Hopeless, helpless, homeless

That’s what we have become in our homeland

Dejection, they say, brings out the worst of man from within, though not in literature and other social theories wherein satisfaction becomes a reason for creativity. Prophet, saint, philanthropist and a lot more this pure creature human being is. But the moment it faces tyranny, victimisation, deprivation, oppression, it turns into a ferocious, barbaric, inhumane and beastly human being. It becomes a threat for the society plagued by affliction and dismay that rusts the motivational aspect that a human being naturally carries within him.

We, as a nation, have fallen prey to dejection and disappointment. To us “hope never comes that comes to all”. Our nation badly lacks motivation with no probable chance of it in the near future. We lag behind economically and in every other field. Here “rest can never dwell; but torture without end; still urges, and a fiery deluge, fed with ever-burning Sulphur unconsumed”.

Massive shortages of electricity, unprecedented load shedding of gas, dwindling economy, horrible sectarian killings, and ever worst situation of law and order, which Rehman Malik claims is under control, and the whole youth in hate and agony, this land of the pure is going to dogs in a whirlwind of destruction and chaos. Even Satan might not have discovered such a ‘sight of woes’ at the place of ‘Eternal Justice’.

Youth is dispirited either due to an overdose of emotions that are sure to take a hold of them, or due to the bleak and dismal situation facing the country.

Be that as it may, youngsters are uninterested in books or making their future that some claim they can have in Pakistan. They spend an idle lifestyle, ignoring their career and reach a stage where nothing could be done except becoming criminals. They become a burden on the earth instead of sharing it for the benefit of humanity. It seems tit for tat. As the state is not cognizant of its obligations, they too don’t care about its prosperity, integrity, and well-being.

The tragedy does not end here. The society holds sway over all that we need to discuss openly to disentangle the intertwined dogmas and tenets that have dug deep roots in the society that believes in status quo. It will not let us do anything that a natural and inborn aptitude in a common man demands for. The society makes sure that nothing comes out of us except the routine stuff that majority of us believe in.

Here, there is no enjoyment and no entertainment. It seems as if everyone abhors it, but ironically all wish for it too. But why can’t we have an environment where everyone could feel happy and pleasant, where there are cordial workplaces, where people are happy, where kids go to schools eagerly, where anyone can worship any God he or she submits to, where processions go peaceful on their routes, where business places boom with customers, where there is respect for all irrespective of religion, caste or creed, and where police stations work efficiently, diligently and for the people among many other things?

Instead, what we get here is bloodshed and violence, mothers bitterly crying over brutal killings of their sons and others waiting for kidnappers to call them for ransom, army soldiers being killed by our own people, a province fighting the war of its separation, politicians shouting on opposition parties to settle scores, labourers dying of hunger, journalists being denied their salaries, common people suffering from load shedding, kids going to schools without breakfast, traders taking to streets against losses in billions, youth without jobs, but the elite and policymakers amassing wealth with both hands, owners of big media organisations selling out ideologies for commercials and capitalists still going for more and more.

Hats off to the land of the pure abound with impurities, hats off to the citizens living and claiming to live in an independent and sovereign state, and a resounding applause for the politicians, especially Rehman Malik, controlling this state at whims.

The only entertainment that our youth relies on – mobile service – also goes suspended now and then, a new technique and measure to counter insurgency. Ban on pillion riding stops us from going outside. Cinemas wear deserted looks with no indigenous film to play. Students’ future is being threatened with massive shortage of electricity.

The sons of the soil have raped their motherland. Now with swollen womb, the motherland has nothing to beget but hopelessness, helplessness, and homelessness. It is giving birth to horrendous and ghastly babies – bombs, blood, mutilated bodies, kidnappings, and separation movements – and I fear it may have a traitor in its womb aspiring its accession to our enemies.

This homeland was ascribed with great and visionary dreams but they have failed to materialise. Where do we stand when we compare our homeland to the one to our east? The comparison should put us to shame. I know it puts me to shame; it should do the same to you too.

The writer is a staff member and can be reached at [email protected]