Sir: Littering is an emerging issue in Pakistan, an issue that has been neglected for ages. This is a very common problem in our country and is visible everywhere you go. People all around the country throw plastic cans and shopping bags on the road, further contributing to the littering problem and eventually, the environment is being affected; the trees are being harmed, the coastline is being littered and the marine life is being injured; all these factors have the potential to indirectly put our very lives at risk. The literate encourages littering while the illiterate pick it up. We need to protect our homeland and we can only do it by stopping this horrible habit. Comprehensive steps need to be taken to put a stop to this menace and the police should be given the authority to fine those who are involved in this practice. We need to stop littering to make our homeland a better place. HAMZA BUKHARI Lahore Cantt Published in Daily Times, August 3rd 2018.