It’s often said that when a nation’s economy weakens, the lives of its poor become unbearably difficult. Today, this is precisely the state of Pakistan, where the specter of inflation has made survival a struggle for the common man. The depth of people’s suffering and the government’s indifference is such that the prices of daily necessities have soared to unimaginable levels, making it difficult for an average person to even earn a decent meal. Yet, instead of hearing the public’s desperate cries, the government chooses to add more burdensome taxes upon them.
Bribery and the Bullying of State Institutions
From small vendors to large businesses, everyone in Pakistan is subjected to the tyranny and bribery of government institutions. A small shopkeeper, working tirelessly to support his family, faces harassment and exploitation at every turn by officials. These officials demand bribes, disrupt businesses, and sometimes even confiscate goods from small vendors. Without paying bribes, one cannot set up a stall or save a penny from one’s hard-earned income. As a result, the cost of these bribes is transferred to the public, who must pay inflated prices, burdened by corruption within the system.
The Curse of Inflation and the Government’s Apathy
Electricity, gas, water, and daily necessities are now so costly that people are left with nothing but despair. A daily-wage laborer, who spends his entire day earning to feed his family, now finds himself buried under these expenses. If he pays the electricity bill, how can he pay for gas? If he covers the gas bill, what about water? These questions plague every Pakistani today, but unfortunately, the government seems to have no answers.
An Avalanche of Taxes and Growing Public Frustration
On one side, there are wealthy businessmen, earning billions but avoiding taxes through various means. On the other, the poor and middle classes, who are already struggling with inflation, are forced to pay taxes on even the smallest necessities. Vegetables, fruits, meat—everything has GST, everything has sales tax, and now it has become nearly impossible for ordinary citizens to afford even the basics on a limited budget.
The government must consider how it can correct these conditions. How long will the public be left in this turmoil? Does the government have any solutions to these problems? Is there any intention to ease the suffering of the poor?
Sleeping Peacefully or Dreaming of a Better Future?
When will the government take practical steps to address the people’s hardships? The public is tormented by each new tax that drains their hard-earned money, but there’s no relief in sight. The people’s dreams of a stable future are being sacrificed on the altar of misguided policies. The dream of a strong and prosperous nation will only become reality when justice prevails, when bribery is replaced by integrity, when everyone receives their due rights, and when government policies genuinely serve the public.
The voice of the people could serve as a precursor to change. If the government ignores their pleas and fails to resolve their issues, the people may be left with no choice but to stand up and claim their rights themselves.
