Islamabad’s Silent Water Struggle

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: In the heart of Islamabad, within the confines of Union Council 110, lies Pind Paryan—a community ensconced between Tarnol and the F-17 Sector.

As the impending elections cast their shadow over the political landscape, a poignant snapshot emerges from this locality, revealing a tapestry of human suffering that starkly contradicts the grandiose promises echoing from the corridors of power.

The canvases of political manifestos are adorned with lofty pledges to uplift the downtrodden, yet the stark truth depicted in this image renders such promises hollow. Here, the impoverished residents stand as living testimonies to unfulfilled commitments, while their struggles call for a collective response and compassionate attention.

The rows of water cans standing resiliently in front of modest homes paint a vivid picture of daily survival. These makeshift wells serve as a lifeline, providing not just water for drinking but also for the most basic cleaning and household needs.

It’s a testament to the selflessness within this community, where the commoners empathize with their neighbors and stand tall in times of need. This is in stark contrast to the political theatrics that often exploit the sentiments of the masses for ulterior motives.

The picture unveils a multitude of problems that demand urgent attention, laying bare the harsh reality that challenges the authenticity of governmental claims. Amidst the false narratives and political grandstanding, this image becomes a mirror reflecting the gravity of a system that seems more adept at deception than genuine public service.

Governmental records are riddled with embezzlements worth billions, and while the Public Accounts Committee meticulously outlines the corruption and identifies those responsible, the plundered funds remain elusive, never finding their way back to the struggling commoners.

Drawing a parallel with the Chinese model brings forth an uncomfortable truth. While both countries gained independence around the same time, the chasm in progress between the two is glaring. China, with its monumental strides in quality of life and global standing, stands worlds apart from Pakistan, often likened to regions in Africa in various distressing indices.

Pakistan’s struggle for upliftment is marred by self-serving agendas, financial controllers who operate above the law, and a stark contrast with the ideals of the ‘land of the pure.’ In the shadows of opulent mansions worth billions, pockets of abject poverty persist, painting a stark contrast against the affluence that dominates the federal capital.

The pressing issues of health and education, compounded by stunted growth and malnourished citizens, reveal a disturbing reality. Food adulteration, a grave offense in many parts of the world, becomes an opportunity for profiteers to flourish unchecked in Pakistan.

As the specter of Covid looms once more, the populace braces itself for uncertainties. In a nation where masks and hand sanitizers once thrived as commodities, the new variant becomes a potential tool for those who exploit the suffering of the masses.

The relentless cycle of despair continues, leaving a nation of 220 million souls yearning for a dawn that seems elusive amidst the endless rigmaroles. When will Pakistan rise and shine becomes a daily question, echoing the collective aspiration for a brighter and more just future.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

Photo Credit: Rizwan Khan