AS if we needed another proof for the inefficiency with which the affairs of the country are run by the government, the country plunged into darkness with a complete or almost complete breakdown of electricity and the national grid caused by a peak in the low electricity generation or the reported tripping of Mangla, Tarbela and Hubco feeders.

While the transmission system seems to have been restored for the time being, the reason behind its breakdown was the low amount of electricity produced or wilful closure that led to the collapse when the Uch power plant had to be closed down for technical reasons.

There is a consensus in the country that the shortage of power production in Pakistan is a man-made one. It depends on faults like circular debt and non-availability of furnace oil and gas which leads to the permanent or partial closure of many thermal power stations.

And deliberately ignoring construction of dams, the inability of different institutions and people to solve these problems again is caused by their sheer incompetence and the practice of appointing political favourites on key posts in disregard of merit and seniority. Corruption is another major fault, bringing the system to a complete breakdown.

Such a state of affairs is not just an inconvenience for citizens and industries, it could bring a situation where Pakistan could become a failed state. Just imagine what happens if in such a situation there is an attack on our borders, the Taliban or anybody else utilises this opportunity and strikes at our cities or military installations?

These are questions that have to be answered and they will not be answered by the current regime. Basic and fundamental change is needed to prevent a total collapse of the state and its institutions.

ALI ASHRAF KHAN Karachi