Poverty, politics and peace
The writer is a social development and policy adviser, and a freelance columnist based in Islamabad.
As a social development professional with 15 years of experience in international development, I feel alarmed for the first time in my career to see the rapid deterioration of socioeconomic conditions of Pakistan.
With a Rs10 trillion accumulated budget deficit, Rs1.4 trillion increase in circular debt, Rs2000 billion losses in state run enterprises, and 100 percent increase in commodity price during the last 32 months, there is much to be worried about the future of this country. As a result of this unprecedented economic downturn, the country’s social and political fabric is fraying and could give rise to civil strife. ....