The outcome of incompetence of rulers can be seen everywhere in Pakistan as instead of making progress it is going in the opposite direction. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2012-13, the GDP growth remained at 3.7 percent against the target of 4.2 percent. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) sharply decreased by 48.3 percent to $ 667 million during the first 10 months of the current ongoing fiscal as against $ 1,293 million in the last fiscal.
The general masses are struggling to get their meals but the corrupt rulers are living a luxurious life on the wealth of nation. Instead of spending the taxpayers’ money on their betterment, for provision of electricity, quality healthcare and education, the leaders freely dole this out in foreign countries while on private and personal trips undertaken at the expense of the poor masses.
On a trip aimed at fulfilling a long-standing desire to offer prayers at the shrine of sufi saint Khwaja Moninuddin Chisti in Ajmer, President Asif Ali Zardari while on a personal visit donated $1 million through the public exchequer to the shrine without any qualms. Ironically, Zardari could not spare Indian Rs500,000 ($9,200) as surety bond for the release of Dr Chishty. Indian film producer and a peace activist, Mahesh Bhatt, deposited the amount in the Indian Supreme Court on behalf of Dr Chishty. But the PPP government, as usual, is taking credit for the release!
Frustration is overwhelming the people of Pakistan as the rulers are pushing them towards an uncertain future. There is discontent and frustration not just among the wider masses that supported the PPP, but also amongst the workers and activists of the party. Many of the loyal supporters and close associates of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto have disassociated and distanced themselves from the PPP that has now been hijacked by Asif Ali Zaradri.
The people have been severely hit by the skyrocketing prices, extreme poverty, rising unemployment and the worst kind of energy crisis. Unfortunately, the problems are compounding with the passage of time; increasing the number of suicide and crimes committed by the hapless. Mobs of angry protesters are out in every city across the country but the political cohorts either do not seem to care or do not have the capability to rectify the situation.
At the present stage Pakistan is passing through its worst economic crisis and social turmoil. There are more suicide bombings in Pakistan than Iraq, Afghanistan or any other country. Target killings across Karachi and Quetta instead of abating are increasing day-by-day and becoming the norm.
The people are sick and tired of the situation. They cannot go out easily due to fear of being shot at. Target killings go unabated despite security pickets in the city and patrolling by police and Rangers. The most ironic aspect within this calamitous situation has been the cold indifference expressed by the PPP leadership and the government towards the plight of the masses.
Pakistanis must demand an answer for the inability of our governments to perform the basic functions for which they exist. The answers, however, cannot come until honest and committed leaders are voted into power. This in turn will not happen until the electoral process is made to reflect the popular will. This will not happen unless Pakistanis rise now to demand that whatever needs to be done must be done to ensure that the next general elections are free and fair.