What’s happening?

Three rallies held by opposition parties from the platform of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) seem to have stepped up pressure on the PTI government. But these gatherings held in Gujranwala, Karachi and Quetta so far have deepened political uncertainty in the country in the midst of coronavirus pandemic. The opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Muslim League-N, have been found to be attacking the country’s institutions in a quite dangerous manner; in other words, they have sharpened their attacks on the government and the ‘establishment’ in recent days. Insofar as country’s economy is concerned, the government appears to be clueless. Unfortunately, the economic growth prospects are not bright at all; the global lenders have already lowered country’s growth projections. There are a number of issues, including rising unemployment, but the price hike has been hitting the people the most. Unfortunately, however, the PTI government is still struggling to ensure price stability although prime minister repeatedly vows that his government would bring prices of essential items anytime soon. The government’s failure to bring prices down and ensure timely import of wheat and sugar could even threaten its survival.

Lahore Hamid Rana