The list of the stories about the infamous 'VIP' culture is long: from civilians' killings by the unruly sons or armed guards of the mighty to the women delivering their babies on roads, stuck up in the hours-long traffic jams due to VIP movements.
It seems that the power of the vote of more than 180 million has strengthened the 'very important personalities' clan instead of mitigating it over the span of six decades.
However, sparing a few hours to stage a non-violent protest and shout some courageous slogans can definitely make a difference. This was witnessed at the Teen Talwar roundabout on Saturday. A group of a few affluent citizens of the society staged a protest to denounce the VIP culture in the society. Interestingly, this was second in a month.
At the busy roundabout, policemen and traffic police personnel stood decently and alert to hold up any motorist trying to violate the traffic signals. Every time such a motorcade passed, they shouted in unanimity: "Don't break the law". Many drivers reversed their vehicles in an apologetic manner, while others chose not to care.
"We want this culture of discriminatory treatment to come to an end once and for all," shouted a young man."We wish for a Pakistan that is equally owned by all."
Interestingly, the protesters included the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmaker Samar Ali Khan. "Most of the VIPs live in my constituency," said Khan, as he distributed pamphlets among the vehicles stopping at the traffic signal. "So I am here to educate the people to end this culture."
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2014.
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Super! This needs to continue till this is removed from the mindset of our 'so-called' VIP's. We need to increase the numbers in these protests SO PLEASE ALL THOSE WAITING FOR OUR VIPS TO ZOOM ACROSS OUR STREETS, join this very worthwhile protest! CHANGE IS THE NEED OF THE DAY!
The writer is SPOT-ON!!! Its important not to equate affluence with VIPism. Plenty of affluent people who are law abiding with a strong civic sense. VIP culture involves those persons who use tax payer money to flaunt their power and use their elected or bureaucratic positions to break the law, and get privileges that have disproportional to their work or worth!!
Thank you folks.....This the beginning of the End of the VIP culture. We have VIPs all over the world but never do their movements inconvenience the daily lives of the hard working people.
Excellent job. Such protests should be organized in all cities.
These VIP's live a life of luxury with the awam's tax money.