Sir: It is surprising to note that within one year more than 50 children were left by their parents at the Child Protection Bureau in Lahore. Such acts of barbarism are not a new phenomenon. Children are deserted by their parents due to different reasons. Among these deserted children at the Bureau, the number of girls is high who were found from dustbins or on the roads. The main causes of such acts are poverty and gender discrimination. The attitude of such callous parents is condemnable. Hence, they are requested to take pity on these small souls and avoid such inhuman acts. MASHREEN HAMEEDKech