This naive nation

We are a nation too naïve to be hoodwinked by politicians repeatedly. For example, the people of Sindh have been voting for the PPP, but the party has done nothing for the province. Fifty percent of the population still lives below the poverty line. During the past ten years, while in power the party could not provide good governance or anything that resembles governance. The party also ruled Balochistan and in 2013 announced a package for Balochistan. However, during its tenure, the plan did not see the light of day.

The PML-N, though better than the PPP in some ways, did also betray the people for self-serving purposes. It held power in Punjab as well as the centre and created isles of prosperity in certain areas of Punjab, unfortunately at the cost of backward areas. They ruthlessly spent a major portion of funds on projects close to their hearts to fetch votes in urban Punjab. In the 2013 election, people of the ignored areas did not burden them with a mandate. The PTI, the party in power, seems no different. Our PM made tall claims while in opposition and made fun of government policies but is now following the same path. What is worse is that none of the parties seems to care for the people – and still they claim to be the rightful saviours of the people of Pakistan. For example, despite their failures, both the PPP and the PML-N have started campaigns to appease people. The PPP chairman led a train march against the federal government and addressed people at every railway station saying that his party would provide amenities of life, and employment to youngsters and houses to shelterless people. Nobody dared to confront him by asking what hindered his party from translating past promises into reality. The PML-N is also signing songs of courage of their leader. All these measures are to distract the masses suffering from high inflation and unemployment. Most worrisome, the ruling party is not realising the true gravity of the situation and tends to blame everything on past rulers. It is time the ruling party and opposition members created a consensus and introduced development projects for the benefit of future generations. People also need to use a little sense and hold politicians to their word.

Raja Shafaatullah

Islamabad