I and my family recently visited Pakistan during the holidays, and had experiences and observations that left us pondering over the state of affairs prevailing in the country. It is interesting — and ironic — that our visit was in part initiated by the efforts the government is making to promote overseas Pakistanis to contribute to the economy by sending remittances and by spending their vacations in the country of their birth.
As responsible citizens, we paid heed to the call and embarked on a holiday to spend time at our home in Karachi, reconnect with our roots and make our humble contribution to the local economy by bringing in the much-needed foreign currency.
However, our enthusiasm quickly turned into frustration when we discovered a fundamental issue plaguing our very own neighbourhood — the absence of water in the main supply lines. Despite numerous inquiries, we were informed that the water indeed was reaching the main pipes, but was being consumed entirely by our neighbours who possessed powerful water-suction pumps, and had two water connections for the same house that they had ‘somehow’ arranged through the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), leaving us dry and disheartened.
It was disheartening to witness how Pakistani society has devolved into a constant battle for resources. It is reminiscent of Darwin’s theory of the survival of the fittest. With a burgeoning population and limited resources, it seems that only the strongest species can thrive in this survival-of-the-fittest scenario.
One of our relatives who owns an export-oriented garment factory does not receive even drinking water from the water connection at house for the last 15 years even though he has been paying water bills regularly every month during all these long years.
Perhaps it is time for Pakistan to embrace a Chinese-style ‘Social Credit System’ to ensure that everyone receives their rightful portion of resources based on their social behaviour. An all-encompassing artificial intelligence (AI) system could make decisions on behalf of the people, fairly allocating resources for the betterment of society. Furthermore, the introduction of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) could monitor everyone’s resource usage, allowing them to survive in a resource-constraint country.
Regrettably, one thing is certain; our children, who eagerly anticipated their summer vacation in Pakistan, will not be inclined to visit again in the near future. It is disheartening to witness the dwindling appeal of our homeland due to such fundamental challenges.
I believe it is crucial for the authorities concerned to address these pressing issues to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both citizens and visitors alike. Let us strive for a Pakistan where resources are distributed equitably, where the pursuit of survival does not overshadow the pursuit of progress.
With a family background in textiles, I personally know of thousands of weaving factories lying shut for the last many months. These units, part of the larger umbrella of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), apparently have no future to look forward to.
The solution is simple and just. The SMEs are merely asking for equitable treatment in electricity pricing. They just want a level playing field, and are more than willing to pay the same price as is applicable to the large units.
Currently, they have to pay three times more than the privileged, lucky, blessed large units. It is only natural that they have pulled the shutters down. The owners may still survive in the short term owing to their savings and investments, but what about the workforce?
It is only through collective efforts and commitment to justice that we can hope to overcome the current economic crisis and build a prosperous future for Pakistan and for all the Pakistanis.
ADIL HANIF
LONDON
