Man-made disasters such as collapse of a factory in Sundar in Lahore or torching of over 289 labourers in Karachi Baldia factory in 2012, or thousands murdered by criminal mafias and terrorists, and numerous avoidable fatal air crashes and road accidents can be prevented if state performs its role in accordance with laws and regulations in force. The rescue operation in Sundar factory collapse is comparatively better but this was a disaster that could have been prevented had various departments performed their designated roles, instead of becoming partners in criminal negligence and greed of factory owners.
Mere investigations, formation of committees, suspensions etc will not deter corrupt bureaucracy from criminal negligence unless exemplary punishments are given. It is for elected provincial and federal government to prove whether they are there to serve and protect people or to serve traders, contractors and real estate mafia.
What purpose does Punjab Industrial Estate office in Sundar, located within yards of this illegal factory, serve other than being reduced to another job providing organisation for cronies and retired former officers? Why should elected ministers, MNAs and MPAs intervene in the work of regulatory agencies? How can Sindh police justify its inaction in not arresting those responsible for Baldia massacre? Why should law enforcement seek permission from elected executive to arrest individuals who have committed a crime? Can ERRA justify its existence with an overstaffed administration of over 600 employees costing exchequer Rs1.5 billion annually, having funds to buy expensive 443 SUVs and cars for their executives, but no money to procure equipment to handle rescue operations?
While it may not be the business of state to do business, it is their responsibility to regulate all commercial activity to ensure that they neither resort to unfair practices nor compromise safety of life and property of citizens. The right of traders to make profits cannot be at the expense of endangering the lives of citizens of Pakistan. Emergency response and rescue operations is a specialised field and those in government who appoint blue eyed individuals lacking requisite qualifications and expertise cannot absolve themselves of their responsibilities and failures.
M T ALI
Lahore
