Pakistan’s Forgotten Millions

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: An emotional reflection of everyday life in Pakistan, a harrowing incident recently unfolded by the riverbanks, captured by chance witnesses.

An elderly woman, driven to despair by an exorbitant electricity bill, contemplated ending her life. Her tear-stained face, devoid of shoes, epitomized the anguish of millions struggling with poverty and neglect in the Land of the Pure.

This heartbreaking scene, now etched on YouTube, serves as a stark reminder to the ruling elite, ensconced in their privileges. While they revel in opulence, ordinary Pakistanis endure a relentless cycle of hardship.

Over half the population lives below the poverty line, with 80 percent lacking access to clean water. They are the “walking dead,” their resilience a testament to their unwavering spirit amidst adversity.

These are the stalwarts who built Pakistan brick by brick, yet find themselves trapped in an unyielding struggle to survive.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/pakistans-forgotten-class/

From dawn till dusk, they toil ceaselessly, their only respite a humble abode with one or two fans and as many bulbs — no more, no less.

The state has failed in its commitment to provide even the most basic amenities like health and education, relegating these essentials to distant dreams for millions.

Securing utilities such as electricity and water is an uphill battle, marred by pervasive corruption that demands bribes from the destitute. The recent tragedy is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a larger malaise.

Last week, a man in Chak Jhumra met his end under a train, burdened by unpaid bills. In Dera Ghazi Khan, an enraged public lashed out at an electricity official amidst prolonged power outages.

These are desperate acts, fueled by scorching heatwaves and punitive tariff hikes imposed callously by a detached government.

As temperatures soar to deadly heights, policymakers remain indifferent, their actions exacerbating the suffering of the masses. The recent suicides bear witness to their failure to protect the vulnerable.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/povertys-fatal-toll/

Meanwhile, fuel prices are revised every 15 days, perpetually on the rise, adding to the financial burdens of ordinary Pakistanis already grappling with the highest electricity tariffs in South Asia.

In distant echoes, the tragic tale of those who paid smugglers for the promise of freedom and a better future, only to meet their demise on Greek boats, reverberates.

These are the realities of a nation abundant in potential yet shackled by the greed and neglect of a privileged few.

It’s time for introspection and action. The punitive taxes must cease, and policies must prioritize the welfare of the people, not the pockets of the elite.

If policymakers dare to listen, they will hear the cries of a nation burdened by their neglect. Pakistan, with its vast potential, can no longer afford to sacrifice its people at the altar of greed.

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.