Mr. Zardari, Roti, Kapra aur Makaan!

Category: Articles/Opinion
Written by: Amend Foster (on May 26, 2008 - 12:51 PM)

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I, and I’m sure that the rest of the Pakistani nation too is yet to understand what these conflicting statements (issued over the past three days) of Mr. Zardari mean and what the elected government wants.

All statements issued thus far had been in favour of the President and that the Pakistan People’s Party was willing to work with President Musharraf. This was a major reason why the PML-N decided to quit from the federal cabinet, that the Pakistan People’s Party had failed to take a clear stand about the judiciary as well as what was to be done with the President.

Say it in English, or say it in Urdu, the statements issued have a significant phase difference and are totally opposite to each other.

Once, we hear Mr. Zardari saying that the President should leave or face impeachment. Then, we hear him saying that he is willing to negotiate with anyone, and would even go to meet the President if the people wanted him to.

The Prime Minister, on the other hand, is heard saying that they respect the President and do not want a clash between the Presidency and the Parliament.

It is worth mentioning here that all cases against Mr. Zardari have now been formally closed and he has a clean sheet. Could this change of heart on his part be because he now owes nothing to the President? Because he has now fully benefited from the National Reconciliation Ordinance?

Whatever the case may be, in all this political confusion and drama that is taking place, it is the people of Pakistan who are crumbling under extreme financial pressure. While our power brokers strangle and fight over who is to have more power, I have just heard the news that the price of LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) has again been hiked by Rs.2. Basic necessities of life are going beyond an average man’s reach.

It is my humble request, to all those walking up and down the corridors of power, please look at the plight of the people who have elevated you to power.

‘Makaan tha nahi, Kapra thora bohat tha, magar roti milti thi – tumhari larayi ne wo bhi cheen lee!’

(We didn’t have homes, we had a little bit of clothing, but we did get food! Your fight has snatched that too!)

Please forget your differences for once and do something for the people who are crumbling under this unbearable price-hike! You will have more of what you want if you solve these basic issues which require just a little bit of your attention, dedication and honesty!

Long Live Pakistan!

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