Harsh reality

Pakistan will celebrate its 70th Independence Day in a couple of years. We have come a long way but have we really evolved as a nation in almost seven decades or are we worse off than when we began this journey. This is a question that some of us keep asking each other every now and then. Long debates ensue…almost always ending on a pessimistic note. I used to be one of the few people who would be optimistic about this country’s future but three incidents have totally changed my perspective.
One: a Christian couple burned to ashes for alleged blasphemy, not by any terrorist outfits but by people who live in our midst. Two: APS attack in Peshawar. The way our state and people reacted in a bloodthirsty manner said it all – we have no humanity left. Three: a peaceful vigil for (late) Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer on his fourth death anniversary was attacked by religious zealots in Lahore. I have no hope left for this country. Our state and society have both collapsed as a result of years of wrong policies and extremist indoctrination. It is high time we accept this harsh reality.
Hira Safdar
Lahore