People should give away extra food to the poor instead of wasting it

I write to you in reference to Anam Rizvi's article Small steps can decrease the UAE's food waste, experts say (October 16). According to a report I read recently, about 40 per cent of food is wasted in Pakistan. Wastage occurs at various points of the supply chain, including production, post-harvest handling, agro-processing, distribution and consumption.

Wastage is typically common at weddings where people get to taste a variety of dishes for free and for the first time in their lives. However, they are unable to finish their food because there is so much on their plates. This is shameful and quite unlike how people eat in hotels or restaurants where they usually order according to requirement and avoid wastage because they buy their own food.

When there is extra food, people should not waste it. Rather, they should give it away, to the poor and the hungry.

Ashfaq Sharif, Karachi

British royals should lose their privileges if they don’t want fame

In reference to the article Britain's Prince William worried about brother Harry after TV interview (October 22): Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should step out of their royal world and give up all related privileges.

They should stop travelling the world on the taxpayer’s tab and instead go to work if they feel so annoyed and if it is such a struggle to live the royal life.

Name withheld on request

Diwali is a great time to cherish loved ones – and eat sweets

I write to you in reference to Nyree McFarlane's article Diwali: 31 striking photos of early celebrations and preparations around the world (October 21). We all need time to enjoy our festivals and cherish our loved ones. The last time I played with firecrackers was when I was in high school. As a child, I used to love celebrating Diwali with my neighbours. We used to run in the corridors of our apartment building bursting crackers and wishing everyone a happy Diwali. Friends would stop by with boxes of sweets. Everyone would be dressed in new clothes, the women in brilliant silks. Times have changed but it's nice to see some customs and traditions still alive.

Mathew Litty, Dubai