Silent Suffering, Loud Protests

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: In recent days, Pakistan has witnessed an unprecedented surge of protests across various sectors, reflecting deep-seated frustrations among its citizens. 

In the federal capital, Islamabad, government employees, particularly teachers, have taken to the streets to voice their discontent over wage disparities and the erosion of their rights. 

These demonstrations have been met with brutal police action, including baton charges and public humiliation of the protesters. 

Such heavy-handed responses not only undermine the dignity of these professionals but also expose the systemic issues plaguing the nation’s governance.

At the heart of these protests lies the unbearable burden of rising inflation, which has pushed many to the brink of desperation.

News of families resorting to tragic measures due to financial despair surfaces with alarming regularity. Amid this crisis, the government’s introduction of new pension rules has only added fuel to the fire. 

The abolition of dual pensions and the modification of the pension calculation formula are perceived as grossly unjust, particularly for senior citizens who dedicated their lives to public service. Their post-retirement security now hangs by a thread, leaving them feeling betrayed by a system they once served with diligence.

The unrest isn’t confined to Islamabad alone. In Gilgit-Baltistan, government employees have rallied against recent pension cuts imposed by the provincial administration. Their protests echo the sentiments of their counterparts in the capital, underscoring the widespread disillusionment with policies that jeopardize the financial well-being of retirees.

The government’s indifference to the plight of its workers has only deepened the sense of alienation among public servants.

The healthcare sector is also in turmoil. Doctors and medical staff have initiated strikes, demanding better working conditions and fair remuneration. Protests in Gilgit-Baltistan’s hospitals have laid bare the dire state of healthcare infrastructure. 

The lack of adequate resources hampers the delivery of quality healthcare and demoralizes medical professionals, perpetuating a vicious cycle of neglect and deteriorating public health.

Farmers, the backbone of Pakistan’s agrarian economy, are raising their voices against unfavorable agricultural policies, inadequate support prices, and rising input costs. These challenges threaten their livelihoods and the nation’s food security.

The government’s failure to address their concerns has led to widespread discontent in rural areas, where farming remains the primary source of income.The agrarian distress is a ticking time bomb that, if ignored, could have catastrophic socio-economic repercussions.

Sanitary workers, often the unsung heroes maintaining urban hygiene, have also joined the wave of protests. They demand better wages, job security, and safer working conditions. Their strikes have led to the accumulation of waste in several cities, posing significant health hazards. 

Their plight underscores the systemic neglect of essential services and the individuals who perform them. Their demands go beyond financial compensation—they seek recognition and respect for their critical role in society.

These widespread protests are symptomatic of deeper issues within Pakistan’s governance framework. The nation’s ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index has slipped to 135 out of 180 countries, reflecting pervasive corruption that undermines public trust and effective policy implementation.

Moreover, the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index places Pakistan among the lowest globally, with dismal scores in constraints on government powers and the absence of corruption. These rankings are not mere statistics—they represent the daily struggles of citizens facing systemic injustices.

The judiciary, meant to uphold justice, is perceived as compromised. With Pakistan ranking 120th in the absence of corruption category, serious questions arise about the integrity and impartiality of legal institutions. 

This erosion of trust in the judiciary exacerbates the sense of disenfranchisement among the populace, pushing citizens toward protests as their only recourse. This cycle of unrest and repression is a direct consequence of a broken system.

The socio-economic fabric of the country is unraveling. A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, struggling to meet basic needs. 

Access to clean drinking water remains a distant dream for many, with 80% of the populace exposed to waterborne diseases like hepatitis. The healthcare system, already strained, is further burdened by preventable illnesses, highlighting the dire need for infrastructural investment and policy reform. The government’s neglect of these fundamental issues speaks volumes about its misplaced priorities and lack of empathy.

The recent police brutality against protesting teachers is particularly egregious. Educators are the architects of a nation’s future, shaping young minds and laying the foundation for progress. Subjecting them to violence and humiliation not only devalues their profession but also sends a chilling message about the state’s disregard for education.

When those entrusted with nurturing the next generation are treated with such contempt, it raises alarming questions about the nation’s trajectory and its commitment to development.

The current wave of protests across Pakistan is a clarion call for introspection and reform. The government’s reliance on oppressive measures to silence dissent only amplifies the voices of discontent. 

Addressing the root causes—economic disparities, systemic corruption, and policy missteps—is imperative. 

A nation that fails to honor its teachers, healers, farmers, and workers stands on a precarious path. It is incumbent upon policymakers to heed these voices, rectify injustices, and steer the country toward a more equitable and just future.

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.