As we reflect on the current state of our nation, it becomes increasingly clear that our greatest challenge may lie within ourselves. The manner in which Pakistan is being governed, coupled with the relentless exploitation of national resources by the elite, paints a picture of a country seemingly in the grip of an enemy force. Over the course of more than seven decades, the situation has remained largely unchanged, not because of an inability to change, but due to the deliberate intentions of the ruling elite. This class has no genuine desire to uplift the nation or foster prosperity among its people, so intently creating gap between the elite and the rest of the citizen of this beloved country. The reason for this is apparent: a prosperous and enlightened populace would naturally resist the feudal lords and authoritarian regimes that have kept them suppressed for so long. If the people were freed from the shackles of economic hardship, they would begin to demand their rights, challenge the status quo, and insist on the rule of law as well as would start thinking and it is sure that the elite would not opt this option in any case even for the sake of the country.
However, it might be safer to confine such discussions to the editorial pages of newspapers like this one. For if these thoughts were to resonate on the streets and in public discussions, they could shake the very foundations of power corridors of this country. The status quo, after all, is maintained by ensuring that the people remain preoccupied with their daily struggles, leaving them little time or energy to challenge the system that oppresses them. The recent monsoon rains serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of this entrenched incompetence and neglect the elite, especially the civilian and military bureaucracies. The widespread loss of lives and properties, coupled with the devastation of millions of acres of crops, could have been mitigated with proper planning and foresight—had it not been for the ineptitude of certain officials and the authoritarian figures. Preliminary estimates reveal that in Sindh alone, the destruction of crops on 541,351 acres of land due to the rains has resulted in a staggering loss of approximately 86.86 billion rupees for farmers.
The cotton crop on 293,580 acres has been obliterated, while the crops on 86,089 acres of dates, 69,715 acres of sugarcane, and 304,287 acres of rice have either been completely destroyed or severely damaged. In Balochistan, 58,799 acres of crops have been ruined, with additional losses reported from other provinces. The destruction of crops due to above-normal rainfall has a direct and profound impact on the economy. When crop production declines, food security is immediately threatened. The devastating floods of 2010 caused damage worth $10 billion, and the excessive rainfall in 2022 resulted in losses amounting to $30 billion. As a consequence, 10 percent of the population faced food shortages, while 58 percent experienced issues with food security. Our cash crops—sugarcane, rice, and cotton—are now under threat once again. The recent rain-induced damage is likely to reduce their yield and drive up prices, with the cost of cotton already on the rise.
Year after year, during the monsoon season, lives are lost, homes collapse, and thousands of acres of standing crops are destroyed by floods. Yet, it is disheartening to see that our governments have consistently failed to provide sustainable and lasting solutions to these recurring problems. If the government and administrative bodies were to exhibit good governance, many of these issues could be significantly alleviated. However, this requires more than just promises; it demands sincere intent, a firm resolve, and a willingness to prioritize the well-being of the people over the interests of the elite. The time has come for those in power to recognize the gravity of the situation and to take meaningful action. The future of Pakistan depends on it. Without a genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of our problems, the cycle of exploitation, incompetence, and suffering will continue, leaving the nation perpetually on the brink of disaster.
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