Dua-e Khair or Fateha

Every now and then one sees our VIPs and VVIPs haughtily and in great pomp and show performing an opening or inauguration ceremony, laying a foundation stone, unveiling a plaque or switching  on gas, power or water supply with their dast e Mubarak in some remote area where the lavish and regal shamianas and canopies, bedecked sofas and chairs, stage, speakers & sound system, Buntings and banners, shining pedestal fans and standby power generators alone would cost millions to the exchequer apart from the security costs and travel expenses – at times undertaken by helicopters.  At the closing all present dutifully raise their arms and a prayer is murmured by the VIP.  One doesn’t know if it is a dua e khair  or the final Fateha offered for the project just inaugurated. For, it will be soon forgotten and not a penny would be budgeted in future for its care and maintenance.  By the way, hope the VIPs, unlike Messrs Rehman Malik and Eitezaz Ahsan do know how to recite Sura e Akhlas correctly !!

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)