Economic relief

If there is one thing that could bring the PTI government down, it would not be any corruption allegations and scandals, but rather the ever-increasing food inflation and rising prices in the country.

Many countries in the world have recently faced massive and often violent protests to get rid of the status quo and change the nascent political system. Iraq, Lebanon, and Chile have seen protests which have had governments stumbling to contain the crisis. In Pakistan, the situation has not resulted in protests yet, but things might spiral out of control soon.

Prime Minister Imran Khan is not pleased with his economic team saying that he was misguided over the wheat crisis. He has blamed profiteers and hoarders for the rising prices and vowed to tackle them with an iron fist and to take every step to provide relief to the common man who is facing the brunt of inflation. He has also promised to take action against those responsible for the recent flour crisis.

No one doubts the prime minister’s intention that action will be taken and relief will be provided, but the issue could have been handled better. The hoarders and profiteers which the prime minister wants to tackle are some of the most influential businessmen and industrialists, some even within his own ranks. What is actually required is a policy against rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty eradication to placate the public.

History is filled will violent ways to get rid of dictators, from coups, rebellions, and civil wars. The most effective way to bring a democratic government, even a populist one, is through public protests and peaceful resistance. Researchers have shown that no government could survive if just 3.5 percent of the population rose up against it and such movements have never failed to bring about change.

 The government does not have many options after it secured a bailout from the IMF and is receiving regular handouts from China, Saudi Arabia and UAE while the economy is going through a stabilisation process. The common man does not understand these economic rules and is more concerned about his daily needs. The prime minister’s pledge to provide relief is the biggest challenge that, if not handled effectively, would make the government unpopular.