Key Takeaways:
- The economic and political establishment in Pakistan is indifferent to the concerns of taxpayers.
- There is a growing disparity between the ruling elites and the struggling working class.
- The heavily taxed budget adds to the financial burdens of ordinary citizens, exacerbating economic hardships.
The Friday Times, a weekly publication, recently featured an article by Nazeer Ahmed Arijo titled: Pakistan Drifts Towards An ‘Eat The Rich’ Situation discussing the dire economic situation in Pakistan. The article paints a grim picture of the economic and political landscape, where the elite continue to benefit while ordinary citizens face increasing hardships.
According to The Friday Times, Pakistan’s ruling class is “feathering their own nests” while the common people are left to struggle. Arijo notes that it’s not the scarcity of food that’s the main issue, but rather the lack of leadership, vision, and political will. In a country of 220 million people, the ruling elites live comfortably while the average person battles to make a living.
Arijo shares a poignant story of Ahmed, a daily wage worker who couldn’t afford to buy a kilogram of beef priced at Rs 1100, despite earning Rs 700 a day. This highlights the severe economic challenges faced by the working class, who find even basic necessities out of reach during religious celebrations like Eid.
Quoting Jean Jacques Rousseau, Arijo warns, “When people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich.” This historical reference draws a parallel between Pakistan’s current economic conditions and the exploitative models that led to the French Revolution.
The ruling elites need to understand the severe consequences of their political callousness and economic apathy before it’s too late.
The Friday Times also highlights the increasing burden of taxes on the middle class. The recent hike in general sales tax (GST) from 17 percent to 18 percent, along with the withdrawal of sales tax exemptions in the health and poultry sectors, is expected to fuel inflation. This, coupled with fixed charges on electricity bills, further strains the finances of ordinary citizens.
Arijo argues that the state should provide basic rights like food, clothing, health, and education in return for taxes collected. However, many Pakistanis find themselves having to pay for private education and healthcare due to the poor quality of public services. The situation is so dire that people even have to buy bottled water for drinking.
The article also points out that despite the heavy taxation, the government fails to provide adequate public services. Instead, the benefits of the economic system are enjoyed by a privileged few, leading to growing anger and frustration among the masses.
The Friday Times emphasizes the need for structural reforms and broadening the tax net to include untaxed sectors. Without such changes, the heavily taxed budget will continue to squeeze the struggling majority, leaving them with little purchasing power.
Arijo concludes by warning that if the status quo continues, the deprived majority will be left with no option but to protest against the unequal distribution of wealth. The ruling elites need to understand the severe consequences of their political callousness and economic apathy before it’s too late.
source link: https://thefridaytimes.com/05-Jul-2024/pakistan-drifts-towards-an-eat-the-rich-situation
