Organza, renowned for its sheer beauty, holds an intriguing parallel to the struggles faced by the Pakistani society. Treated with acid, organza exhibits remarkable stiffness, akin to its wiry resilience. However, when torn, the fabric’s delicate integrity is irreparably shattered, much like the challenges that have tested the mettle of the Pakistani populace.
The first signs of this unraveling were evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Escalating costs and scarcity became pervasive, while countless lost their livelihoods. Industrial closures and reduced production exacerbated the situation, accompanied by a decline in the rupee’s value against the dollar in interstate banking. The ensuing decline in consumer purchasing power further strained the societal fabric.
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FILE PHOTO: People gather to receive their coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine doses, at a vaccination center in Karachi, Pakistan April 28, 2021. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo
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Amidst these hardships, a distressing erosion of respect for institutions emerged, nurtured by the prominent figures within the PTI leadership. A divisive “us vs. them” narrative was perpetuated, fostering increasing polarization and fraying the social bonds. This deterioration culminated in the unsettling events of 9th May—a direct assault on Army installations, a stark manifestation of mutiny.
Fast-forwarding to August 2023, the nation grapples with incessantly rising petrol and diesel prices, compounding the economic burden on citizens. Escalating electricity rates have driven people across various regions to take to the streets in protest. These demonstrations have taken myriad forms, from attacks on utility offices to tragically desperate acts like suicides stemming from the inability to cover mounting bills. This wave of discontent underscores the challenges inherent in the IMF program, casting doubt on prospects for relief for the common citizen.
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The foundation of a nation lies in the implicit contract between its citizens and the state. Citizens dutifully contribute through taxation, and in return, the state is entrusted with ensuring access to education, utilities, justice, employment, and security of life and property.
Regrettably, this contract has been marred by unfulfilled promises. A clear example lies in Article 25-A of the Pakistani Constitution, which stipulates free and compulsory education for children aged five to sixteen. The state’s inability to fully deliver on these guarantees has strained the fabric of the social contract, much like the fragile red organza.
In conclusion, the story of organza serves as a poignant metaphor for the Pakistani society’s trials and tribulations. Just as the fabric’s beauty is fragile yet resilient, the nation grapples with its own delicate yet enduring resilience. The path forward necessitates the mending of torn threads, a renewed commitment to shared values, and a collective effort to reweave the societal fabric torn by challenges. Only through unity, proactive governance, and a commitment to the common good can Pakistan forge a more promising future.
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The writer is a lawyer, academic and political analyst. She has authored a book titled ‘A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan.’ She can be contacted at: yasmeenali62@gmail.com and tweets at @yasmeen_9
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Under the system in vogue and prevalent environment, it is exceedingly difficult to pay heed and act upon the author’s concluding advice.
“Only through unity, proactive governance, and a commitment to the common good can Pakistan forge a more promising future”.