It feels like we’re standing on the precipice, watching our concerns get lost in the political storm

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

Once again, the season of elections is upon us, and the air is thick with the fervor of politics. Amidst the chaotic symphony of promises, some proudly declare a fair playing field, while others struggle in the shadows. As a dutiful member of the general public, diligently paying taxes and bills, I find myself in a paradox. My seemingly inconsequential vote holds the power to shuffle the cards for two families vying for the throne. Yet, the haunting specter of apathy lingers, casting doubt on the impact of our participation.

The political landscape is adorned with grandiose claims. Some boast of elevating the nation through the construction of roads, while others proclaim the establishment of a health system capable of curing a heart attack. Reflecting on the early days of my professional journey, I was imparted with the wisdom of teaching people to fish rather than merely providing them sustenance. And so, I ask – what measures have been taken to ensure the quality of essential food in the market, guarding against illnesses and preventing the sale of chemical-laden milk by unscrupulous mafias? The same is true for all we consume; quality is seemingly never controlled.

Even the assurance of purchasing genuine life-saving medication feels like an elusive dream. How can the establishment of district-level heart treatment centers be hailed as a solution when the fundamentals of a healthy society are ignored? Will they bother to compare the number of stunted infants and pregnant women, the lives saved, and the decrease in the mortality ratio? I am certain we have nothing to prove. Those who championed the development of roads should be questioned: who truly benefits, and who bears the costs? The price of public transport, once affordable, has skyrocketed. Who now owns the fuel pumps and vehicles, ultimately bearing the burden?

How can the establishment of district-level heart treatment centers be hailed as a solution when the fundamentals of a healthy society are ignored?

Since our hard-fought independence, a bitter realization has settled in – much of what we are told and taught is a facade, a narrative that crumbles upon closer inspection. The political theater unfolds, and in the midst of the spectacle, the truth remains obscured. Amidst the swirling promises and grand declarations, the very essence of our struggle for independence seems diluted. The heartache intensifies as we grapple with the dissonance between the rhetoric and the grim reality we face each day. It’s heartbreaking to witness the proud boasts of progress when the very foundations of a healthy, just society are crumbling.

As a member of the public, it feels like we’re standing on the precipice, watching our concerns get lost in the political storm. The disconnect between those in power and the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens is not just disheartening – it’s a poignant reminder of the chasm that widens with each passing election season. It’s not just about political maneuvering; it’s about the dreams and aspirations of a nation yearning for a genuine promise of progress. The emotional tone of our collective narrative must not be drowned out by the noise of empty slogans and superficial victories.