THERE is a trend in our society to criticise the government and institutions. People become furious over governance issues and administrative decisions every now and then. They demand a new and better government after every election, and after every election they start grumbling.

However, people do not realise that those in high positions are from amongst them.

Besides, after all, people get the kind of rulers they deserve. If one thinks about it, the maxim is actually quite true at least in the context of the current political situation in Pakistan.

The government and institutions are blamed for this, that and everything,

but what about the common man? Is he any less corrupt? From the fruit vendors to the clerks in government offices, everybody is laced with some shade of corruption. Being inefficient and lacking in moral values are the most common forms of it.

People employed at different positions indulge in moral, ethical and legal violations without giving it a second thought. Even students at college and university levels believe in greasing palms to pass examinations, and there is no pang of conscience about siphoning off some money from any amount collected for arranging, say, a class event.

Even children buying groceries for home tend to keep some money aside for their own consumption and then indulge in some ‘creative’ accounting in front of their parents. There are many other such examples from everyday life in Pakistan that will show us how corrupt we are as a nation.

That being so, how can we expect to have a corruption-free country when almost everyone is involved in some kind of corruption, be it a child or a political leader?

Hence, people need to revisit their core and moral values. Only then one can hope to get a corruption-free state with honest leaders. It is rightly said that the change begins with you.

Awais Raza Memon
Hyderabad

POLITICAL CIRCUS: The ongoing tug of war between political parties is distressing for any loyal and sensible Pakistani. The politicians are fighting for themselves. Had anyone of them been sincere to the country and its people, they would have been working for educational reforms, betterment of infrastructure, provision of basic necessities, and ending enforced disappearances and lawlessness. Unfortunately, more people are either sleeping or worshipping their leaders. Hence, no matter who comes to power, the problems of the people remain the same.

Muhammad Hamza Qamar
Bahawalpur

TREE CUTTING: A branch of the Mir Wah canal passes beside our village in Kobri Minor. There were thousands of Sheesham and other trees on the banks. But all of them have been chopped off. The main route on Kobri Minor which connects our village to other villages and towns is now unbearable to pass. The trees used to provide a soothing shade to pedestrians and animals besides providing oxygen. The authorities concerned should plant new trees in the area.

Abdul Aziz Noohpoto
Khairpur Mirs

NEGLECTED DERA BUGTI: Balochistan’s Dera Bugti district and its urban areas, such as Sui, Sangsela, Pirkoh and Zain Loti, remain deprived of basic utilities, like water and electricity. The locals struggle to fetch water for their daily use. Many of them have migrated as their an­i­mals were dying due to the water shortage. Sadly, this is the district that supplies gas to the country. All concerned should take immediate action in this regard.

Farooq Bugti
Lahore

DRAINAGE PROBLEM: The drainage system of Lahore has gone from bad to worse over the last 15 years. The situation of my area, Iqbal Town, is no different. It is common to see overflowing sewers in the area. The posh areas are somewhat better in terms of cleanliness. The government should take notice of the poor hygiene and sanitation of the area and take necessary steps to address the problem.

Momina Batool
Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2022