Pakistan’s poultry sector is facing increasing production losses due to heat, humidity, ammonia gas and dust in broiler sheds. A recent survey of ten small farms near Lahore conducted by a PhD scholar found that 80% of broiler birds were experiencing severe oxidative stress. This stress causes genotoxicity and cytotoxicity at the cellular level, leading to poor growth, delayed maturity, impaired reproduction, and higher mortality rates. Until now, most poultry shed owners have relied on costly imported synthetic antioxidant vitamin mixtures to address this problem.

This study offers a low-cost local alternative by developing a Herbal Meal (an antioxidant supplement) from the wild herb Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as Kulfa. Laboratory analysis using UV-Vis spectroscopy and HPLC confirmed that Kulfa is rich in natural antioxidants, including Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as glutathione. An overnight soaking, followed by drying and grinding the herb into a powder, detoxifies its anti-nutritional factors, making it safer for use.

The Herbal Meal was evaluated in a 42-day in vivo trial on broilers suffering from mitochondrial oxidative stress. Birds fed a standard diet supplemented with imported antioxidant vitamin mixtures showed the expected improvement. However, birds supplemented with 5% Kulfa Herbal Meal demonstrated the greatest recovery from cytotoxic and genotoxic damage. The 1% supplementation level was less effective, while the 7% level provided no additional benefit over the 5% dose. The study concluded that a 5% inclusion of Kulfa Herbal Meal can reliably replace expensive imported antioxidants.

The benefits for poultry shed owners are significant. First, it reduces feed costs and dependence on imported supplements, thereby saving valuable foreign exchange. Second, it supports the production of clean-label poultry by eliminating synthetic residues in meat. Third, it transforms a common local weed into a value-added feed ingredient.

However, an important caution must be observed for on-farm use: raw Kulfa should not be fed directly to poultry. Without proper soaking, processing, and correct dosing, its anti-nutritional factors may reduce its effectiveness. Farmers should source processed Kulfa Herbal Meal from UVAS IBBT or a certified feed mill and use it only at the recommended 5% inclusion level. When processed correctly, Kulfa is not merely a weed but Pakistan’s own natural solution for combating oxidative stress in poultry.

SULTAN MAHMOOD AND DR. RAHAT NASEER,

Lahore.

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities and the public to the alarming rise in climate change and environmental pollution in our cities. Rapid urbanisation, deforestation and the increasing use of private vehicles have greatly contributed to air and noise pollution, leading to serious health and environmental problems.

Karachi, Lahore and other major cities experience record levels of smog each winter. This not only causes respiratory illnesses but also reduces visibility and disrupts daily life. Unfortunately, public awareness remains low, and government action is often limited to short-term measures rather than long-term planning.

It is high time that both the authorities and the public acted responsibly. The strict enforcement of emission control laws, the promotion of public transport, tree-planting campaigns and recycling initiatives should be prioritised. Schools and the media can also play a vital role in educating people about the importance of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.

I sincerely hope this letter will highlight the urgency of the issue and encourage the concerned authorities to take meaningful action before the situation becomes irreversible.

GHULAM NABI,

Sukkur.

The recent acid attack on Dr Mehnoor Nasir has deeply shocked and saddened the public. In Pakistan, countless students, particularly young women, aspire to become doctors. They devote years of hard work and sacrifice to achieve this goal, while their families invest significant financial and emotional resources in supporting their education.

After completing her MBBS, Dr Mehnoor Nasir pursued postgraduate studies to further her career and serve the medical profession. Tragically, while working at a hospital in Quetta, she became the victim of a brutal acid attack allegedly carried out by a lift operator. This heinous act not only inflicted severe injuries on the victim but also sent shockwaves through society.

The courage of the hospital staff member who tried to rescue Dr Mehnoor also deserves recognition. He sustained burn injuries during the incident and required medical treatment himself.

Following the attack, Dr Mehnoor was airlifted to a private hospital in Karachi for specialised treatment. Reports indicate that financial assistance was arranged to facilitate her care. While every effort should be made to save lives, this incident also highlights the difficulties faced by less privileged patients who lack access to similar medical facilities and financial support.

Although the alleged attacker has been arrested and the case has received widespread media attention, a thorough and transparent investigation is essential. Mobile phone records, CCTV footage, digital evidence and other relevant material should be examined to determine whether anyone else aided, abetted or facilitated the crime. Any accomplice found guilty must be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

A matter of grave concern is the easy availability of acid without adequate regulatory controls. The sale, purchase, storage and distribution of corrosive substances should be subject to a strict licensing and monitoring system. Acid should be sold only to authorised individuals after proper verification of identity and a legitimate purpose. Detailed records of purchasers should be maintained, and severe penalties imposed for illegal sale or misuse.

The increasing number of acid attacks highlights the urgent need for stronger legislation and stricter enforcement. The government must take immediate steps to regulate the sale of corrosive substances, strengthen law enforcement and ensure exemplary punishment for offenders to deter such barbaric crimes and protect the lives and dignity of citizens.

Protecting human life and dignity is a constitutional obligation of the State, and every possible measure must be taken to eradicate this menace from society.

ADVOCATE RIAZ ALI PANHWAR,

Hyderabad.