The Young Lad Carrying Tree Trunks

Pictorial Editorial

Asem Mustafa Awan: Winter has arrived and with each passing day the temperature drops. Pakistan is faced with a plethora of problems but has no one to blame but itself as it failed to instill the thought in people that trees are the lungs of the nation and they should be added on a regular basis so that the air is cleaned minus the toxins.

How many cities are faced with smog and fog and what is the air pollution index of different cities in Pakistan is a different story but the young lad carrying a tree trunk depicts another story.

Islamabad as harped by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has pockets where people are still denied the basic amenities of life. The big tree trunk probably weighs more than that of the young lad but he is carrying it as this would be the lifeline for a few days for his home.

It is true the federal capital has many thousands who have no electricity, gas or clean drinking water facility in their homes. The stoneage in the capital is food for thought for policymakers as what is the reason these capital dwellers are denied this facility. It is no secret that the government has failed on many accounts in providing the very basic of facilities in this time and age and those who suffer from this apathy run in many millions.

The nation faces load shedding in the form of gas and electricity and those who were lucky and blessed they were able to get the connections but in current times the two are next to impossible tasks as commoner has very little means to grease the palm of officials who provide the facility.

So many departments are there for public service but none of them does the service and this can be checked from the volume of complaints people have against these service providers.

Electricity bills for that matter have people lined up in different offices for readjustment of bills or for making installments on the bill which exceeds their budget. The gas pressure fluctuates during winter and people complaint that it is impossible to cook on flame which can be compared to that of a candle light.

The non-existence of gas and electricity is causing many issues related to domestic life. The trees are cut and yes Pakistan is one of the worst affected countries facing climate change but what the government is doing to stop this practice.

This should end and the solution lies with the government and the policymakers to device policies that are for the people and not against them.

Why the substitute, why not improve the service? The generators and solar panels are alternative sources causing extra burden and yes those who provide the two ensure that Pakistan stays in the dark and their business should flourish.

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

Photo by SMR/TZD/APP