MANDI BAHAUDDIN:
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, many myths regarding modernity and scientific developments have been shattered. The foremost amongst them is the idea of globalisation. Many believed that the world was turning into a global village. However, the sudden advent of the deadly virus has unveiled the that nationalism was hidden under the guise of globalisation all along.
With billions of people at the mercy of the deadly virus, a race for producing vaccines has started with every developed country wanting to surpass the other. Meanwhile, poor countries are pushed back even further due to economic challenges — Pakistan is one them.
The pandemic has wreaked havoc in the country in many ways. The issue of poverty, unemployment, poor healthcare and food insecurity have intensified as a result of a severe dent that the pandemic has caused in an already fragile economy. This means that the government needs to revisit its policies and prioritise the areas that need more attention. Concerned officials not only need to seriously focus on regulating food prices but it is also essential that they provide adequate healthcare facilities to the masses. If they fail to do so, there will be more mouths to feed and more people dead. As economic conditions worsen and scarcity of food increases, there may be chaos and disorder in the country.
At this moment, the youth comprises around 65% of the population. The government can use this as an asset by encouraging entrepreneurship and empowering youngsters in order to bring the economy back to its feet. How the government prioritises its policies now will determine the future of the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2021.
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