Pak exploitative system

MR Sultan Shahin’s article “Imperatives of Pak society: 44 families call the shots” (The Tribune, October 18) presents a clear picture of the Pakistani society and the government. It is an acknowledged truth that a weak neighbour is basically always a source of trouble. If the write-up is any indication, the economy of Pakistan is a shambles. How can the economy fair better in a country where loans are advanced merely on telephone calls, and written off?

According to the author, in Pakistan only 44 families run the affairs of the country, and these families are termed as the “robber barons of Pak”. They are two communities: the Haarees and the Waderas. For the Haarees (conquered), who are far from the reality, peace with India can be a shot in the arm. This community doesn’t understand the vile designs of the men at the helm of affairs in Pakistan. The latter always keep them in the dark. For the Waderas (feudal lords), only conflict with India can ensure their political survival.

All this signifies that there is great exploitation of the common man in Pakistan. Politicians capitalise on the people’s limited knowledge about the country’s affairs and their sufferings.

A country where feudal lords, industrialists, bureaucrats and the military hold sway, the humble common man has just been reduced to the level of a “small fry”. It is the common man in that country who contributes the maximum by way of taxes towards the economy, and not the big millionaire sharks.

It is hoped that the new set-up in Pakistan will read the writing on the wall and not repeat the Kargil-like mistakes and misadventures for peace and prosperity to prevail in South Asia. Before commencing the process of any bilateral talks an end to cross-border terrorism must be the precondition.

IQBAL SINGH
Bijhari Hamirpur

Are we lesser beings?

The Haryana electricity authorities have imposed power-cuts in Panchkula’s “select” sectors — 15, 16, 10 and 9 — for four hours daily. The other sectors affected are 12, 11 and 4. Obviously, the “privileged and powerful sectors” have been spared of the onslaught.

Undoubtedly, the above mentioned residents of Panchkula are being subjected to harsh discrimination. In the world of the “haves”, the “have-nots” have no place, no significance. May be, we are being regarded as “lesser beings”! The comforts of life are for the demi-gods alone in this “Paris of India”.

Amusing are the hours of the power-cut. When one gets up at 5 a.m. for a morning stroll, one is forced back on the bed for want of light. Similarly, when most people are busy getting ready for offices and workplaces by 8 a.m. or so, the power-cut puts them in a quandary. These days the sun sets around 5.40 p.m. and it is dark by 6 p.m. The HVPN’s darkness also descends at the same time, accentuating the people’s difficulties.

It seems rationality has departed from our decision and policy-making processes.

Needless to reiterate that the lot of the common man today is to suffer and groan — groan and suffer. This cycle shall never cease.

D.P. VERMA
Panchkula

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Ugly political deals

Nothing is improbable and no one is untouchable in this era of political opportunism (Editorial, “Politics of compulsion”, Oct 19). All pretensions of honesty and ideology are thrown to the winds when it comes to alignment for power, notwithstanding the bitter taste it leaves in the mouth of the people or even the coalition partners. This is how the prolonged drama of haggling ended over the formation of the government in Maharashtra. Rather there has been an indiscriminate alignment and realignment of the parties there.

The common man has grown accustomed to the bold assertions of a losing party accepting the mandate gracefully and sitting in opposition. But at the very first available opportunity starts the spectacle of intrigue and backroom deals. Every party has worked and experienced sabotage, revolt and defections. Nor can one expect any better performance from the Congress -NCP ruling alliance or the Shiv Sena-BJP opposition in Maharashtra. For all of them it is no more than politics of compulsion.

It is not degeneration of our polity that what was once detested as a pernicious political practice of “Aya Ram, Gaya Ram” has now gained respectability? Switching sides and bargaining for positions, ministerial berths and portfolios are considered a legitimate political activity. Such naked political deals, which treat every existing tie-up as purely temporary, have relegated ideology and national priorities into the oblivious background.

In such an atmosphere one cannot hope for the survival and healthy growth of a coalition culture. Instead the masses must think and work for an era of a bi-party system at the national level.

VED GULIANI
Hisar

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Tailpiece

As per Press reports, 54 castes, including Jats, have been added to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category for job reservation. Let it be known that I am also waiting for inclusion in the OBC list. The reason being that I am poor and backward. My caste, having the word “poor” in it, says so in no uncertain terms! My added qualification: I am unemployed.

S.C. KAPOOR
Noida