Sir: On August 13, 1947, the most lethal weapon one could carry was a penknife. Today, everyone who is anyone carries the most modern, sophisticated and lethal weapons. On August 13, 1947, if someone killed another person, he/she would be hanged or awarded life imprisonment. Today, hundreds are being killed and the murderers are getting away with it. On August 13, 1947, the patwari-thanedar (property official and policeman) duo would never dare do what they are doing today.
On August 13, 1947, milk could be bought in its pure form. Today, milk is a chemical brew. A German laboratory found nine chemicals in a sample of milk sold in Pakistan. On August 13, 1947, groceries could be bought in their pure form. Today, they are sprayed with lethal acid. On August 13, 1947, no one had ever heard of fake medicines, fake doctors and fake degrees. Today, Pakistan is more akin to ‘fake-istan’ than anything else, where almost everything is fake or counterfeit. On August 13, 1947, there were no mafia organisations. Today, a mafia organisation is found under every rock one cares to look under.
DR IRFAN ZAFAR
Islamabad