Despair And Death

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: Huddled together, unsure of what lay ahead, their eyes held a desperate hope—a dream to escape Pakistan for a life of dignity and opportunity. This yearning drives millions, but only a few manage to break free from the web of corruption and despair that drains energy, resources, and often lives.

The recent boat tragedy off Morocco’s coast is a stark reminder of the perils faced by those seeking freedom. Yet, this disaster is just the tip of an iceberg that will not deter others from making similar attempts. For them, the risk is worth taking, as remaining in the “land of the pure” often means a slow, agonizing demise.

Pakistan’s economic and social crises continue to deepen, pushing millions into desperation. According to the World Bank, an additional 15 million people have fallen below the poverty line, adding to the 224 million already struggling to survive.

This grim reality is exacerbated by widespread unemployment and inflation, leaving citizens unable to afford basic necessities. It is not just a matter of poverty but of pervasive hopelessness, where survival itself feels like an insurmountable challenge.

The health sector mirrors the nation’s decay. Pakistan leads the world in Hepatitis and diabetes prevalence, with over 80% of the population lacking access to clean drinking water.

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Food adulteration is rampant, contributing to the stunted growth of 40% of children a damning forecast for the country’s future. Public healthcare facilities are overwhelmed and under-resourced, leaving millions with untreated illnesses that exacerbate their misery.

While the masses suffer, elected representatives live lives of opulence. Recent legislation unanimously approved in Parliament granted politicians salary increases of several hundred percent, alongside generous perks including fuel, gas, electricity, and first-class travel allowances.

Their lavish lifestyles are funded by a struggling taxpayer base that can barely make ends meet. The disparity is so pronounced that it fuels public outrage, but systemic corruption ensures that accountability remains elusive.

Media reports frequently highlight tragic incidents where individuals, crushed by financial burdens, take their own lives or those of their loved ones. Parents unable to afford food or education for their children see death as the only escape from an endless cycle of misery. These incidents represent a growing trend as more families buckle under financial pressures that show no signs of abating.

The quest for freedom and opportunity drives countless Pakistanis to risk their lives in pursuit of a better future. The Moroccan boat tragedy is not an isolated event; similar incidents have occurred for decades as desperate individuals seek refuge in Europe or other prosperous regions.

Survivors from the recent tragedy recount harrowing details: passengers were stopped mid-journey by human smugglers and forced to call their families for additional payments.

Failure to produce more money led to their abandonment in the open sea, where they faced certain death. These tragedies underline the brutal exploitation faced by those already living on the edge.

For those who survive and settle abroad, the challenges persist. Pakistan’s overseas community, numbering in the millions, contributes significantly to the nation’s economy through remittances. However, they face a grim reality when returning home.

Lawlessness and corruption greet them at every turn, with their hard-earned properties often usurped by fraudsters in collusion with authorities.

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Lengthy legal battles deter many expatriates from seeking justice, forcing them to abandon their roots and pledge never to return. The emotional toll is immense, as these individuals feel betrayed by the very homeland they sought to uplift.

Thousands of cases involving stolen properties and resources remain unresolved, while victims are harassed or even murdered for daring to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. This pattern of exploitation discourages future investments and erodes the potential for meaningful contributions from the diaspora.

Authorities, aware of the black sheep within their ranks, often remain complicit. Fear of retribution silences those who might stand up for justice.

The consequences of Pakistan’s systemic failures are borne by its most vulnerable citizens. Families torn apart by poverty, individuals risking their lives for freedom, and expatriates betrayed by their homeland all represent the human cost of neglect.

The tragedy lies not only in the lives lost at sea but also in the daily struggles of millions who see no way out. For every life lost in a boat tragedy, countless others perish quietly, victims of a system that has failed them.

Despite the risks, the exodus will continue. The belief that one must break free from shackles, even at the cost of one’s life, remains deeply rooted. For many, the sea offers a final, desperate escape from a system that has failed them. Each boat tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the stakes involved, yet it also highlights the indomitable spirit of those willing to risk everything for a chance at a better life.

Addressing these crises requires urgent reforms. Policymakers must prioritize equitable resource distribution, invest in healthcare and education, and rebuild trust in judicial and administrative systems.

Overseas Pakistanis deserve better protection for their investments, and citizens at home need hope for a future that doesn’t demand life-threatening sacrifices.

The boat tragedies, suicides, and rising poverty are interconnected symptoms of a nation in need of profound change. Until those in power act decisively, the sea will remain both a hope and a grave for countless Pakistanis, their dreams of freedom drowned by the tides of despair.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.

Asem Mustafa Awan has extensive reporting experience with leading national and international media organizations. He has also contributed to reference books such as the Alpine Journal and the American Alpine Journal, among other international publications.