The new elected government has failed to implement any meaningful measures to control market prices and to ensure fair distribution of essential items.
Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo
As the first Ashra of the holy month of Ramadan concludes, the streets of the Islamic Republic are marred with scenes of chaos and lawlessness. Despite the teachings of Ramadan emphasizing sacrifice and peace for all, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Skyrocketing prices of essential items have turned the act of daily sustenance into a luxury for many. Those who can afford to do so are hoarding essential goods, leaving limited stock for the less fortunate, who often return home empty-handed. Amid this scarcity, even finding safe water to break the fast becomes a challenge for the poorest of the poor. Despite these pressing issues, the newly elected government has failed to implement any meaningful measures to control market prices and to ensure fair distribution of essential items. The absence of reflection and proactive steps from the authorities has exacerbated the situation, plunging the streets into further disorder. Law and order have deteriorated to alarming levels, with incidents of street snatching becoming disturbingly commonplace. The sense of security that should accompany the holy month has been shattered, leaving citizens vulnerable and fearful.
The government must take urgent action to address these pressing concerns.
Despite the challenges, there are also stories of resilience and solidarity emerging from within communities. People are coming together to support one another, sharing whatever resources they have and offering a helping hand to those in need. Charitable organizations like the Fast Rural Development Program and individual philanthropy are stepping up their efforts to assist the most vulnerable segments of society. From food drives to makeshift community kitchens with Sehri and Iftari arrangements, provision of drinking water solutions, constructing shelters, and distributing clothes initiatives are springing up to fill the gaps left. As the nation navigates through these turbulent times, everyone must come together in solidarity and compassion. By standing united and extending a helping hand to those in need, we can overcome the challenges before us and emerge stronger, reaffirming the values of peace, justice, and equality that lie at the heart of Ramadan.
As Ramadan progresses, the government must take urgent action to address these pressing concerns. Failure to do so not only undermines the spirit of sacrifice and peace promoted by the holy month but also threatens the well-being and security of the entire populace.
Read: Shifting from Fixing to Flourishing
_____________________
Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo, based in Hyderabad, is a specialist in Institutional Development, MEAL, and Fundraising.
[…] Read: Does humanity still prevail? […]