As the world celebrated the consumer rights day on 15th March, the NAB, a government of nominated body, decided to stop its investigation of the sugar price hike manipulated by a nexus of mill-owners and hoarders.
Perhaps the regime could not have given a more detestable and controversial manifestation of its utter disregard for the rights of common man of Pakistan. Maybe those in power are so assured of their perpetual hold on power, that they do not care a damn about the sensitivities and frustration of the citizens. It is the moral obligation of the government to protect its citizens from being exploited and harmed by the powerful elite.
The state in civilised democratic sovereign countries, comes to the aid of the weak and poor. It taxes the rich, to feed the poor and sick citizens. Unfortunately in Pakistan the state has come out to protect the rich and prevent their persecution for crimes commited against the people of Pakistan.
NAB's decision to stop investigation of sugar price raise, has hurt the people of Pakistan and amounts to putting salt on their wounds. This is a violation of international norms and ethics and displays the void between the rulers and the ruled.
The consumers in Pakistan have no rights, nor does the State come to their aid. The law-abiding common man of Pakistan has no right to protest against the overcharging in electricity, water or telephone bills. In Pakistan you are guilty, till you prove otherwise.
It is the privelege of the powerful elite of this country to rob the poor, not pay taxes, usurp national assets, and acquire real estate at throwaway prices. The weak role of the Prime Minister, the Parliament and judiciary has exposed the credentials of the regime.