Sir: What happened to the system of checks and balances? There is a constant cry from students regarding the poor state of private hostels in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Students from far-flung areas of Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan have no other option but to live in private hostels that offer unhygienic food, water, besides an unclean environment. Moreover, the owners decide about rates, menu and timing in their hostels. This distracts students and they are unable to fully concentrate on their studies — the main aim of leaving their homes and living at these places. The authorities concerned should ensure that these private hostels provide better food, water and other facilities to students so that they can work well and succeed. Naeem Ahmed Korai Sukkur