An earthquake of severe intensity rocked Islamabad, NWFP, Punjab, Azad Kashmir and parts of Balochistan on the morning of 8th October. Nature with all its fury had shaken this country, but unfortunately Islamabad was caught sleeping.
The multi-story Marghalla Towers had come crashing down in the heart of our capital city, but there was no official present till one hour. In any case no meaningful rescue effort could be launched because there were no cranes, cutters or heavy earth moving machinery.
One can imagine what would be the plight of hundreds of thousands of homeless poor citizens in the small towns and villages affected by this natural calamity.
Unfortunately the priorities of our establishment are shamefully repulsive. We do not have the funds for medical equipment, and tools to mount a survival rescue operation, but enough funds to procure luxurious Pajeros, Land Cruisers, Mercedes and other expensive limousines for the multitude of our civil and armed bureaucrats.
Our governors, chief ministers, various heads of our military establishment have personal executive jets, helicopters and a fleet of bullet proof cars, but there are no funds for provision of civil helicopter ambulances and other essential rescue equipment. Even heads of some semi-autonomous corporations have acquired corporate jets.
The regime must fear the wrath of God, if it does hold itself accountable to public opinion. The CDA was supposed to cater to the needs of the civilian population of Islamabad. Provision of Fire Fighting and Rescue Equipment is an essential part of any city. It is not the role of CDA to focus solely on real estate development and expansion, unless it has provided the already existing residential areas with basic infrastructure.
Pakistan was not created to be a boon for the real estate Mafia, which holds the rein of power, but to be a democratic welfare state.
This earthquake has exposed the hollow claims of CDA and the insensitivity of our political establishment.
The Chief Minister of Punjab meanwhile is away on holidays in London along with head of PML (Q), while the poor innocent citizens of this country suffer.
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