KARACHI:
Pakistan has always struggled with inflation, poverty, and unemployment. But the country is currently engulfed in one of the worst forms of economic crisis. The situation worsened during former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tenure, which led to his ouster. However, the PDM government has also failed to tackle the economic crisis and people are being crushed by the surging prices of daily commodities.
Many families have been forced to take their children out of school, colleges, and universities because they can no longer afford their children’s education. This will not only increase illiteracy but many children and teenagers will be compelled to work informal and odd jobs to support their families. In recent months, there has been a spike in street crimes and robberies across the country, which could be a direct consequence of rising prices. Medicines and health care have become unaffordable for many. This will potentially increase disease, epidemic outbreaks, malnutrition, etc.
Right now, the federal government is juggling multiple issues including flood relief, surging inflation, internal security threats, and more. All stakeholders need to come together to chalk out a long-term plan to address the economic crisis and inflation and facilitate the poorer segments of society. To avoid complete chaos, politicians must rise above their differences and work for the country’s welfare.
Mahaz Ahmed
Asiabad
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2022.
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