The time for wise decisions is now…Mujeeb Ali

Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” These words guide me in making better decisions, learning from past mistakes to shape the destiny I desire. I hope Pakistan can also make the right decisions for its people. Since independence, our country has been on the verge of destruction due to the wrong choices made by our political leaders. It’s time we evaluated our past missteps and made the necessary corrections.

We chose to line up with the United States during our early years of independence, a decision that seemed necessary at the time. However, this alliance ultimately brought no substantial benefits to Pakistan. The USA’s indifference during the wars with India in 1965 and 1971 were critical lessons we failed to heed. Another pivotal moment was Pakistan’s decision to join the US-led war on terror. The threatening ultimatum by then President George W Bush, “you are with us or against us” should have served as a wake-up call. History offers valuable lessons for those who choose to learn, but it is unforgiving to those who deliberately ignore it.

Pakistan was not created by chance; it was achieved by choice, with much bloodshed and sacrifices from our forefathers. It is not too late to change Pakistan’s fate and fulfil the dreams envisioned by our founders.

Today, Pakistan is at a critical juncture. The imposition of taxes on daily commodities has wreaked havoc on the backbone of the people. Daily wage earners are suffering the most, and the salaried class is living hand to mouth, all due to the flawed policies of preceding governments, which are being perpetuated by the current government. The IMF’s perpetual demand to “do more” further burdens the people, especially when taxes on essential items increase. The most affected are the poor, who struggle to pay for basic utilities like electricity and gas.

Inflation has paralysed the populace. Maintaining a decent quality of life has become a formidable challenge, with daily expenses far exceeding earnings. For instance, a daily wage worker earns only 800 rupees per day, barely enough to provide three meals for his children. Household expenses are unbearable due to skyrocketing prices of daily-use items. Cooking oil costs between 500 to 1,000 rupees per kilogram, depending on quality and brand, while other essentials like wheat, sugar, salt and milk are equally expensive. The daily wage earners and salaried class, earning below one lakh rupees, are bearing the brunt of this inflation. Health-related items, including medicine and nutritional products, have also become exorbitantly priced.

People’s lives are becoming increasingly burdensome due to the worsening economic situation. Things are slipping out of control, and the IMF’s demand for more austerity is only exacerbating the problem.

We must now make wise decisions to free ourselves from IMF dependency. Pakistan has better options to confront its challenges and find swift solutions. We should consider purchasing oil from Iran and Russia at more affordable rates and improving relations with neighbouring countries like India and Afghanistan to facilitate trade, thereby countering the negative impact of state-sponsored terrorism that has strained these relations.

The past, whether better or worse, offers valuable lessons. Relying on IMF loans and alliances with countries that have repeatedly failed us should be reconsidered. We should welcome new partners who prioritise the country’s development, even if their support comes with initial challenges. This approach will benefit us in the long term.

Pakistan stands at a crossroads where today’s decisions will shape the future of its citizens. It is not yet too late to choose the right direction. The combined efforts of the people and the government can yield positive results. Learning from history and making informed, strategic decisions will allow us to steer the country towards a prosperous and self-reliant future. It is time to prioritise the well-being of our people, seek sustainable economic solutions and build alliances that genuinely benefit our nation.

Courtesy The Express Tribune