Wrong priorities

In 2014, a powerful member of Farida Bashir’s village asked for her hand in marriage even though he was already married with children. Farida’s family used the age-old term “our noses will be cut” or “naak kat jaayegi” to imply that their honour would be tarnished if the marriage were permitted. This figurative reference inspired a dreadfully ironic act of retribution. The influential man’s father, along with six accomplices, barged into Farida’s home, tied up her whole family, and cut off her nose. A good Samaritan (who requested to remain anonymous) connected with Farida through Aurat Foundation, has been providing her with ongoing financial support for reconstructive treatment. Farida recently showed this individual a photocopied letter, which the medical superintendent from DHQ Hospital in Bahawalnagar received from the Chief Minister’s Office in Punjab. While referring to Farida, the letter insists that the chief minister “has been pleased to approve her free medical treatments/tests and provision of medicines etc”. This letter is, unfortunately, nothing more than a sheet of paper brimming with empty promises.

According to the reliable source I’ve been speaking with, the government has “done next to nothing” for Farida. Why the prolonged delay? She can’t afford to keep postponing surgeries since her condition warrants immediate attention. How can government officials sit idly while Farida is forced to endure waves of excruciating discomfort without enough medication to ease the pain, especially when they made a commitment to help her? Farida’s story should make one stop and wonder how often the government offers superficial reassurance to the common people who are facing dire circumstances — she represents the multitude of people who are being pitilessly neglected.

What is the government concentrating on instead? There’s the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train project that’s soaking up approximately Rs165 billion. The project is reportedly supposed to provide swift, safe and pollution-free transport facilities. People, however, have been airing their grievances about the project since construction efforts are driving residents out of their homes without any compensation or alternative arrangements. There has also been an excess of pollution and disorderly traffic in surrounding areas. The government is allocating a great deal of time and money towards the project under the pretense of trying to make people’s lives more convenient. This venture is instead, augmenting daily struggles without recognising the immediate needs of people like Farida who require far more than a streamlined transportation system to keep their health and wellbeing intact.

Then there’s our crumbling national airline carrier that continues to receive bailout packages at the taxpayers’ expense. Imagine if some of that money had been pumped into a faltering government-owned hospital or school rather than a business entity that is suffering staggering losses despite the influx of additional funds? It would have certainly been a more useful investment. Patients at public hospitals are treated pathetically. Conditions are unhygienic, staff members are rude and patients are, without exaggeration, piled on top of one another. The ever-increasing illiteracy rate is also a reflection of Pakistan’s deplorable public school system. As of now, no one is held accountable for low enrollment, low attendance or higher dropout ratios. When did the government become absolved of its responsibility to educate our country’s children? Our leaders need to be held responsible for helping the people they govern regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. Health and education need to take priority over mega projects that don’t necessarily address the personal hurdles citizens grapple with on a day-to-day basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 17^th,  2016.

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