[font=‘Bookman Old Style’]A lot of columns and letters have appeared terming the present enthusiasm of the public in earthquake relief work as was seen in 1965. All these wise writers or professional columnists have totally failed to judiciously make an honest comparison. [font=‘Bookman Old Style’]As far as public’s emotions are concerned it is totally right that it has participated and contributed much in earthquake relief. Why materially has come more in these road site relief camps is because today public has more to spare. In 1965 the society did not had that much funds or materials. There were no so many richer people but citizens were of real large heart . People had limited incomes but even then people in 1965 donated. Today only a section of the society has more money and materials to spare hence it looks as if people are giving more relief. [font=‘Bookman Old Style’]Secondly in 2005 political parties in order to encash the earthquake miseries are struggling hard to win the race as can be seen from the TV coverage that more than the relief names of these political parties are repeated and announced on channels. [font=‘Bookman Old Style’]Last but not the least and the most important is that in 1965 each and every Pakistani from inside his heart and with true national spirit did his national duty. The proof of which is during those days there was not a single incident of thievery, people left villages without remotest fear of empty houses being looted, no hoarding, no increase in prices, truck trip not increasing from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6000, no one wished to listen his name on Radio in connection with his donation. Today that spirit is totally lacking. See the styles of bureaucrats and leaders. This morning Chief Secretary of the province worst hit on Geo TV interview was with his red type, crisp suiting. His style of talking had not even the remotest sign of any grief on his face. This is the position every where. Same time appeared people on TV telling they cannot shift safer places as they have to take care of their belongings buried under buried. Such a thing was not heard of in 1965. More attention is on TV camera photographs by leaders, stars, elite sportsmen etc with statements rather than practical work. Markets are full of shoppers, Iftar parties are going on, politicians are going abroad etc. Did anyone saw this in 1965? That 1965 spirit in this nation would never come back. Thanks to our rulers and politicians, they have engaged us to the mos important issues t, as one reader said, in TV serials, food streets, night crickets which have changed our habits. In 1965 every one, a man on street, literate or illiterate, a government official all were united one hand. For example then in 1965 it was not that Relief Rehabilitation Commissioner saying that India has rejected President’s proposal for opening of LOC for relief work but Foreign Office same time saying no response from India has so far been received. [font=‘Bookman Old Style’]Petroleum Minister Naseer Mengal and Overseas Pakistanis Ghulam Sarwar recently went on [font=‘Bookman Old Style’]Qatar[font=‘Bookman Old Style’] and U.A.E office tour. Both were given by U.A.E ruler gift watches costing Rs. 550,000. Instead of depositing with Government Naseer asked Prime Minister to give it to him on confessional price as it was gift to him. Prime Minister asked to pay 15% which is Rs. 50,000. Ghulam Sarwar could not see this. He also applied and got this. Prime Minister and President whose chairs are only due to these looters can not resist such cruel requests hence they see all these looting silently. These gifts were official. The prime Minister who is said to be world class banker did not realize when U.A.E ruler will visit Pakistan reciprocally Pakistan will present them with same high value gifts from national exchequer of this poor country and Mangal or Ghulam Sarwar will not come offer a 15% share from their own pockets. Prime Minister is not tried of asking other nations to help [font=‘Bookman Old Style’]Pakistan[font=‘Bookman Old Style’] financially for earthquake relief. But had he been so serious and honest for victims he would never had allowed this looting but at this time auctioned these watches to put money in relief fund. In 1965 no Mengal or Ghulam Sarwar could have even thought of making such a request nor any Prime Minister would had even cared to see such a request on his table let alone bow to such a request for safety of his chair. This is difference between 1965 and 2005.