But this is just one face of Eid. For many others — perhaps, tens of thousands of people — Eid remained a far less festive occasion. The parents who could not buy clothes or new shoes for their children did not figure prominently in the media; nor did those unable to put together a decent meal even on this occasion. There are fathers known to have begged for just a few hundred rupees ahead of the occasion in the hope of introducing just a little festivity in their homes. They were not the only ones to be affected. Shopkeepers in both Karachi and Lahore say that shopping was lower than before and some among the middle class confess they locked doors and pretended to be out of town to avoid having to bear the cost of entertainment. Their sense of misery can only be imagined.
The disparities in our nation, the toll being taken by relentless inflation and the social impact it is having need to be considered very seriously. It is true that philanthropic help is offered generously by many. Presents go out to children in orphanages, food is sent around to some. But this is not enough to cater to their needs. There are far too many people who are simply unable to manage their daily requirements and Eid offered a reminder of this. The real question, however, remains: what is being done to alter social policy, to make life more equitable and to ensure that everyone can enjoy occasions such as Eid — a time when not joy but deep anxiety descended over many homes as reports came in of suicides and other acts of despair committed on the occasion.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 24th, 2012.
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