Are you having a good holiday Mr. President? While you are away traveling Europe, I thought I’d be a good citizen and let you know about the latest that is happening in your country.
I know you left just two days ago but it seems you were never here. Perhaps a national address would have been nice before you left – you had plenty of reasons to speak to us, don’t you think?
Have you ever had that nightmare when something is after you and when you feel you’ve finally dodged it and can now take a quick breather, all of a sudden something else starts chasing you? No? Don’t worry, I’ll tell you all about it in this letter.
But before I tell you that, do tell me how you stuck to your plan of visiting Britain despite the country’s PM saying that Pakistan must not be allowed to “promote the export of terror whether to India, whether to Afghanistan or to anywhere else in the world.”
Ouch. And still you went. Chances are you’ll shake his hand and pose for a few pictures too. I’m glad you don’t keep grudges – especially against those who say very irresponsible things regarding your country – and then further reiterate them by saying they will not take their words back!
Anyway, that took me away from the nightmare. I’d like to go back to what we were talking about. Yes, so while I clicked on some pictures of you smiling with Nicholas Sarkozy, your children along your side, I also happened to come across pictures of some other families. They weren’t well-dressed and neither were they in France. They were crying, sitting in various parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. But then again, they are just a statistic right? I am not sure what the death toll was when you left but it has now crossed 1,400, with over three million affected. I understand discussing diplomacy and terror strategies are important but what about these people, sir? Are they really just a statistic for you? People with homes swept away and children drowned, can’t just be statistics.
So while bridges are collapsing and dams are bursting, tell me what you are doing Mr.President? I hear you’ll be visiting Normandy too. What’s that like? I’ve never been and chances are neither has 90 per cent of your nation. Perhaps a field trip at some point would be nice? Or maybe just ensuring food and water for your people would be enough for now – Normandy can wait.
You must have heard about the plane crash. In fact you sent some of your government leaders such as Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Interior Minister Rehman Malik in a helicopter to view the crash site – I didn’t see you there but that’s okay. I am sure you must have said a prayer for the victims that night. Anyway, so that’s a part of Pakistan’s nightmare too – 152 lives gone in an instant.
And tell me a bit more about this WikiLeaks scenario? Once again people started at us – between me and you sir, do you think any of those reports were true or are the ‘others’ just out to get us? I don’t know much about all this. I can only read about it, maybe ask my father or my boss but I’m curious to know what you think.
Following the chain of tragedies, here is another one. MPA Raza Haider was killed last night. He was in a mosque when our favourite enemies, “the unknown gunmen”, came and shot him. Don’t worry sir, Rehman Malik has once again promised us that there will be an investigation and the culprits will be bought to justice. Malik said that this is because someone is trying to destablise the country. Once again Mr. President I want to know your take on that. I don’t mean to be rude to Malik but frankly I am a bit tired of his false promises.
Karachi went mad last night. Anger blazed out of its buses and gas stations. Firing kept so many awake last night that they didn’t even need to fall asleep to have a nightmare! I am glad you weren’t in town otherwise you would have been pretty disturbed as well. At least we know you are safe and sound with your children in France.
I must get back to work now Mr. President and I am sure you must be traumatized enough after reading about all this. I really hate being the bearer of bad news but I promise you, the day I hear something good or see something positive, I’ll type out another letter to you. Until then, sleep well.
Best regards.
Shyema Sajjad is the Deputy Editor at Dawn.com
Photo illustration by Eefa Khalid / Dawn.com
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
To
Nadia:
Crocodile tears and white lies is what we have been getting from Mr.president et al, unfortunately
Lets all join hands in this Holy month and pray for His mercy and forgiveness
Salam,
I have been away from Pakistan for many years now but am disheartened to see it change for the worse. When I had left about 8 years ago it was still a country that felt fresh and young. Now it seems that corruption has run rampant, far worse then ‘chai paani’ for the thulas. I still cant believe that people actually voted for the party of Mr. zardari knowing what his party is capable of. My heart goes out to Pakistan and Inshallah I hope to be able to be a part of the relief effort soon.
it is the habit our poeple that they can speak well and write well but my question to all of you is keep quite and ask your self . how sincere we are with our country? what practically we done for our country? do we have courage to speak infront of any political leader to say that sir you are wrong you are not according to islam and law. simply we desrve these leaders WHY? because if just think anout our self not for even our real brother. soooo pakistani please WAKE UP!
