I request the sitting government to take stringent action in order to tackle these problems
KARACHI: There is no denying the fact that the coronavirus has opened a new chapter of economic hardship for countries all over the world. However, underdeveloped countries seem to be right underneath the falling hammer.
As the disease ravages on, these countries are under constant stress of severe economic instability and uncertainty. Furthermore, developing countries which are already in debt, like Pakistan, will have to bear the brunt of a global economic crisis in the near future if appropriate actions are not taken. Pakistan is already suffering from extreme poverty and inflation. According to the 2017-2018 economic data, 24.3% of the population of Pakistan is living below the poverty line. On the other hand, inflation rate, according to official statistics, was 6.74% in 2019 while it is 11.12% currently. There is a high chance that poverty and inflation levels may increase at an unprecedented rate as millions more are at risk of falling into poverty.
I request the sitting government to take stringent action in order to tackle these problems. Otherwise, its impacts will be harsh for the common man, in particular, to bear even after the pandemic ends.
Name Naveed Sajjan Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2020.
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