Pakistan

The nation celebrates its 63rd independence day. Allow me to write, it would be more appropriate to use the word 'observe' rather than 'celebrate'. It's a day of soul searching for the ones who have souls. I do not know what to say about the soulless ones. Whereas, it is important for each one of us to reflect back and ask ourselves as to what goods and bads we did during the past one year which had a direct or indirect bearing on our fellow Pakistanis, it is more important for the politically, monetarily and socially blessed ones (who, mistakenly, consider it to be a blessing rather than a test) of the society to do so. The latter section of the society needs to ask itself as to whether what they are and what they have is through fair means or otherwise. It's never too late to mend. But, does the ruling elite of the country in which I also include the rich have soul? This section of society is chiefly responsible for all ills prevalent in our society. Most of the ruling elite are busy in power politics and filling its purses. I wonder what does the ruling elite do with their ever increasing accumulation of wealth mostly obtained through unfair means.

Despite being one of the few nuclear states of the world, we are nowhere in terms of development; literacy rate, health, education, per capita income, political and economic health, law and order and so on. Masses are sick of but helpless too facing load shedding, price hike and lack of opportunities of employment or doing business. More and more people continue to fall below the poverty line. The prevailing lawlessness is directly related to the increase in poverty. Once a person, despite the best of his efforts, can't earn livelihood through fair means, can't have himself or near and dear ones medically treated, can't have a shelter to live under, can't educate children, can't have access to clean drinking water etc, the only other options left with him are to either commit suicide or choose to become lawless. And, this is what is happening to our society. The increasing trend of looting of banks and bungalows, kidnapping for ransom, etc are the proof of the same. Although the members of the ruling elite see it happening to their fellow beings on daily basis, they foolishly think that it won't happen to them till their turn comes. It's not late yet. But a beginning has to be made before it gets too late.

PML(N)has decided to take good care of its electoral symbol which is lion. It has been reported in one of the TV channels that Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr. Shahbaz Sharif of PML(N)has ordered to arrange low temperature environments for the lion imported by the zoo authorities from Siberia. The project is going to cost Rs. 2.2 million. This money can surely be better used else where for the welfare of the poor in Punjab.

The first question is as to why such an animal was imported whom we could not look after within our meager resources. The second question is as to why more money should be extravagantly spent to sustain an animal who needs nothing of the sort back in Siberia. Yet another question is to identify other such like ventures where the money being spent is not worth its price. Having narrated the story accompanied by live pictures of the lion, the TV channel showed the interviews of half a dozen from amongst the masses. None of them supported the project and in stead criticized the government for wasting the money which can be spent to alleviate the sufferings of the poor.

Government has allocated 50 billion rupees for Benazir Income Support Program; a fund to support the poor families in Pakistan. Rs. 24.3 billion have been allocated for Education. The allocation for Benazir Income Support program is twice that of the funds allocated for Education.

The above speaks of the priorities of the government. I wish the government had instituted Benazir Education Support Program in stead of Benazir Income Support Program. Investment in education will make the people stand on their own feet and earn for themselves. Paying a paltry sum of Rs. 1000.00 to a family per month will hardly alleviate their sufferings and will also make them dependent on this charity.

Our leaders and legislators make a lot of hue and cry about justice, equality and alleviation of poverty. Quite a few of them are feudal lords and industrialists. Can they set a personal example to introduce industrial and land reforms as these will do a lot of good to the poor? It will also do a lot of good to them not only in terms of prolongation of their stay in power but also in terms of their betterment in the life hereafter, if they believe in one.

A large number of government officials and consultants of all ministries at federal and provincial level are supposedly busy, day in and night out, to prepare a 'poor' friendly budget, due to be announced in a few days. This is what has been happening every year since independence. Every time it is claimed to be the best possible budget, a budget better than the previous year promising alleviation of poverty, increase in health and education facilities etc, etc. However, the outcome to date has been just the opposite of the claims made.

No budget has to date taken into account two simple questions. What is the budget of a poor family of four to five persons whose bread winner is one man? Are the public and private sectors offering these heads of families the opportunity to earn their living as per the budget of the family? If the national budget is geared towards this direction, it is a good budget, otherwise, it is all nothing but jugglery of words. It is hoped against hopes that the ruling party adheres to its slogan of Roti, Kapra aur Makan (food, clothing and housing) not only by its words but also by its deeds for the common man and not for the few of its jyalays (selected followers).