In recent years the poverty rate in Pakistan has kept increasing, that is, in 2020-21 it increased by “39.3% and remained the same in 2021-22 (39.2 %.)” Similarly, the inflation rate is constantly increasing which makes with every passing day it is becoming difficult for the wretched and the lower class to earn money to fulfill their basic needs -special for the daily wagers. The urban inflation reports show that the prices of non-food items had increased by different measures such as liquefied hydrocarbons increased by 80.34%, electricity charges by 47.87%, motor fuel by 40.81%, cleaning and laundering by 21.17%, footwear by 16.20%, washing soap and detergents by 14.41%, matchbox by 14.41%, motor vehicle accessories by 13.99%, household equipment by 12.42% and increase in drugs and medicines by 11.76%.”
Further, in Pakistan, the socio-economic laws are not being enforced properly which are considered to be the biggest tools in helping the poor people of a society to get (at least) their basic necessities. Laws regarding it can be found in the Constitution of Pakistan 1973. Such as article 3; Elimination of exploitation which states very clearly that “The State shall ensure the elimination of all forms of exploitation and the gradual fulfillment of the fundamental principle, from each according to his ability, to each according to his work.” And Article 38; Promotion of social and economic well-being of the people, states the State is responsible to provide the basic necessities of life to everyone; providing all people employed in the service and do not promote the class system.
The Constitution of Pakistan is filled with such laws then why Pakistan is not able to implement these laws? If (at least) the above-stated two articles get enforced, then many problems related –especially- to the commoners of Pakistan will be solved. But is it corruption in many governmental institutions and self-interest agendas that has made implementation of such laws impossible or the nature of the laws are such that they themselves are hard enough to be implemented in a country like Pakistan? It is unfortunate that the current political situation of Pakistan is uncontrollable as in the regime of PTI “Pakistan ranked 140/180” in terms of corruption report by Transparency International 2021. The need of the hour is to raise such questions and see them in a critical perspective for answering such questions is important for the general public of Pakistan.
