It has only been a week and a few days since I've been in Karachi and already I have seen so much destitution. I have seen sewage water running along the side of the road. I have seen numerous garbage piles in every corner and every block. I have seen families of 4 or more cooking food in the open fire outside with no roof over their heads. I have seen individuals eating while flies surround them and in their food. I have seen individuals eating with dogs and cats eating from the same plate. I have seen stranded dogs and cats searching for food and love. I have seen homes with no solid foundation and on the verge of collapse, yet they are still occupied. I have seen young children and women old enough to be your grandmothers begging for money from each passing car (I will talk more about this further). I have seen children wearing tattered clothes doing hard labour work instead of playing with friends.
Seeing all this makes me extremely sad and raises a lot of questions. Sad because most of the hard working, honest people get used and trampled on by those who have no disregard for others. Sad because there are some kids who will never know what it feels like to be a child. Sad because there are mothers and fathers out there who know that their child will not make it to see their 3rd birthday and there is nothing they can do about it. Sad because every single individual has so much potential, but there are not many people who realize this potential.
But I am happy about something. Happy that even though there are some individuals who make only $2 dollars/day, or less, they work with integrity and honesty. They work hard and have a deep interest in improving their lot and contribute to their society. I am happy that there are caring people out there that honestly believe in the treasures individuals possess and do their utmost to bring these treasures to surface. One such individual I am referring to is the Aga Khan. However, there are many like him. You only need to go back into history or open your eyes. “We are gathered here today, not simply because we share the view that the poor must be enabled to overcome their circumstances. It is because we firmly believe that the disadvantaged amongst us must be able to build a sound and secure future with dignity and pride - and not merely to survive.” This quote is from the Aga Khan, from his speech at the inauguration of the First Microfinance Bank in Islamabad on March 11, 2002. We must all heed to this message and it is high time we start thinking and doing collectively instead of getting stuck in an individualistic society. I am not here to preach, just stating my views and opinions. If only individuals were given a chance to truly recognize their potential, we as a collective human race would truly prosper in all aspects. We need to work together to help individuals believe in themselves...to have faith in themselves and the treasures they possess...to instil hope in them. Hope for today and the future.
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Shazmah-
ReplyDeleteYou are an incredible writer! You could almost write a book about your experiences in Pakistan! Keep the stories coming!
Mandy
Shaz,
ReplyDeleteYour blog entry was a heartfelt account of reality in Pakistan...but I am glad that it ended off with a note of hope, because even in despair, there is always hope to be found.
Poverty in developing countries is an issue, but even in so called 'developed' countries, the poor are becoming poorer, as this report on OED country explains.
Another point, is that the conditions we see today in 'developed' countries, are the result of historical developments. Often today, people who don't know their history, tend to think that the 'developing' countries are in such a state because they "can't pull themselves together". Of course, this kind of language is totally ignorant. The reality is that there is a big connection between the economically rich countries, and the economically poor...one simply needs to look back the British colonial phase to see this evident link.
The exploitation of the poor continues today. The poor produce much of what we, in the "rich" countries, consume.
The above picture of the "rich" countries isn't as simple as it seems. Of course, it is because of the efforts emerging in the "rich" countries that the poor are beginning to self-sustain themselves, although much more needs to happen for sure.
So, given the connectivity of the matter, the responsibility is on all of us, as you said, to mend the situation.
Keep on writing :)
It is really interesting how the term "poverty" is constantly being defined and re-defined. This notion of "Quality of LIfe" is more than about a certain level of income or certain neighborhood. A larger part of it is about living with dignity and self-respect. Viewing all of this can be difficult and depressing but remember that what you are doing is exactly what HI wants for his "Jamat of Destiny," which is to gain education/knowledge/skills from the developed countries and share it with the developing countries.
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