It's a new Pakistan...
... which just happens to be headed by the same people and parties which previously ran the government. Yes democratically-elected (yes, that's right, he was democratically elected this past Autumn by the National Assembly, deal with it) President Pervez Musharraf is now basking in the glow of a newly formed legislature, which despite being made up mostly of his opponents, gives him excellent democratic credentials. He oversaw this election, which though marred by irregularities on all sides, has expressed the will of the people (TM).It is unfortunate that such a widespread feeling of discontent among the masses has been co-opted by the reactionary PML-N and the less so Pakistan People's Party, both of which are symbols of corruption and mal-governance from many decades of dominance of the Pakistani political scene. There is no real difference between either of these parties and that of President Musharraf (PML-Q), all three exist to keep the economic and social status quo, to maintain order and allow the rich landlords, industrial robber barons, and military hierarchy to continue enjoying their privilege. There will be no redistribution of wealth, the shocking poverty that exists in Pakistan, the lack of water, food, shelter, clothing, electricity, healthcare (need I go on) while just miles away gated colonies of lush villas sit in peaceful isolation.
Success in Modern Pakistan should not be shunned or punished, but it must not allow the extremes of depravity to be forgotten. Living standards have not improved since the creation of Pakistan except for a very few. Nearly half of children of living malnourished while 1 bedroom apartments sell for 300 000+ Canadian Dollars. Millions still farm the land of rich proprietors who cling desperately to their remaining wealth, ever squeezing more from those below them. On the other hand there are thousands finding themselves newly wealthy, and no one can be lauded for trying to improve their lot for their family, but all the same, this situation is not working.
Pakistan's wealth is being squandered under mismanagement and hunger for profit. Companies wish to get rich at any costs, and wealth is created without the benefits ever reaching the people, in terms of tax or infrastructure. The state must invest in irrigation and development of farming resources so that people can feed themselves and afford to live, military spending should be cut and directed towards healthcare and education. Aid from abroad must reach the galis and rural outposts alike. Al lof this is within the control of the National Assembly, but what can one hope to see on any of these pressing issues? None at all. The political wrangling, tantrums, and back-door deals are going going to characterise this new government, nothing more. The change in Pakistan is nothing more than cosmetic (and even in that sense these are all faces we have seen before).
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Libellés : Pakistan, Pauvreté et développement, Politique
par Abdul-Rahim à 11:26
