Daily Times

LAHORE: The city of Lahore caters to many guests on Eidul Azha every year; among these ‘Eid guests’ are the farmers and tenants belonging deprived suburban villages, who come to trade their cattle, sheep and goats for the religious sacrifice.

During a survey about their political awareness and opinion about the current situation in the country, especially about the governance issues, the visitors said that they were impressed by the development in Lahore, but were sad that the government was not providing these facilities in their villages.

While speaking on the political issues like terrorism and corruption in the country, they said that the cities were mainly infected with these problems, while in the rural areas, there were no
such issues.

They lauded the military for its operation against terrorism, but were not happy with the politicians and bureaucrats, as they never fulfilled the promises they made to facilitate the public.

A farmer, Ashraf alias Achho, said that ‘ending corruption’ is just a fake slogan that all political parties and public offices shout and brag about. “I don’t see it ending anytime soon,” he opined.

Another farmer, Shahid alias Shakoo, said that the mansions in which the politicians live are a proof of their corruption, adding that the elite would never change a system that benefits them and they don’t care about the hardworking farmers and labourers,
he added.

He said none of the political parties were sincere to the labour class, as they have never sacrificed their own houses and lands for the deprived people. “All they do is make false claims,” he added.

He was of the view that the authorities concerned would only stall the Panama Leaks case and nothing would change for the poor in the country.