Pakistan’s economy is in dire straits. The question is, are politicians or the people responsible for the economic collapse. Inflation has been on the rise in every era but no one is bothered to find a reason and has made excuses. A country progresses when we avoid covering up our shortcomings and finds solutions. Governments, sometimes by the people or by foreign conspiracies, always cite the global situation and raise prices. Eventually, inflation has risen to such an extent that now life has become unbearable for the people.
Every political party in opposition criticizes the government freely but when the same party comes to power, it forgets all the criticism and focuses on covering up its shortcomings. Earlier they blamed the previous government but now even people are blamed for the crisis.
The government is now accusing people of wasting money due to their lifestyle. A minister made the bizarre claim that people should reduce their consumption of tea to help in the economic crisis. An inflation-hit person works tirelessly the whole day and comes home to have a hot cup of tea. Is this wasteful expenditure? The government even wants to end this too.
We are been told to stop drinking tea as if it will end all miseries.
The government should realize that habits such as drinking tea and smoking cigarettes are caused by stress and anxiety. People can’t even think of any kind of entertainment or luxury in this country. This is their only solace which the government is snatching from them.
Surprisingly, the government does not see the huge amount of wheat, sugar, edible oil, and fertilizer being smuggled illegally into Afghanistan. They consider the consumption of tea as the problem. If the government pays attention to curbing illegal trafficking, it will be easier to reduce the trade deficit.
Ordinary citizens are constantly worried about their day will go. When you wake up in the morning, the thought arises in your mind how will the expenses for household items, groceries, children’s school fees, electricity bills, and medical bills be fulfilled. Employees are also reluctant to ask their business owners for a pay rise as they are more likely to be fired and have to feed their families.
Doesn’t the government know that an increase in the price of electricity affects the price of everything? Raising the price of petrol and diesel also makes a difference in the prices of all essential commodities as it affects transport costs. The interest rate has increased so much that traders cannot even think of taking a loan.
The people have been demanding to keep the price of electricity and petrol low. Children’s educational expenses and medicine for the elderly should not be made expensive. Regardless, every government keeps increasing expenditure and people are told that the government is spending money on national development.
Normally the development budget of the country is the highest but unfortunately, the funds allocated for human welfare are a pinch of salt. Health and education are essential for improving human life but these vital sectors have been neglected in the past seven decades.
The government needs to work on fulfilling human needs and make plans to reduce household expenses. Today the cost of living is so high that it has become difficult for ordinary people to live and traders to continue their work. Inflation is on the rise all over the world but still free education and other necessities of life are easily provided in other countries while governments are working day and night to improve the facilities for the people.
We spend a lot of money day and night repairing roads. Now it is time for people to demand their necessities including electricity, water, education, health and shelter. Citizens should not vote for political parties which fail to meet the demands of the people and assert their rights. Politicians should be prosecuted on charges of fraud and hypocrisy because they have tested our limits.
