Sunday 1 May 2011

Let There Be Light: A Letter To The Editor

Sir:

For the past many months, we, the citizens, have been enduring a six-hour electricity shutdown schedule whose current daily timings are 0100-0200, 0500-0600, 0800-0900, 1300-1400, 1900-2000, 2100-2200.

As if this was not enough to drive our generators and UPSs crazy, the authorities have resorted to un-announced shutdowns at all odd hours on a daily basis. The flow of electrons is disrupted right when one is either watching worrying news on the television or attempting to write a letter to a newspaper editor. That I may be able to finish this letter and mail it in time to you may indeed be considered a miracle.

I called up the local grid station today and found out that such un-announced shutdowns are intimated to the PDC (power despatch centre) by the powers-that-be at Islamabad.

What I wish to point out is that modern television sets and delicate computers were never designed to withstand such disruptive electrical insults. The only persons getting rich these days are the UPS and generator sellers and electronics technicians. Who—if not the power generation and distribution authorities—are responsible for the damage caused to our appliances?

We are experiencing state-sanctioned terrorism of an electrifying nature. Will they ever cut the parliament down to a useful size, stop taking useless official foreign trips, and focus instead on going forth to multiply the watts and the volts?

Please join me in praying—even if you are mildly inclined towards religion—that we produce some electricity before God smites us permanently unconscious with a free thunderbolt from heaven.

Tahir Gul Hasan, October 2008
***
Postscript:

Please note that this letter was NOT published by any national newspaper. Why? Ask them, not me!

People always misunderstand what one writes, they jump to conclusions, and almost never reflect deeply. THIS is what writers must always face or else they would not be who they are. --tgh

As I write this in 2011, the electricity situation has not improved but has rather worsened, which means we surely are going nowhere fast.

14 comments:

Tayyiba said...

Few days back I was so frustrated coz After reaching home theres power breakdown(load shedding) of continous 6 hours. Oh Man non stop 6 hours. UPS cant work for so long. Uff!!!
In 2009 Loadshedding for only 6 hours ..... In 2011: Loadshedding residual ...6 hours of electricity :).... Khap Raha hai Pakistan .... Tap Raha hai Pakistan .

Tahir Gul Hasan said...

Thanks for your comments Tayyaba.
Yes, I know how even the batteries and the fuel are becoming more expensive. Burn oil lamps then!

Thinking said...

hmm....today we had 9 hours power failure.....since morning till end of the day...we were without electricity...

..no remedy....

Tahir Gul Hasan said...

Check out John Perkins books (or videos on You Tube). You will find out the reasons all this is happening. Nothing happens on its own...

Anonymous said...

power shutdowns are now definitely part of our daily routine life, we keep on preparing for the breakdowns like we prepare for office, meals, shopping etc. Still we all have to keep our inner light burning strong, who have that flame within, Pakistan is no doubt passing through a very bad phase but all nations have suffered in some way or the other but they never disclose their weaknesses. Unfortunately we do this with high spirit and openly on media. Pakistan is given many options to avoid load shedding by many different countries but our corrupt leaders want to make good money till they breath their last. May Allah bless this country with great leadership, Ameen. Ayesha

Anonymous said...

"We are experiencing state-sanctioned terrorism of an electrifying nature. Will they ever cut the parliament down to a useful size, stop taking useless official foreign trips, and focus instead on going forth to multiply the watts and the volts?"

No answers to these questions.... this is the reason none of the papers publish your letters. (state-sanctioned)

My heart goes out for everyone who is suffering due to these power cuts because of our lazy unconcerned government who is adamant on not optimizing resources and is happy with generators burning our environment as well.

I also really admire people who can actually afford generators but they don’t buy them as their contribution towards their social responsibility.

I wish to see a solution in my lifetime. God help us help ourselves.

Tahir Gul Hasan said...

Thanks Ayesha, for making your thoughts known here.

***

Anon-aMISS, the solution will be found tomorrow, if not today.

My questions may not get answered on Earth but on resurrection day, a long list will be handed to those who've consistently refused to provide us with answers.

Anonymous said...

I really hope we will see a brighter future for Pakistan.. today's headline news, no matter how foolishly rejoicing it is for the rest of the world.. is not a very good leaf for Pakistan.. Obama's re-election is secured by putting Pakistan's reputation on Stake yet again.... the future seems quite dark...

:( Don't know when will we be truly liberated.

Tahir Gul Hasan said...

I know how much it pains everyone to think about such matters. It took 400 years of spanking by the arrogant Pharaohs to (almost) tame the Children of Israel. So there's hope.
Keep chipping away at this horrendous wall with a chisel and hammer.

Anonymous said...

I guess you are right about hope.. As someone was saying "qaumoN ki zindagi maiN 60-65 saal kuch naheeN hotay" but how I wish I could see the prosperous and healthy Pakistan in my lifetime... I am devastated to see how they have mangled with the image of our peaceful Abbottabad.. Arrrrgggghhhhhh....

Tahir Gul Hasan said...

Yes MS. Now is the time to show resentment against the 'global war of error' and against the follies of those who have sworn to defend us and what not. Condemn the rascals, throw shoes at them, discredit them through every means, hold them accountable.
In these efforts lies hope.

aukhabutt said...

too muchh good inglish taher saab.. as usuall ..my fav scene.. .
''We are experiencing state-sanctioned terrorism of an electrifying nature. Will they ever cut the parliament down to a useful size, stop taking useless official foreign trips, and focus instead on going forth to multiply the watts and the volts?''
hahahahha,,,these blaady politishinns....

Sumera @MIR said...

"Please join me in praying—even if you are mildly inclined towards religion—that we produce some electricity before God smites us permanently unconscious with a free thunderbolt from heaven." Interesting....:)
I like your whole article as it is the most HOT topic now a days....Kya banay ga hamaray Pakistan ka.....:(

Tahir Gul Hasan said...

Bohat aali shaan maqbara baney ga shayad! :)