𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘, 𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗗

 𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘, 𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗗

(A building devastated at the hands of its own residents)

This is perhaps my second or third time staying at Balochistan House, Islamabad. Previously, I preferred guest houses for both official and personal visits to the capital. The facility, provided by the Government of Balochistan is an excellent initiative aimed at offering timely accommodation for officers / officials at pretty reasonable rates. However, it is deeply disheartening to observe that the building’s condition has been grossly deteriorated not by neglect from the authorities but by the very individuals it was meant to serve i.e. the educated officers and officials of our province.

While the rooms are decently furnished with modern amenities and offered at remarkably affordable rates, are treated carelessly. Except for a few genuinely disciplined ones, a majority of officers / officials and their families have caused extensive damage to the property. As temporary users, they exhibit no sense of responsibility or ownership to the property of our province. The lodging spaces are poorly maintained, bathroom fixtures are broken without cause, electrical fittings are damaged, walls are deliberately stained, air conditioners are left running unnecessarily and bed linens are misused. Even petty items such as TV remotes, hangers, wall clocks and salt / pepper shakers are found stolen.

These observations are not baseless accusations but a painful reflection of our collective decline in civic responsibility and manners. We often cast fingers at known ones (though they are not exempted) or others for our overall miseries but have we looked into our collars? My dear provincial brethren, such habits are not formed overnight. They are nurtured from childhood and represent a deeper issue within our provincial and national fabric. Our national dilemma lies in the fact that we prioritize admission into prestigious institutions and dream of reputable careers for our children, yet we neglect their foundational education in manners, tolerance, patience, respect for others and their properties.

To address this problem, it is imperative that we begin moral and practical education at our homes from an early age. Civilising a child is not a one time effort rather it is a lifelong process. I, therefore, strongly recommend assigning daily responsibilities or household chores to every child. These tasks, no matter how small, instill discipline and a sense of accountability. More importantly, they foster independence and promote physical activity, gradually freeing them from lethargy and dependency on mothers or family elders.

Great nations and civilizations such as Japan and Germany did not rise to excellence in a matter of years. Their progress was the result of consistent effort over decades sometimes even centuries. Let us also begin today and as we strive to instill these values in our children, let us first embody them ourselves. Remember, children replicate not what we say, but what we do.

Thank you for your attentive reading, I believe my message has reached a reader cum listener who values its weight.