The State of Affairs
Looking across the country, and particularly in Sindh, there's a pervasive sense of frustration. It seems nothing is working properly. Repairs to dykes remain incomplete, raising concerns as we face the possibility of similar floods this year.
Education in Sindh has seen a decline, with the literacy rate dropping from 59.8 percent to 58.2 percent. This negative growth stands in stark contrast to the global pursuit of 100% literacy under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In fact, our situation appears worse than countries like Rwanda, Sudan, and Ghana, which at least show some positive growth.
Beyond literacy rates, the quality of education itself is questionable. By any measure, our graduates seem to consistently fall within the bottom quartile.
Beyond Education: A Multifaceted Crisis
Poverty, inflation, deteriorating roads, lawlessness, environmental degradation, and corruption are all issues that seem to be consistently on the rise. There's a common belief that "the ills of democracy can only be removed with more democracy." However, reality suggests that the current state of affairs might be breeding even more severe problems, ones for which solutions may be elusive.
The Need for Change
Let me be clear: I'm not against democratic governance itself. My concern lies with the current, ineffective interpretation of democracy that politicians readily exploit. We cannot allow them to ruin the country under the banner of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto's legacy. Reconciliation, used as a justification for questionable actions, seems to contradict the true philosophy behind her vision.
What we truly need is a system that upholds justice, promotes peace, and empowers those who speak truth. We need strong educational leadership that ensures quality education reaches even the most remote and impoverished areas. We need dedicated healthcare professionals who prioritize service delivery. Most importantly, we need honest and committed policymakers who can guide us forward.
The Power of the Ballot Box
Addressing these needs requires a critical element: honest and dedicated politicians. As voters, we have the power to enact change through our ballots. We must reject the current crop of politicians and identify young leaders from the lower and middle classes to contest elections.
Concluding Thoughts
These are just some thoughts that came to mind, observations swirling "in the winds" so to speak. I would appreciate your comments and feedback on these issues.
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