Aasi Islamabad
The creation of Pakistan was like a dream, which in 1947, after countless sacrifices, came to life. It was a dream where every Pakistani was meant to receive justice, education, health, and a prosperous life. But today, in 2024, this dream has turned into a painful reality, where poverty, inflation, and destitution have shackled the common people. Today, silence echoes all around, and those poor people who once saw a glimmer of hope now find themselves drowning in pain and helplessness.
The Devastation of Inflation: In Figures
According to the World Bank, 39% of Pakistan’s population is living below the poverty line. In 2023, the inflation rate reached 38%, the highest in South Asia.
Wheat Flour has reached 120 rupees per kilogram.
Petrol is now priced at 253 rupees per liter.
Lentils are being sold for more than 400 rupees per kilogram.
Electricity rates have exceeded 65 rupees per unit.
These are harsh realities that are like death for every common Pakistani.
Harsh Real-Life Examples
Noran Bibi, who lives in a slum in Karachi with her husband and works in a factory, is now witnessing her children die from hunger and illness. Rashid, a day laborer in the outskirts of Lahore, has mortgaged his dignity to pay for his sick son’s treatment. The street children in Islamabad, who once dreamed of going to school, now beg to survive.
The Misleading Journey of Military Rule and Democracy
Pakistan’s history of military rule has been extremely destructive. The military dictators looted the country’s resources and silenced the voice of the people.
During Ayub Khan’s era, reforms in agriculture were promised, but they only filled the pockets of the feudal lords.
Under Zia-ul-Haq, politics was played in the name of religion, deepening societal divisions.
In Musharraf’s time, privatization in the guise of state-owned institution sales benefitted the elite.
Where military regimes brought destruction, democracy also failed to deliver for the public. Every democratic government plundered the national treasury and, instead of improving the people’s condition, followed IMF conditions that only exacerbated inflation and poverty.
Corruption and Government Failures
Lack of Policies: Education and healthcare budgets were slashed.
Corruption: Governments continued to engage in corruption despite increasing debt.
Unequal Distribution of Resources: These resources never reached the people but instead filled the pockets of the elite.
The Importance of Public Awareness
This is the time for the public to rise for their rights. This country belongs to the people, and they are its true owners. Did we sacrifice so much in 1947 only to see ourselves trapped in inflation, poverty, and misery today?
Finding Solutions
Educational Revolution: Ending poverty through education is possible.
Agricultural Reforms: Strengthening agriculture can help control food prices.
Accountability: Corrupt rulers must be held accountable.
Public Protest: It is time to raise the public voice.
This column is a question for everyone whose heart is still alive: Do we want to leave a better Pakistan for our children, or do we want to leave them drowning in the same sea of inflation and poverty? We must fight for our rights and make these rulers accountable, who are busy filling their pockets.
