Walking Terror on the Horizon

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: The daunting challenges faced by the residents of Pakistan are vividly captured in a recent image depicting the lengths to which individuals must go to secure a vital resource—natural gas.

In a distressing turn of events, the government has doubled the natural gas tariff, exacerbating the difficulties already imposed on the citizens of this nation.

Pakistan, often referred to as the graveyard of developmental projects, has seen numerous initiatives over the decades succumb to the insidious grip of corruption.

The aspirations of a better life for the common people remain unrealized, buried under the weight of dishonest practices that have plagued the implementation of these projects.

The photograph serves as a poignant commentary on the relentless struggle of the average citizen to make ends meet.

In the face of increased gas tariffs, a perilous but necessary practice emerges—carrying gas in plastic bags, a potential bomb that could explode at any moment.

However, the urgency to sustain life overrides the fear, as families rely on this makeshift method for cooking and heating.

As winter approaches, the gathering of gas becomes a desperate routine, driven by the uncertainty of further tariff hikes in the next 15 days.

The local administration attempts to curb the hazardous practice by banning the transportation of gas in plastic bags. Yet, the question persists: Why do people risk their lives in this manner?

One must ponder whether the government has provided a safe alternative for gas transportation. Are there provisions for secure cylinders that could be distributed among the public?

Unfortunately, even if such provisions exist, they remain elusive for the common person, trapped in the clutches of poverty where the daily struggle for food takes precedence over safety concerns.

The image encapsulates the inherent disconnect between the public and the government, underscoring the unfriendly policies that force citizens to jeopardize their lives for sustenance.

The lack of accessible alternatives prompts the masses, predominantly from the impoverished segments of society, to resort to perilous methods.

The collective memory of past tragedies, such as deaths resulting from kerosene stoves during load shedding or explosions caused by substandard pressure cookers, looms large.

The absence of adequate investigations, compensation for victims, or penalties for manufacturers raises alarming questions about accountability.

It is incumbent upon the policymakers to adopt a more public-friendly approach. The citizens are at the brink, grappling with the repercussions of ill-conceived decisions and corrupt practices.

Each day, lives are lost, mirroring the perpetual decay of the public exchequer, looted with impunity. It is time for a radical shift in governance, one that prioritizes the well-being of the people over self-interest and corruption.

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

Photo Credit: Anonymous source