The objective conditions regarding various aspects of our body politic are regularly portrayed in a rather abject manner in the national media, be it the print media or its electronic counterparts i.e., the radio and TV.
One very glaring thing which meets the eye, or the hearing of the observer, is the fact that not only negative aspects of our socio-political behavior are thought to have touched the nadir but the solutions being suggested are also of the extreme kind. And, the whole picture has become so muddled that one is left groping for ‘hope’.
What to talk about poor governance by the ruling parties, even mundane matters like the state of traffic on the roads points out to the deterioration in the behavior of the general public, which includes both the educated and the uneducated or the illiterate or lesser fortunate. Taking the case of Lahore, for example, even in those localities where three and four lane roads have been built like the Main Boulevards in Gulberg and DHA Lahore, one will find the roads blocked, not because of traffic congestion or less space but simply due to the lack of one factor i.e., ‘road discipline’. Most of the chowks or crossings present a picture of complete chaos due to a free for all competition between the drivers of all two or four wheelers as well as the pedestrians. Denial of the right of way has become the norm. The simple trick employed by most drivers to hoodwink those who hold the right to way is to look the other way or in other words to turn a blind eye to them and forge ahead.
The traffic mess is compounded by the motorcyclists, of whom more than ninety five percent do not have side mirrors on their bikes, and who just don’t bother to obey the traffic lights or lane discipline. They simply rely on their body language and thus keep you guessing about their next move. When such is the situation in the so-called posh areas, driving in the city areas is simply a nightmare!
The use of mobile phones is another nuisance. Every second or third driver or motorcycle rider can be seen with the mobile phone clinging to his ear. Many a time the traffic seems to be moving at a painfully slow pace despite not much, or seemingly thin, traffic – this forces you to slow down. And your consternation knows no bounds when you find that all of this was due to the fact that one of the drivers ahead of you is busy texting or talking on his mobile phone completely oblivious of his having disturbed the traffic flow.
However, such behavioral problems pale into insignificance or are actually overshadowed by larger issues confronting us as a nation. Obviously, the biggest and most serious issues staring us in the face are corruption and mismanagement in the government institutions apart from the abysmal security situation as well as the failure of the government to come to grips with the situation or in providing a lasting solution to the crisis.
Instead of providing a secure environment for the public at large, and ensuring that no one dares break the laws of traffic or public gathering and movement, the provincial governments in all the provinces have gone for a quick fix and temporary solution of resorting to provision of security detail to all the so-called VIPs as well as the employment of security checkpoints and roadblocks on all and every road worth its name and turning all government buildings, educational institutions, government residential blocks – like GORs, Governor’s Houses, VIP residences, etc – into virtual fortresses, thus leaving the common man as an easy target for criminals and terrorists, and at risk of falling prey to the guns of those charged with protecting the government and public elite. Resultantly, all the areas with some civil or military government building or installation, present the look of a besieged garrison. What cost to the public exchequer all this security entails is a question which beggars belief!
Obviously nothing can improve unless the writ of the government is reestablished in the real sense i.e., the people feel safe on the roads, in public places, and in their mosques and religious congregations. The government has to get rid of terrorism, political and religious strife, control and eliminate the criminal mafia involved in bank robberies, kidnapping for ransom, qabza and extortion or bhatta, minimize corruption in government departments involved in public dealings especially connected with revenue generation and provision of public utilities and services. It certainly seems to be a tall order!
The biggest obstacle in government decision making is the demand by the public, ironically spearheaded by the actual lawbreakers for an even-handed and fair action against all such elements involved in criminal activities! Undeniably, this is made further difficult for the government due to the presence of vested interests amidst the government ranks! Now, whatever that is supposed to mean is a conundrum which those occupying the seat of power are required to solve. Thus, what we actually see or hear are such statements:
‘The government will deal with everybody on ‘merit!’
‘The writ of the government will be established at all costs!’
‘Everyone is equal before law!’
‘All lawbreakers will be dealt with an iron hand!’
Etc, etc.
The 64 dollar question is: The government has to draw a line somewhere. But where?