KARACHI:
As a native of a small village, I have witnessed persistent neglect for decades. The same bumpy roads I travelled daily with my father to school remain unchanged. The local shops, flimsy and limited in their offerings, have failed to evolve despite the passage of two decades. My hometown, like many others, is the first to bear the brunt of natural disasters like floods.
The inadequate government support coupled with poor infrastructure has exacerbated challenges for millions of Pakistanis residing in rural and impoverished regions. It is disheartening to witness the stark contrast between rural areas and the privileges enjoyed by metropolitan cities like Islamabad. While urban centres flourish, rural communities are left to deteriorate due to the unchecked exploitation of resources and the omnipresent effects of corruption by our leaders.
This imbalance is not merely a matter of inconvenience; it is a fundamental injustice that underscores the urgency for immediate action. Therefore, I implore our policymakers and leaders to prioritise the development of rural areas. We must advocate for policies that ensure an equal distribution of resources, infrastructure development, and equal access to opportunities. I call upon the concerned authorities, government representatives and civil society to unite in addressing this issue. Only through collective effort and a shared commitment to change can we build a more equitable and prosperous nation.
Muhammad Ilyas
Pir Jo Goth
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2023.
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