A few days ago, we commemorated Youm-e-Takbeer, the historic day when Pakistan emerged as the first nuclear power in the Islamic world and the seventh in the world. The late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear program, while former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif responded to India’s nuclear tests by conducting Pakistan’s own nuclear explosions, thereby making the country a nuclear power. Today, when Pakistan speaks to India eye to eye, or when our diplomacy and mediation are acknowledged across the world, the credit largely goes to our nuclear capability. The world knows that, by the grace of Allah, Pakistan is a nuclear state; therefore, no one can easily dare cast an evil eye upon it. For a moment, consider Iran. For years, it struggled to acquire this capability but could not succeed. Today, it faces the devastation of war. Had Iran been a nuclear power, its situation might have been very different.
Over the past several years, it has become an unfortunate trend in our country to endlessly criticise and abuse politicians. Yet it was these very politicians who played the decisive role in making Pakistan a nuclear power. One political leader demonstrated strategic foresight by initiating the nuclear program, while another ignored billions of dollars in American offers and immense international pressure to conduct the nuclear tests, making Pakistan’s defence invincible. Had Pakistan not possessed nuclear capability today, God forbid, our condition might also have resembled Iran’s. Both these political leaders deserve tribute for this remarkable achievement.
It is no exaggeration to say that even middle-income families now struggle to arrange three meals a day.
At the same time, scientists such as Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and Dr Samar Mubarakmand, along with many others, also played a vital role in transforming Pakistan into a nuclear state. It is equally important to acknowledge that every political and military government during this period contributed, to the best of its ability, toward advancing Pakistan’s nuclear program.
A few days ago, we also celebrated with great enthusiasm the completion of one year of the Marka-e-Haq, the day when Pakistan humbled India, a military power many times larger than itself. By downing the French-made Rafale aircraft, Pakistan shattered India’s arrogance. Today, even U.S. President Donald Trump does not tire of praising Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Chief of Defence Staff. Furthermore, during the U.S.-Iran tensions, Pakistan played an exceptionally effective diplomatic role. This role earned the country respect and added dignity to the green passport. For all these achievements, we remain grateful to Almighty Allah and to our national leadership.
All these successes are undoubtedly a matter of pride for us. However, despite this positive picture, the condition of Pakistan’s people remains deeply troubling. Years of relentless inflation, rising at rocket speed, have broken the backs of ordinary citizens. There was a time when the prices of food items or petroleum products increased only after weeks or months. Now prices rise almost daily. Once, increases were measured in a few paisas or rupees; today, prices jump by several rupees at a time.
This crisis is not limited to meat, butter, etc. Even lentils and vegetables have become unaffordable for the poor. The prices of medicines are also beyond the reach of ordinary people. Whether it is electricity and gas bills or the soaring cost of petrol and diesel, life has become extremely difficult for the public. This situation has persisted for years, yet inflation shows no signs of slowing down.
Not only the lower class but even the middle class has been severely affected. It is no exaggeration to say that even middle-income families now struggle to arrange three meals a day. The purchasing power of the people continues to shrink, while the number of those living below the poverty line keeps increasing. On the other hand, employment opportunities are scarce, unemployment is rising, and new jobs are few and far between. Business opportunities are equally limited.
Almost every day, we come across reports and surveys revealing how many skilled young Pakistanis are leaving the country to settle abroad. We also hear that the youth are deeply disillusioned and eager to move to Europe, America, or elsewhere in search of a better future. The root cause of this entire situation lies in the country’s internal conditions.
In this context, it is imperative for the national leadership and those in authority to pay attention to the common people. Establishing Pakistan’s military strength and diplomatic influence across the world is certainly commendable, but now the focus must shift toward the citizens who are struggling to preserve even the semblance of dignity and self-respect in their daily lives.
From time to time, government spokespersons present economic statistics to show that the national economy is moving in the right direction. To be fair, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also deserves credit for saving the country from default. However, several years have passed since then. The public now wants new hope and tangible relief.
People crushed under inflation and unemployment have little interest in economic figures or international affairs. They do not care whether the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent global oil prices soaring, nor are they concerned that even countries like the United States are facing inflationary pressures. Stories about America or Britain mean nothing to them. Ordinary citizens care only about their homes and their purchasing power. They simply want to provide adequate meals for their children, educate them, and arrange medicines for their elderly family members.
The reality for many families is heartbreaking: if they manage to buy medicines for a sick family member, they cannot pay their children’s school fees; if they pay the school fees, they are unable to clear electricity or gas bills. One can only imagine how a man earning thirty or forty thousand rupees a month manages to survive.
It is essential for our rulers to seriously reflect on this issue and formulate a strategy to reduce public suffering. The truth is that people have become increasingly frustrated watching the unchecked luxuries, privileges, protocols, and soaring salaries of the elite class. A section of society has begun to hate the wealthy and those in power, believing that this privileged class has usurped their rights while living lavishly. No amount of diplomatic achievements or economic statistics can convince such people otherwise.
In a few days, the federal and provincial budgets will be presented. In Pakistan, every budget is traditionally followed by a fresh wave of inflation. It is therefore essential that the Prime Minister and all provincial Chief Ministers focus not on providing relief to the elite, but to the common people. Special relief packages should be announced for lower-grade government employees and the underprivileged classes.
If the public is denied relief yet again, they will become completely disillusioned, not only with governments and politicians, but with the entire system itself. Before it is too late, for God’s sake, serious measures must be taken to lessen the burden on the poor.
The writer is a Professor of Media and Communication Studies and a broadcast media expert. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Department of Film and Broadcasting at Punjab University.