Victims of Corruption, Injustice, Economic Hardships

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: In the heart of Pakistan lies a troubling reality obscured by picturesque landscapes and bustling cities—a nation grappling with systemic corruption, economic disparity, and human rights abuses.

Throughout the country, retired servicemen stand guard, hired for their vulnerability, yet subjected to exploitation by employers who flout labor laws.

These individuals, essential to security, receive paltry wages far below the mandated minimum, pushing families deeper into poverty amidst Pakistan’s status as the region’s most expensive country.

The cost of living disparity is stark when compared to neighboring nations like Bangladesh and Afghanistan, where livelihoods are more affordable despite their challenges.

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Behind the scenes, policymakers—many with tenuous ties to Pakistan—claim to act in the nation’s interest while their allegiances lie elsewhere.

Reports reveal links between the ruling elite and foreign entities, raising questions about whose interests are truly prioritized.

Yet, the challenges go beyond economic disparity. Extrajudicial killings by police and security forces cast a shadow over law enforcement, eroding public trust and undermining the rule of law. Citizens languish in custody, often meeting suspicious ends, reflecting a broader crisis of accountability and justice.

Amidst inflation-driven despair, suicides have surged as ordinary Pakistanis struggle to afford basic necessities like wheat. Scandals around subsidized wheat—worth billions—expose the rot within institutions meant to serve the people.

Will there be respite from this cycle of exploitation and despair? Time will tell. For now, Pakistan grapples with deep-seated issues that demand urgent attention and meaningful reform to restore trust, ensure justice, and alleviate the plight of its people.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

Photo Credit: Representational Image via Google