WHEN a person points a finger at someone, it is natural that the remaining three fingers will be pointing right back at the person. We Pakistanis are undisputed masters of criticising and blaming others for problems for which we ourselves are largely responsible.

I am referring to a perpetual issue facing this country. We complain about power supply and frequent outages, but we don’t report the kundas (illegal connection) that are being used in our neighbourhood and other means to steal utility supplies like water and gas.

The theft of utilities affects all consumers in the form of reduced service quality since the infrastructure is damaged and stretched beyond its capacity. The service providers also are unable to provide quality service as decreasing revenue and increased costs make it difficult to invest in improving and modernising their service.

It is society’s responsibility to change our attitude and have no tolerance for any wrongdoing, no matter how minor its nature.

All of us have to become honest and upright citizens if our country is to prosper.

Siraj Muneer Soomro

Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2019