may Allah safe our country from these greedy, selfish, and selfcentered leaders. Ameen
I didn’t find anything interesting in your article Shyema Sajjad. If president got to do all that then whats the purpose of Federal govt. and four provincial govts. As for as uk’s prime ministers statement is concern, no pakistani liked it weather in pakistan or abroad. Cancelling uk’s tour on that basis could have harmed pakistan’s interest and benefit none but India. If for instance I agree with your comments, then we should refuse all uk’s investment in Pakistan, do not accept any donation from Uk govt to help flood victims or any other victims, all leadership sitting in the Uk, including Altaf Hussain, Imran Khan children plus one million Pakistani including myself should quit the Uk because its matter of National pride and integrety. All I say please don’t forget the ground realities, before you lift your pen. Its alot easier to criticise and spread hate but please think positive I’m sure you will find few good things…. Trust me.
Amazing Article!!
Though I may not know much about politics being a student but from what I’ve seen and heard, the only person who can save Pakistan is IMRAN KHAN…
For the past 63years since Pakistan’s inception, We have tried everyone from Benazir to Nawaz to Zardari to Chaudhries… Isn’t it time we bring in a new leader who loves Pakistan from the core of his heart…A person who has done so much for Pakistan.. From winning the World Cup to building the best Cancer Hospital in Asia and even that is Free of cost..Truly Amazing!!
My heart and eyes Cry when I see the PPP or the PML(N) winning the by-elections.. I wonder how our people can be brain-washed to such an extent??
People of Pakistan, Plz Wake up before it’s too late (hope that never comes)
an extremely well written article. wish we had more “freedom of expression”. some nice adjectives infront of the president’s name might have eased off the steam in us pakistanis hearts more.
Dear Shyema, first of all Ramadan Mubarak to you and yours.
Good of you to speak out, but I am afraid you are way too polite and considerate in your accusations as well as your tone. I love Pakistan, although I have never been, because the two best things in my life have come from Pakistan. One is my God-daughter who lives in an SOS Children’s Village in Sargodha, the other one is the love and support I received in reverting to Islam in 2007. I follow the news and quite frankly of late am at a loss for words, which says a lot for a writer, as you know. Asif Ali Al Zardari is not a president but a curious phenomenon, he is a question that keeps being asked but remains left un-answered. His politics, as a matter of fact everything about him, is careless, reckless, selfish, narcissistic, short-sighted, greedy – and above all un-educated in a really serious way. He does not really know what is going on in his own country, nor does he seem to care. Someone like Zardari will do nothing for Pakistan but cause a pitiful chuckle among the leaders of other nations, especially in Europe and the rest of the Western world. He is playing with the lives of your people, putting everything at risk that you have tried so hard to establish since your independence. Karachi had just begun to emerge as a new technology hotspot – now you are back to square one. Everything that you have so carefully established within the past decade – including even some trust in your leadership, albeit cautiously – Zardari is knocking it all down again like the proverbial (dumb) bull in the china closet. I feel for you, and I feel for your people. Whatever public opinion may be in this world: Pakistan is one of the most beautiful countries in scenery as well as in the kindness of its people. We need to stop comparing and busting in to induce change – but we need to compassionately enable to support independence, growth and promise for the future, so subversive ideologies are silenced from within. East Germany went out into the streets to speak out to the world. Maybe it is time for your people to do the same. My heart and prayers go out to the flood victims, and all of you. God bless Pakistan.
Susanne,
Thanks for your kind words about this great country and the people who live in it. You are correct by saying that it is time for the citizen of Pakistan to come out and stake their right full claim in this world and get rid of the cancer of the society (corruption). Only God can save this country now, just like he has been since it’s existence.
God Bless Pakistan and the Citizen of Pakistan
Regards,
Asif
Dear Asif,
since I made this comment I had an amazing reaction from people who read this blog, some of them Pakistani and some from other places in this world. I had messages on facebook, my blog, by email. There is so much support – morally and spiritually – in this world for the Pakistani people and their situation, that it gave me a lot of hope. I sincerely wish that the people of Pakistan had the courage to take their interest in their own hands. God knows there are enough of you who suffer. And not only the common man on the street, but also industry who has the potential to provide employment and support economic structure. Sanctions, doubts, inflation make it all but impossible for them to compete in the marketplace now, after many had just been able to establish new overseas contacts and promising business.
