Why not build dams for more power

City elders say misfortune never comes alone, most of time it is the end-result of our own past mistakes and blunders in any way. Why didn’t we build Kalabagh Dam which was in national interest on all counts? A well-known political figure, now disregarded by members of own family, once in reply to a question privately said to this scribe and accompanying photographer: “After all we need some issue to keep our politics alive.”
The other day the ministry concerned advised the general public to cut use of electricity and keep air conditioners switched off for two days in order to reduce the shortfall. By the way, small and medium consumers are already sharing the burden: they believe in cutting their coat according to their cloth.
Elders are right: masses may not look satisfied in so short time because they argue poverty, hunger and disease have not been eradicated altogether.
Reportedly, according to a human rights commission, about 15 persons die of hunger across the country every day, and this is happening under the nose of landlords and capitalists, who have the lion’s share in corridors of power.
They’ve really forgotten the lessons of Islam as regards peace, prosperity and welfare of mankind, which in other words enjoins all well-to-do and ruling classes of society to help the state provide bread, clothing and shelter to the poverty-ridden men, women and children on the basis of the principles of equality and fraternity. This is the spirit of democracy which unites and builds people into a nation possessed of healthy economy and strong defence.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad, for more than four decades, have attracted people for reasons of lucrative business, trade, interaction with administration and bureaucrats and, of course, jobs.
“There shouldn’t any kind of corruption, bribery and nepotism as was rampant earlier,” say city elders.
They recall China won freedom two years after we achieved Pakistan in 1947. “Most relevant was the rise of the Chinese people’s communes in our today’s context. Soul-stirring songs play a vital part in national build-up and in countering calamities and repulsing the enemy”.
The commune’s tasks were to develop an expanding agricultural output, to build industry as rapidly as possible, to build roads, dredge waterways, and build communications. All local resources of nature and man were unified under a democratic control for a common cause of national reconstruction.
One can assert our masses, too, have the same potential and quality of working together for national rebuilding after any devastating rains and floods. Let’s build dams without further delay.
zasarwar@hotmail.com