We gained Pakistan in August 1947; we have since been owning a country; we have a sense of belonging to this land, and to a nation of 240 million people with our youth forming 65% of it; we have rich human resources; we enjoy dividends of four seasons in our agrarian society; we have a solid industrial base; we are almost self-sufficient in food, and adequately endowed with natural resources; we have four provinces and as many cultures. These are ancient lands and custodians of old civilizations - Gandhara, texila, Indus and Mehargarh. Our people are simple, humble, content, patient, hardworking, and patriotic; they are committed to their land and nation. They work from dawn to dusk to earn their two meals, and never betray their country.  

The country has 36 million hectares of agriculture land; it is owned by only 5-7% of the population; they rule over the lives of landless peasants; keep them in depravity, poverty and bondage; prevent education and concomitant awareness from reaching their huts. They fear the power of this light - knowing that it will end the dark night of bondage, ignorance, superstition. They are sitting everywhere in strategic positions – parliament, bureaucracy, political parties, commissions and Committees; they block legislation, influence decision makers, reduce budget allocations, and slow the dissemination of education and awareness. Our leaders are beholden to them. Our establishment has a strong and abiding partnership with them. They are a special cog in the manipulative governing machinery, and the political system that we have been practicing.  

The nation inherited this privileged class from the outgoing British administration. The British Imperialists or their predecessors – Talpurs, Sikhs, Khans of Kalat or Afghan kings created and sustained this so called elite. The colonial administration found them useful in controlling the country. They were given lands, made........

© The Friday Times