KARACHI:
For the last couple of decades, I have regularly shared my thoughts in the letters sections of various local newspapers. When I see what I wrote over the years, it appears that there are a couple of themes or concerns that have repeatedly reappeared with only changes in names or characters. One of the most frequent and consistent concerns is the selfishness of our politicians and their total disregard for the public.
I am completely devastated and dejected over the news items that have appeared in the last few days. First, the newly appointed senior vice president of the PML-N, Ms Maryam Nawaz, underwent a procedure in Geneva to have some glands removed from her throat. Also, her father Mr Nawaz Sharif, the president of PML-N, underwent a medical examination through his personal physician in Geneva. Mr Sharif has been in London for the last few years to receive treatment for his mysterious ailment. This is a disease that allows him to enjoy life and travel, and remain politically active when in London, but threatens his life in Pakistan.
The other news was about a man losing his life in a stampede rushing to get flour in Sindh. It is an irony that those claiming to be the saviour of the poor are getting treated in the most expensive facilities in the world and people are losing their lives just to get their hands on a bag of flour. Clearly, the rich of the richest ruling elite of the country are completely detached from reality with no clue to the sufferings of the citizens. No wonder when the country is in the middle of the worst economic crunch in history, our politicians are busy mudslinging each other for the selfish gain of power.
Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2023.
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