Throughout Pakistan’s history, state policies have emphasised short-term reliefs for the public, especially youth and low-income groups. Governments facilitate these groups by providing healthcare, financial assistance programs, student schemes and scholarships, without creating enough room for employment and creating a dependent, unemployed and unproductive class reliant on short term fixes. These policies may look fascinating to people who are content with getting bare minimum for living at the cost of their already declining state.
Agriculture has always been backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Unfortunately, no significant agricultural reforms have been introduced over decades and a large rural population, capable of producing enough for the country, is being marginalised due to rising input costs and limited institutional backing. Due to the misplaced focus of policies and budget spending, two major stakeholders in the nation’s development — youth and rural landowners — are being discouraged.
This is time to reorient policies for long-term stability of the state and investing them where they will yield lasting impact.
Yousra Fatima
Lalian, Punjab
