The real energy crisis

Pakistan has been reeling under energy crisis now for nearly a decade. Why cannot it put its act together? The issue is not with the generation of energy but with the energy of the mind by which a natural resource is put to use. The natural resources of all countries vary in keeping with the ecological and natural biodiversity. The kind of energy that I have in mind has to do with applying Pakistanis own mindset to the natural resource base so that the country develops on its own strengths and weaknesses. There are some fundamental principles that have to be kept in mind. Unless those fundamental principles that apply to all animate creatures. The first is that development is the rule by which a differentiation is established. This differentiation is from one form of generality and this multiplies ad infinitum as this process goes on. The scale and time of development is covered by this process that has evolved in nature over time. Developments depend on co- developments. In other words, development cannot stand on its own. Co-operation implies conscious intent. Take any major issue in our country and see if single handed policy would solve the issues. We are very happy when a policy fails and then the PM states that he would take personal responsibility for doing what has to be done. But can he take responsibility for the electricity debacle, the gas shortages and what have you? What are the ministers responsible for? Are they merely for the purpose of siphoning of resources? Are they worth their weight so far as work is concerned? Each minister costs a colossal amount and if we were to accumulate these and see what can be achieved for the children of lesser gods in Thar, Sargodha, Cholistan and Balochistan not to forget the people of North and South Waziristan. Who ever said they were not Pakistanis for they may be more patriotic than you and I. I met family that were driven out for their safety and who did not want to leave their houses. They are a joint family of 60 members and they had to rent four houses to live in. How can they survive this onslaught? I went with a colleague and the locals stated that their entire commercial system has been devastated. Their animals small and large were killed by the bombardment. The resurrection of these systems is more difficult than what you and I think.
Development is a natural process in which everyone participates. Can we imagine our policymakers ever coming out with a policy energising the local area people to achieve what has been set out to achieve is our requirement? Are the requirements different for different areas? Definitely the requirements of Thar, Cholistan and other marginal and peripheral areas will not be the same. The aspirations of people vary. They vary with the natural resources that they have. The requirements of the Gilgit area will be different. Then how does one apply themselves to what is to be done? The idea of a planning commission is then obliterated. The minds have not been developed in these areas with the result that we have people living in different stages and categories of civilised living. Serfdom, caste systems are a source of outrage. These are major economic handicaps literally blocking development and strengthening the hands of the few elites. Are the people of Thar demented? If so who is responsible for them? The gora sahibs are no longer in position but the kala Sahib's going is more difficult. The reason is not far to seek. In democracy the energy for governance comes from the lowest rung and we do not have that lowest rung of democratically-elected local councillors.
The qualities are inherently there with the people and these are requirements of initiative and resourcefulness. Where in our society is there any resourcefulness? Where in our society are there the incentives to use initiatives? People do not need to be geniuses or with extraordinary talent to develop their own work. These qualities are in abundance in the people of Pakistan no matter of what creed or area they belong. We need a more open society and a more caring one. Then the ordinary workers will develop their own resources. I used to maintain that agriculture is the largest private sector and that is proved by the people of Pakistan migrating to other open societies to seek shelter from the oppression that is there in our country. If one studies the pattern of migration then there is qualitative differences between the countries that Pakistanis have migrated to. A different educated class to Dubai another one to Canada and the USA or to the European countries. Even our industry is leaving us. Manufacturing industry that was actually paid for by the taxpayer is now shifting to other countries. The reasons are obvious. We are becoming a jerky nation with all the contradictions in our system. If someone is saying something then it is better to listen and correct the issue. No, our TV channels make things worse by creating a conflict zone between the various political agents that we have. The debates are actually a mudslinging effort. There is no decency left in these debates.
When will the people of these marginal and peripheral areas be treated as human beings and when will they get their due? The Washington-Islamabad nexus has to break and we must be able to live on our own resources. We used to do that in the 1950s and I see no reason why we cannot tighten our belts. Yes all frivolous expenditure in the name of development has to stop. Why the metro bus? Why the continuous breakdown of traffic and why the deaths of passengers on the roads of Pakistan? Any count? The police have been giving away licences for driving with a lot of let. Why play with the lives of Pakistanis in this manner?
The remedy lies in allowing all living wages and providing them with the means of developing their abilities. The PM's entrepreneur schemes' whereabouts are not known. The ministries and the ministers have to pay up or pack up. If they cannot do it on their own then a situation will arise when the people of Pakistan will take matters in their own hands. I maintain to my friends that the medical profession has gone to pieces because we are producing quacks from these mohalla colleges. Gali gali may medical college hai. If life is of no consequence then what system we have is equally inconsequential. Pakistan has to put its own act together. Instead of playing the blame game there are things to do and there are things to give up. Yes both are significant.