
Given the seriousness of the financial crisis in Pakistan, with foreign exchange reserves barely enough for two months, it is ridiculous that the ban on the import of dog food has been revoked. There is no shortage of suitable food for pet dogs or cats in this country. Whoever is responsible for allowing the import of dog foods for the elite at such a crucial economic juncture must be taken to task. It is regrettable that as a nation we have failed to prioritise essential basic needs, for which foreign exchange can be spared, before all else.
Today, Pakistan faces its worst financial crisis. With a severe danger of default staring us in the face, isn’t it is egregious that the elite protested on the ban on the import of pet food? When will sense prevail? The priority should have been to import rabies vaccination instead to save human lives. Do the lives of poor citizens matter at all? This elite capture of Pakistan must cease and the utter waste of scarce foreign exchange must stop immediately. Instead of uplifting the abject poor, the elite continue to build their lavish lifestyles and add on to their lavish spending.
Malik Tariq Ali
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2022.
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