Cockroaches or Champions ?

For weeks now, it has been difficult to avoid the news.  If it's not the catastrophic floods causing devastation across Pakistan, it's a rowdy mob mercilessly committing public murder in Sialkot or Riots and Target Killings, or a series of deadly blasts in Lahore. But the latest headlines, actually made me laugh.

I've realized the only way to continue living in Pakistan, is to humor yourself with the high level of corruption that prevails everywhere.  From the local milk man to the country's President.  Every one here seems to be on a selfish mission of his own, to make the most bucks at the cost of someone else's life or expense.  No one here really gives a shit about the country or his fellow citizen, unless they can speak about their "good deeds" in public and social gatherings and post status' on facebook about all the good they are doing for others.  

This country is supposed to be the land of the pure, but finding something pure in this land is extremely challenging.  From milk to medication, everything is adulterated or fake.  Even the big corporations in pakistan, compromise on the quality simply because they can, and it is more profitable.

You see, there are no checks and balances in this country.  There are really no rules, and the rules we have are all designed to be broken.  You break the signal, you can bribe your way out for 50 Rs.  You fail your degree exams, no problem, you can buy an original degree for a small fee.  You cant get a job, call your uncle who is owed a favor by a semi-government official or army officer, and you will be given a job you are not even qualified for.  In this country, there is absolutely nothing that cannot be done if you know the right people or can pay the right amount.

We have wonderful examples.  If you are the biggest world renowned thug of the century, you will be elected President. If you have more than dozen murder cases on your head, thats no problem either, the power you obtained through all the bloodshed will obtain you a comfortable seat in the UK, legitimized by the british government, from where you can still run your political party in pakistan- long distance.  If you are the biggest arms and drug lord wanted across border for terrorism, not an issue, just come to Pakistan and you will be the ISI' state guest, in fact the generals will even come over for a game of tennis every evening. 

So now we have the worst Sporting scam is history, which is no big surprise, Why would you even expect them to be playing an honest game, when nothing in this country is clear cut or straight. You cant be straight here, or you won't make any money, and if you don't make money, you will be poor, and if you are poor then it means you are not successful which does not work if you want to gain favor or be accepted in this wonderfully hypocritical society.  

I am not saying that the average Pakistani is a cockroach like writers who feel this is the best time to lash out our anger on ourselves.  I think, we should actually pat ourselves on the back for successfully becoming the most corrupt nation of the 20th century.  Takes a lot of hard work to be the World Champions, but we should pride ourselves to have achieved it with little effort, as corruption comes so naturally to us. 

Once again, many people here think its time to immigrate. It may be a solution for you and your family, but really, you will just go and spread the virus of corruption to other parts of the world.  Instead of pointing fingers at the lawless system, the pathetic president or the ignorant Taliban, try taking responsibility for yourself.   You are part of this country and this system, not as an innocent victim, but as a silent coward.  We have seen the corruption around us for centuries, we have bribed the traffic police, custom and tax officers, we are part of the gangrene that infects our country, simply because our truth immunities are not strong enough to fight the evil that has taken over our hearts and minds. We are all responsible for just silently watching, accepting and melting into the corruption.

Am i saying that this country and all of us are doomed ?  Yes..... unless we all change ourselves, and grow testicles big enough to stand up against the dishonesty and corruption that we see around us.  Unless we stand for the truth and make that our motto.  Unless we decide that the change this country really needs is HONESTY at every level..... and  that honesty can only start with YOU.