You owe it to your children, not to waste away the investments that were made in the many of whom were sent to expensive schools overseas, and not to waste away the lives of the many who are growing up this very moment and who deserve a fair chance within their country to decent education. You owe them and their families to get your country out of that limbo not to waste all their hopes, dreams, talents and potential! Those children are your future.
Again, God Bless Pakistan and its people. May you find courage! – Sincerely, Susanne
I think its time for every Pakistani to get up and take out their president from parliment. Just pray Istaghfirullah for our sins and come on roads. I think its every Pakistani’s reponsibility to get the right and educated person as President. I am outside Pakistan and see Islam without Muslims here but in Pakistan I only see Muslims without Islam.
Very well written I totally agree word 2 word but I wish that person reads it who it was dedicated to but then again it wouldn’t have made him a difference at all
shyema well written, we should make all disputed and non disputed Dam( water reservoir) on top priority basis we should combine and think where we stand on the map of ward
Salaam To all Pakistanis
I think its time to wakeup, as you have seen what kind of help we are getting from the current Government of Pakistan. The President him self has been wanted in so many cases. How can we select such a person to rule our country.
Its our own mistake but we donot learn from that. “As the people are same kind of Ruler will be there ” so we need to change our self.
I don’t really want to be rigid but, having such careless attitude from the PRESIDENT of Pakistan pushes me to narrat that he doesn’t at all deserve to be even the PA to PS to a less privilged Secretary… MAY ALLAH BLESS PAKISTAN…
Well written Shymea
this letter needs to be posted to every pakistani individual
and each member of the government !!
but am stil 100% sure not even a word wud effect our President !!
he will still manage to give the ear to ear smile !!
Great letter…. but unfortunately all this information will fall on deaf ears! These politicians are not human! Seriously!
People of Pakistan…. Question here is when will you guys are going to learn from your own mistakes?
You as the people of Pakistan have elected this corrupt as your leader. The people around him is corrupt as well, do you really think that he is going to do any good for the country, NO NEVER. You really want to do something about it remove him from his position.
Truely highlights the view point of the entire nation in suffering. Keep it up!
Things have gotten so out of hand that one could only hope and pray for better days to dawn on us. Kudos to the writer for being so outspoken, so true.
Well said! Pakistan Zindabad!
Shyma ji, nice article. The flood effected beyond imagination, so even if Zardari sahab would be available in Pakistan, He couldn’t do much about it. The only hope for those victims is WE. Donate through proper channels so they will stand on their feets for their family. Even Zardari sahab stays in Pak , can’t do much for Pakistan. He is just a president.
President should resign at this stage.
Regards,
Gulshan Munir
Come on folks, give him a break. This poor fellow, who happned to be the president of Pakistan, was first a “Zardari” then a “Bhutto” then a Co-Chair of PPP. The presidential responsibilities comes last in priority list. Is it not True?
good job shyema!!! u have showed a mirror to the rulers of our country! their hearts are dead and they have no feelings and pain for the victims of various incidents happened in our country… our country is drowning but they are sleeping. we can only pray for them that they awake very soon and change the worst picture of our nation into good otherwise this state of our country will only get worse
Sheyma: A correct general theme and true national attitude is reflected in your words. I hate to say, I cannot add anymore decent words!!
Brilliant!
=)
Well written. Good job. now someone send this to one of the followers of the president and make him know what the nation thinks. We are not fools….
A job well done!
it would be great if you can translate it into urdu and publish it in local urdu papers.
President of Pakistan is always bringing the death of his wife and say’s he and his family suffered due to terrorism. But he can provide for his own children without any problem but what about the children who lost their parents from floods and terrorism there is no one to care about them. The interview President Zardari was giving appeared that he does not have any interest in Pakistan as he has given all powers to the Prime Minister and the parliament. He thinks he will be AGAIN WIN THE ELECTIONS. I have never seen any other president in the world who will be having fun visits when his country is drowning.
Honestly speaking, this letter be posted to each individual of the country. Every person in the country is corrupted to certain degree. We as a nation are habitual to criticize others. Media is also not playing a vibrant role to its full extent. I asked all of you who has led Zardari to be president of Pak? We all have given him that authority. Those of us who are against him why not should stand up and throw out every single corrupt and anti social? Why we are so coward, courageless and feelingless? We are ready to talk big but not agree to do something. We talk about Islam but don’t even know the basic theme of the religion. I’m addressing to the lost educated class of Pak who have got no aim except to have luxurios life and a happy family…The curse of God is on us and we are still sleeping…God forbidden. Wakeup!!!