By Mian Abuzar Shad,
President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The truth is, whatever position or office we hold, it is our duty to work for the betterment of the country and the nation. Unfortunately, in our society, the number of people who work with sincerity and honesty is as rare as salt in flour. In such a situation, when someone tries to bring about positive change with good intentions, wisdom, and integrity, the system either pulls them into the rat race or ensures their failure.
When I casually expressed my interest in contesting elections from NA-129, I was surprised to see that my friends welcomed the idea with open arms. I received assurances of support and cooperation from various circles. During this time, my daughter, who has completed her master’s degree from the prestigious Columbia University in the United States, said something that completely changed my perspective. She asked:
“Abu, after winning the Lahore Chamber election, you’ve already earned the trust of constituencies that influence 16 MNAs and 36 MPAs. Why do you need to become an MNA?”
This simple question forced me to deeply reflect. Some friends jokingly said:
“There’s no use becoming an MNA. If you really want to become something, become an MN-A!”
When I asked what that meant, they laughed and replied:
“It means become someone powerful like Mohsin Naqvi, the Federal Interior Minister.”
Though this was said in jest, my daughter’s words carried weight, and I chose to stay quiet.
Once again, the real point is that regardless of our position, it is our responsibility to serve the nation with honesty and purpose. But here, such individuals are few and far between. When someone sincerely tries to make a difference, the system throws them into the rat race—or crushes them.
Either a madman or a saint can forget the wounds they carry. I am neither. But in my 70-year journey, the wounds I have seen on this nation’s chest still keep me awake at night, prompting me to write something.
• The breakup of the country in 1971 was the deepest wound.
• Loans were taken in the name of development, but we were pushed into underdevelopment. Today, the country is buried under more than $130 billion in debt.
• 110 million people are living below the poverty line.
When Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became Prime Minister, he nationalized industries and educational institutions on bureaucratic advice. That decision is still seen as a major cause of economic destruction. The nation is still paying the price for it.
It is as clear as day that the country cannot be run by bureaucracy. If the bureaucracy was truly capable, then PIA, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Steel Mills, PASSCO, Utility Stores, and many other national institutions wouldn’t be in ruins. Even Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted that half the bureaucracy has taken Portuguese nationality. Figures like Ahad Cheema and Tauseef Shah represent a system where bureaucracy holds power and the nation is helpless. That’s why even politicians with four decades of democratic experience seem powerless today.
Recently, I wrote a column titled “999 Crocodiles.” Among hundreds of columns I have written, each one reflects my struggle with the pen. I firmly believe that when God empowered a tiny bird like Ababeel to destroy the mighty army of Abraha, and a mosquito to humble Nimrod, then He can also give my pen the power to shake someone’s conscience.
Pakistanis have $200 billion stashed abroad. Politicians and bureaucrats own properties outside the country. Each year, $12 billion is transferred to Dubai, $16 billion is lost to floods, $12 billion worth of water is wasted, and another $12 billion leaves the country through illegal hundi and hawala channels.
Since Pakistan’s independence, underground water levels have dropped by 600%. Instead of reducing poverty, the Benazir Income Support Program has increased the number of people below the poverty line. Many schools today have turned into storage units or cattle sheds.
Is this the Pakistan that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned?
We must ask ourselves:
• Is this democracy?
• Does democracy mean that only a few families inherit power?
• If yes, then our fate could be no different than that of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
This rat race must come to an end.
The nation must identify its real enemy—not an outsider, but the one eating us up from within. We must make decisions now. And if we fail to stand with the truth, we will fall far behind.
And if we can do nothing else, then at least let’s enforce the law of the jungle—because even in a jungle, there is a code of conduct.
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