Some of the Urdu and Punjabi sayings and proverbs are very meaningful as they are based on our local conditions and ground realities. Razia Gundon Main Phas Gai ( Razia fell amongst gangsters), and Kutti Mil Gai Choraan Nal (The watchdog joined the thieves), are sayings which rightly describe our current situation.
Poor Razia has no escape while the watchdog has been won over, under these circumstances no change is possible. As the first generation of Pakistan we have strong feelings for Razia but have not been able to rescue her from the strong arms of the ‘Goondas’. Once we are gone, Razia will be in captivity forever as the coming generations did not interact with the founding fathers nor heard the stories of their struggle, migration and resettlement in the new land which was destined to be the ‘ Land of the Pure ‘. The republic was the first Islamic Democracy of the world, in the words of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto where the workability of Islam was to be experimented. Has the experiment failed? Why have the ‘ Goondas ‘ succeeded in capturing ‘ Razia ‘?
Against all odds the founding fathers worked very hard to consolidate our freedom. By and large honesty prevailed. People lived within their means.
Life was simple and basic. Nation building was taken very seriously. There was a major focus on education with outstanding and committed teachers. After some struggle, the 1956 Constitution was also legislated, with elections scheduled for 1958 but instead Martial Law was imposed with promises of fast-track development. Finally the bubble burst, street protests started against the dictator. As students we were at the forefront of this movement. Despite a brutal crackdown, the protesters held their ground.
Every Police Station once maintained a record of these unscrupulous elements, it was called Basta B ( ‘B’ Register).It has been alleged that most of these individuals were inducted into the force between 1985 to 2018. Basta B‘ can be a good starting point to go after the Goondas to gain freedom for Razia. Every Inspector General, Chief Secretary, and Secretary should know that the state has decided to take on the Basta B Goondas to liberate Razia from their clutches
Ayub fell but his ‘Goondas stayed. The first free and fair elections of 1970 proved to be a major setback for the fallen regime’s lef overs. The 1973 unanimous Constitution liberated Razia from the control of the Goondas but the window was short-lived. In July 1977 it was all over.
A new set of Goondas were launched. The 1985 partyless elections further cornered the democratic forces. From this divided house emerged an able PM who tried to serve Razia but was bundled out in connivance with the Goondas. While Razia helplessly watched the show went unchecked.
In the 2013 elections a third force led by Imran Khan emerged on the political horizon which challenged the status-quo with a promise of change. He decided to build a ‘Naya Pakistan’. Finally in 2018 he gained power, the Goondas and their Anni‘ ( Unchecked Corruption ) was challenged.
Anni is a very interesting and meaningful Punjabi word. When individuals of influence get away with all kinds of wrongdoings, it is best described by this word. For the last forty years, Razia has been subjected to this Anni by the state-sponsored and -created Goondas in the guise of political leadership.
They were not alone in this evil venture, the establishment supported this Anni while civilian institutions came under attack.The role of the judiciary and the bureaucracy was also deplorable. Fighting against this Anni‘ is an uphill task which was grossly underestimated.
Within the party in power, there were two extreme viewpoints. The evergreen electables did not see any major challenge as they were in cahoots with the Goondas and looked the other way while Razia suffered. The party’s old guard warned against this impending threat but it was overlooked. While the PM is on the side of the entrapped Razia, people around him are not, they are unwilling to let go. The freedom of Razia does not suit the Anni Gang who manage to cling to power.
Recently several terms have surfaced. The PM has blamed the entrenched ‘Mafias’ but no one is willing to take them on. The watchdogs or the department heads do not play their role in protecting common interests, it is the scenario of;  Kutti Mil Gai Chooran Nal. Cases against the corrupt drag on with no conviction while the ‘Goondas’ manage to get bail, leaving Razia in chains. It reminds me of the famous Neelo song and dance performed in chains in Riaz Shahid’s epochal film; Zarqa.
Unless Razia is unchained her movements will be limited, it will be more of a protest. Yes indeed our protests have continued but with limited success, the Goondas have succeeded in muffling Razia’s calls for help in putting an end to this Anni. In Punjab they say, ” Ani pai hui ay tay puchhanwala koi na’een. ” (Despite the unbridled mischief there is no one to check it ).
For the much needed reforms to take place there has to be clarity of mission.
Merely shifting around officials only provides short-term satisfaction. Relief is not possible unless the causes are addressed. Every citizen represents Razia; and he or she has to be served, not exploited or kicked around. The Goondas have to be identified and then pushed out of the system. The no-go areas in Karachi were highly publicised. Such pockets exist right here in the ‘ Nagri of Data ‘, in fact around it.
Every Police Station once maintained a record of these unscrupulous elements, it was called Basta B ( ‘B’ Register).It has been alleged that most of these individuals were inducted into the force between 1985 to 2018. Basta B‘ can be a good starting point to go after the Goondas to gain freedom for Razia. Every Inspector General, Chief Secretary , and Secretary should know that the state has decided to take on the Basta B Goondas to liberate Razia from their clutches.
