Two Girls, One Struggle

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: In the heart of Islamabad, where opulent houses and plots command staggering prices, two girls embark on a journey through stark contrasts. Their smiles, genuine and radiant, paint a picture of joy, reminiscent of a celebration or a feast in the making.

Yet, their modest attire—one carrying a wooden box for firewood and the other holding a cooking pot—hints at a reality that stands in stark opposition to their affluent surroundings.

Walking through one of the city’s most expensive sectors, where the value of residential properties exceeds Rs200 million and over, these girls embody a narrative that encapsulates the economic divide plaguing the nation. The disparity between the haves and have-nots is glaring, captured in the backdrop of a sector where the elite reside.

The irony is striking—the car trailing behind the girls is worth over Rs 10 million, a symbol of affluence juxtaposed against their modest means. Their destination, France Colony, a slum in the same sector, stands as a testament to the socio-economic disparity that defines Pakistan. Inhabited mostly by the Christian community, this slum becomes a microcosm of the broader inequality prevalent in the country.

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Behind this apparent contentment lies a deeper struggle. The clerks and low-ranking government officials amass wealth beyond their justified means, revealing a systemic failure to address corruption and wealth accumulation that exceeds legitimate income.

The photograph serves as a poignant commentary on the blindfolded law, unable or unwilling to address the blatant disparities in wealth. The festive season of Christmas accentuates the contrast—the merriment of those in affluent sectors juxtaposed against the resilience and resolve of those navigating the challenges of slum life.

The joy radiating from the all-smiling girl signifies acceptance of her fate within the confines of the slum. On the other hand, the girl with a more serious expression embodies a quiet determination to face the daily battle for survival. The broader context, however, reflects a national struggle against inflation, soaring utility bills, and the escalating cost of living, forcing many to cut back on essential needs.

As Christmas festivities unfold, these two girls become a poignant representation of a divided society. The PenPK extends warm wishes for Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all its Christian readers, hoping for positive change and brighter days, especially for those enduring the daily struggle portrayed by these two young girls.

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

Photo Credit: Waseem Khan