The struggle for a fair chance at a decent life extends beyond economic concerns
Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo
The prospect of a healthier life becomes more equitable when one steps into the shoes of a Pakistani citizen. Setting aside the ongoing political turmoil, it becomes glaringly apparent that the average Pakistani is compelled to fend for themselves, with state safety nets often failing to reach those in dire need. The hard-earned income is swiftly absorbed by the exorbitant prices of essential services like electricity, gas, medicine, and fuel. Whatever savings one manages to accumulate are susceptible to the volatile and unregulated fluctuations of the market. There seems to be no ceiling to the prices set by business owners for various commodities. Quality is equally precarious, and obtaining authentic items seems akin to winning a lottery.
State responsibility for safety and security appears to be dwindling, leaving individuals to ensure their protection solely on their own. Meritocracy takes a backseat, and wealth consistently emerges victorious in this scenario. The struggle for a fair chance at a decent life extends beyond economic concerns.
Disillusionment is now manifesting in various forms, from decreased civic participation to social unrest
The political landscape often seems tumultuous, with power dynamics favoring the affluent and well-selected. The notion of a level playing field, where opportunities are distributed based on talent and capability, becomes increasingly elusive. The erosion of trust in public institutions adds another layer of complexity to the predicament. Almost every citizen who in return is not beneficial perceives that the system is skewed in favor of the privileged, and a sense of disillusionment takes root. This disillusionment is now manifesting in various forms, from decreased civic participation to social unrest. Now everyone has taken his right and wrong, we as a nation are only united when the Pakistani cricket team plays with India.
Ultimately, the quest for a fairer chance at a healthy life requires a multifaceted approach. It must involve not only addressing economic disparities and reinstating meritocracy but also rebuilding trust in public institutions. Maybe elections will only drain our hard-earned resources, and we again will be where we started earlier, but we as a nation require a comprehensive and inclusive effort to move towards a future where every citizen has a genuine opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
_________________
Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo, based in Hyderabad, is a specialist in Institutional Development, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), and Fundraising. 
