If we realise our own responsibilities, instead of blaming government, will we be able to overcome our crises.
ISLAMABAD: Many of us are of the view that it is the government which is primarily responsible for all that ails Pakistan. Everyone complains about the lack of water, gas, electricity and other necessities. But have we ever paused and considered the possibility that perhaps we may be partly to blame for all this?
For example, take the issue of water shortage. How many of us use water conservation techniques such as making sure that all taps are turned off? I often see taps leaking water after use in ablution areas, in universities and other public washrooms. We also have no electricity conservation strategies for use in our individual homes and let appliances and lights be switched on even if they are not being used. The same goes with food. Every day, thousands of weddings take place in the country and no arrangement is ever made to use the large amount of food that is left over to feed poor and hungry people.
We also blame the government for not doing anything to provide us with a clean and hygienic environment but all of us have no qualms in throwing litter outside our homes or car windows. Only if we realise our own ignorance and recognise our responsibilities, instead of blaming the government for everything, will we be able to overcome the many crises that our country faces.
Maryam Hafeez
International Islamic University, Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2013.
