Ramping out relief operation

Back in our good, old college days, whenever some relative of a peer died, we all used to stand united and visit her place in more or less simple clothes, without any make-up, not because we pretended to feel the pain that our friend was going through but with the thought that our bright dressing up and make-up might hurt the sentiments of the bereaved and she might think that we’re mocking her sorrow. However, things are changed now. There are nude shades for every mellow occasion! Unfortunately for our country, the occasion these days is quite mellow!
Since the earthquake that hit our country on Saturday, 8th October, a lot of work is being done within the Federal Capital. Besides the Margalla Towers’ rescue operation that has almost formally ended now, there are camps set up at various parts of the city including F-10 Markaz, Sports Complex and Community Center, Aabpara. Hospitals and clinics, on the other hand, are flooded with patients from all around while international aid is underway. Every individual is out to contribute in one way or the other.
Where there are genuine workers involved in the relief efforts, there many are working not as a commitment and noble cause but as an entertaining, exciting and adventurous opportunity and ambitious chance to make fame by jut doing nothing, looking good and acting busy. With the natural tragedy at hand, various social bees have crept out like ants.
Go to any hospital and you’ll encounter at least 10-15 young gals wearing chic dhoti or patiala shalwars, the latest cuts in fashion, short shirts, necks wide enough for a very indecent expose and that too in Ramazan, made up of very thin fabric and to top it all, walking rather ramping on high heels, throwing fake sweetness all the way. Their radiating sweetness is so fake that they repel the quake-affected victims to look away and inwardly cry on their fate, to be handled by such volunteers who’s high heels’ sound pinch them in the head.
The Ministers, on the other hand, are just visiting places to get publicity in the local papers. Wherever a minister goes, all doctors get busy attending them and giving them essential protocol, forgetting the patients in the way. Political leaders and NGOs, on the other hand, have set up their separate camps and promoting their banner among the masses, attracting attention.
This all could’ve happened only a country like ours, where everyone has a different mindset and perception. We have just gone through such a huge tragedy. If now even we cannot get united on collecting aid, feeling for the earthquake affectees and providing relief to them, well, then I guess we never will!

—Uzma Zafar