Poor at marginality …. Saira Samo
The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens. – Jimmy Carter, former American president
The stark contrast between development and deprivation is often painfully visible. Affluent nations invest heavily in their citizens’ welfare in order to provide a decent quality of life for all. Sadly, countries like Pakistan struggle to keep pace. The daily reality for many in Pakistan’s impoverished class is a constant struggle, with survival often coming down to mere subsistence. A strong commitment to education and provision of robust employment opportunities have propelled countries like the US, the UK and Germany to global prominence, setting them apart as models of social and economic prosperity. Prioritising education and a skilled workforce has not only lifted these countries but has also greatly reduced poverty rates there. To uplift the marginalised and help them envision a life of choice and dignity, Pakistan must rethink its approach to social development, creating an environment where opportunity and progress are within reach for all.
However, Pakistan presents a very dismal picture globally – poverty-ridden and counted among the Third World countries, with its people trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and low sustainability in education, health and meager employment opportunities. Basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter are out of reach for many in several parts of the country. The definition of poverty as “a state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions” is clearly applicable to the current state of the poor in Pakistan, who lack the means to satisfy even their basic needs.
According to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Pakistan’s poverty rate stands at 39.5%, with Balochistan’s at 70%, Sindh’s at 45%, KPK’s at 48% and Punjab’s at 30%. Such reports indicate that the lives of the downtrodden may be in serious jeopardy due to living below the poverty line. Just imagine, setting aside your elite and middle-class position – what do the poor do for food? Do they get an education in high-standard schools, colleges and universities? Do they go to branded outlets to shop for clothes? The big question remains: why are the poor a marginalised class in society?
The reasons behind this marginalisation are:
Firstly, economic inequality: the growing gap between the poor and the rich creates a divide as economic policies often favor the rich.
Secondly, limited access to resources: the poor lack access to quality education, healthcare and stable employment opportunities.
Thirdly, political disempowerment: the poor often have less political power and are rarely involved in the policy-making process.
Fourthly, social stigma: there is often a negative perception of the poor, leading to social discrimination and alienating them from mainstream society.
Overall, the impact of these factors is clear: poverty disconnects social networks, isolating the poor from society. They are regarded with prejudice and degraded, sometimes even considered untouchable by the upper classes who, due to their so-called status, forget the very purpose of humanity. Generally, the elite enjoy revered positions while the poor serve their cause, maintaining their worth through unwearied services.
Realistically, today, every home in Pakistan hires servants or maids to handle household chores and look after the kitchens, either out of comfort or necessity. Every day starts with the services they render for the sake of three meals a day and a few bucks. However, they remain marginalised in society. How melancholy is that!
If the government plays a formidable and crucial role in eradicating poverty in the country and providing employment opportunities to all annually, socio-economic discrimination will come to an end. People will no longer feel alienated, and an egalitarian society will flourish, regardless of class distinctions. The international community must come forward to focus on alleviating poverty in Third World countries. A decent standard of living is a fundamental right for all.
Courtesy Express Tribune