UAE ( Full name withheld by request)
No support from allies
I commend the decision of the Pakistan military delegation to return home after being subjected to unreasonable security checks (“Pakistan army cancels US trip amid search dispute”, Gulf News, September 2). As far as Pakistanis go, the US authorities seem to treat them as guilty until proven innocent, even though the Pakistan authorities have at times gone beyond the call of duty to support America’s war against terror. Pakistan is a sovereign country and if its nationals are treated like criminals by an ally nation we should be allowed to respond as one. Pakistan should be given its due place with pride in the League of Nations.
From Mr I. Malek, Dubai
Strict check
The attitude of the US against the delegation shows their lack of trust in their allies. The reaction from the Pakistan military authorities was realistic. The US has been spying on the world for a long time and it is about time that countries put the US citizens to strict checks at the airports, including their diplomats.
From Mr Haider, Dubai
Proper protocol
I find this is extremely unacceptable and it is hard to understand the fact that the world’s most organised country can behave in such a way. The diplomats were visiting on invitation and surprisingly there was no proper protocol. The airport officials should have been informed about this beforehand and it should be taken into account that they are diplomats and army officers. How would the US react if their diplomats are subjected to such harassment and profiling?
From Mr Mohammad Patel, Dubai
No evident change
The Pakistan army officials took the right step. If the US wants the Pakistan army to help them against the war on terror then they should trust them. Thousands of Pakistani soldiers and innocent people have lost their lives because of the war on terror. These useless wars are the matters of the US. The US President Barack Obama has brought no change in this world. I cannot believe he received a Nobel peace prize. Even in the Middle East, there are only talks going on and no concrete steps have been taken.
From Mr Asif Mohammad Qasim, Abu Dhabi
Prices keep going up
I think Sharjah taxi bookings being ‘a call away’ is of no use as the taxi fare is way too high (“Reserving a taxi in Sharjah will soon be a call away”, Gulf News, September 4). In the past, people used to travel by taxis to other emirates at the same cost, but now the fare starts at Dh20 if you want to go to Dubai. Public transportation’s sole purpose is to help the public – not increase their expenses. Also, the taxi drivers purposely take the longer route to charge higher prices. Nowadays, we see that many taxi drivers do not even care for their passengers. The notice on all taxis say that the ride is free if the meter is not operational, but the taxi drivers say that they know the prices and ask for the fare. These incidents keep occurring and now by adding this phone service I am sure the fares will increase and people will soon abandon public transportation.
From Mr Suvank Rout, Sharjah
