Beyond the Nothingness

[initiator]

Stepping out of the arrival lounge of Allama Iqbal International Airport, I received a ‘warm’ welcome by the dusty wind and a few meager souls. The first glance at the world which, in a sense, was alien to me, unfolded to me, the mysteries, that weeks of careful observation wouldn’t compare to. From the lifeless eyes of the porters to the flashy displays of wealth by the high rollers, from the almost-begging cab drivers to the owners of illegally parked gas-guzzlers, from the hired to the hirers … everything spoke loudly of the class segregation.

The drive home was an equally enchanting experience, and then I stopped getting astonished. I questioned, I questioned almost everything on and in the way, and yet managed to have three hours of sleep onwards. The despicable traffic situation, the pollution, lack of discipline; everything was agonizing.

The next few days had me getting my ticket confirmed twice, but thanks to ‘a few good men’ who proved that morality was not totally non-existent, that I stayed. Lack of morality may sound a bit harsh terminology, however, the verdict rests on experience. In just a few days I had experienced a lot, which briefly includes getting overcharged by few shop-keepers, being asked for money by the law enforcers, hearing wordy but unworthy hypocritical speeches from some bureaucrats of the highest order, listening to the cries of
ever complaining billionaires, witnessing the displays of power by the ‘strong-men’ and innovative ways of stealing by the poor. By that time I knew that our beloved Pakistan needed a major haul over.

Education and poverty situation need to be addressed immediately. Pakistan has become a heaven for the pupils of feudalistic school of thought. Almost everything, and yes everything, defies logic, principles and law &order. Spectacular displays of wealth by the selected few and beyond compare sights of poverty are common. That makes me think that the ruling class has done none for the nation, but a lot to the nation. Finding serious and sustainable solutions to the lingering problems are inevitable, and for that, honest law enforcers are required. Judiciary has to be made stronger, implementation of law & order, both through education and force is indispensable. I hope we would understand before it’s too late.

[cat-woman]

Re: Beyond the Nothingness

It seems like a sad state of affairs where the rich are getting richer and the masses remain poor. Its shameful really. What's their Ministry of Finance doing about it I wonder.

[initiator]

Re: Beyond the Nothingness

It seems that the autorities deliberately want to keep their eyes closed. Selfishness and greed has reached new heights (or lows). To live here with ease, one shouldn't have a brain that thinks.

[Umer]

Re: Beyond the Nothingness

@initiator

Education and poverty situation need to be addressed immediately.

There is absolutely no doubt that these are the main issues that Pakistan faces today: Lack of education and poverty!

We all know it, we all can try our individual best to do something about it. Sounds easy, but the task at hand is a huge one. So you can’t expect everything to be fine immediately. It will take it’s time.

But I would be glad if Pakistan at least starts to go in the right direction. Otherwise you will have 50 more years going down the drain and you won’t see any changes.

[initiator]

Re: Beyond the Nothingness

you're right Umer. There is a need for more action and less words. I think, we, here at GS, should jot down the problems and express our thoughts on the possible solutions. The key issues can be ..

1) Education
2) Wealth Distribution
3) Law & Order

your thoughts will be much appreciated

[skhan]

Re: Beyond the Nothingness

It will take much more than a few words on an online bulletin board to solve such problems my friend. Each of us must contribute however we can.

[trooper]

Re: Beyond the Nothingness

@initiator

Stepping out of the arrival lounge of Allama Iqbal International Airport, I received a ‘warm’ welcome by the dusty wind and a few meager souls. The first glance at the world which, in a sense, was alien to me, unfolded to me, the mysteries, that weeks of careful observation wouldn’t compare to. From the lifeless eyes of the porters to the flashy displays of wealth by the high rollers, from the almost-begging cab drivers to the owners of illegally parked gas-guzzlers, from the hired to the hirers … everything spoke loudly of the class segregation.

The drive home was an equally enchanting experience, and then I stopped getting astonished. I questioned, I questioned almost everything on and in the way, and yet managed to have three hours of sleep onwards. The despicable traffic situation, the pollution, lack of discipline; everything was agonizing.

The next few days had me getting my ticket confirmed twice, but thanks to ‘a few good men’ who proved that morality was not totally non-existent, that I stayed. Lack of morality may sound a bit harsh terminology, however, the verdict rests on experience. In just a few days I had experienced a lot, which briefly includes getting overcharged by few shop-keepers, being asked for money by the law enforcers, hearing wordy but unworthy hypocritical speeches from some bureaucrats of the highest order, listening to the cries of
ever complaining billionaires, witnessing the displays of power by the ‘strong-men’ and innovative ways of stealing by the poor. By that time I knew that our beloved Pakistan needed a major haul over.

Education and poverty situation need to be addressed immediately. Pakistan has become a heaven for the pupils of feudalistic school of thought. Almost everything, and yes everything, defies logic, principles and law &order. Spectacular displays of wealth by the selected few and beyond compare sights of poverty are common. That makes me think that the ruling class has done none for the nation, but a lot to the nation. Finding serious and sustainable solutions to the lingering problems are inevitable, and for that, honest law enforcers are required. Judiciary has to be made stronger, implementation of law & order, both through education and force is indispensable. I hope we would understand before it’s too late.

I had the exact same experience/thoughts when I went to visit last summer. These people are LOST! No policy maker can correct the problems that are rooted so deep inside the minds, there will have to be a major event/catastrophe/civil war to change people’s attitudes. Something major is needed to shake them up. Reform is required, but politician or a bureaucrat can not provide solutions, the problem is much bigger - moral values have vanished, and no one sees their importance anymore.