A Father’s Unspoken Battle Against Economic Despair

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: In the heart of Islamabad’s affluent F-7 sector, where opulence is on display, Pervaiz Ali has chosen a silent path, standing as a “Gold Statue” against the backdrop of his two-year-old daughter, Ayesha, playing in the grass.

The duo, clad inadequately for the harsh winter, symbolizes the harsh reality faced by many in Pakistan—a stark contrast to the wealth surrounding them.
This poignant tableau of a man in golden attire holds a narrative woven with threads of poverty and desperation, a story repeated across the nation where individuals are compelled to adopt extreme measures merely to survive.

Reports of tragic incidents, such as parents resorting to suicide after being unable to provide for their families, have become a distressing routine, reflecting the severity of economic challenges.
The root cause lies in the escalating cost of living, exorbitant bills, house rents, and the basic necessities that have spiralled out of reach for the common citizen.

The economic downturn, coupled with an official and unofficial inflation rate that paints a misleading picture, has left the majority struggling to make ends meet.
The migration from Pakistan, both through legal channels and human smuggling, adds to the narrative of despair, with tragic consequences making headlines regularly.

Questions arise about the nation’s economic policies and the failure to keep pace with neighboring countries, where progress seems to be the norm rather than the exception.
Comparisons with Afghanistan, particularly in terms of the dollar exchange rate, are a source of embarrassment for Pakistan.

How did Afghanistan manage to control the dollar when Pakistan faltered? Prices, once escalated, seldom revert to previous levels, reflecting a lack of regulatory oversight.

An audit of weights used in markets, revealing potential tampering by over 80 percent of shopkeepers, could serve as a litmus test for societal and moral decay.
Yet, amid this economic turmoil, Pervaiz Ali’s golden exterior hides a heart of gold. Choosing not to beg, he stands as a statue, silently observing the world spinning around him while keeping a watchful eye on his young daughter.

The question resonates with the state: Can we not make life a little easier for those struggling in the shadows of economic despair? The philanthropic spirit within the nation is undeniable, yet the destination of such generosity remains a mystery, demanding a transparent evaluation of societal priorities.
The golden silence of Pervaiz Ali becomes a symbol of the unspoken battles fought daily by those marginalized by economic challenges, urging society and policymakers alike to recognize the urgency of safeguarding human dignity in the face of adversity.

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

Photo Credit: Sohail Shahzad