Pakistan: fresh hope amidst daily hardship

Published May 29, 2013
Fresh optimism: the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is sworn in on the same day. They believe a change in policy to negotiation with the TTP may help curb the violence that has torn Pakistan’s social fabric.
Fresh optimism: the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is sworn in on the same day. They believe a change in policy to negotiation with the TTP may help curb the violence that has torn Pakistan’s social fabric.
Boys cool themselves off in the burgeoning summer sun. The sight of disabled and disadvantaged children out on the streets is a constant reminder of the poverty prevalent in Pakistan’s poor economic reality.
Boys cool themselves off in the burgeoning summer sun. The sight of disabled and disadvantaged children out on the streets is a constant reminder of the poverty prevalent in Pakistan’s poor economic reality.
The blood stained feet of a health worker fighting polio. She was shot dead by unknown gunmen. The World Health Organization was forced to suspend their polio eradication campaign in certain areas of Pakistan.
The blood stained feet of a health worker fighting polio. She was shot dead by unknown gunmen. The World Health Organization was forced to suspend their polio eradication campaign in certain areas of Pakistan.
Prime minister elect Nawaz Sharif addresses the country on the 14th anniversary of Pakistan’s first nuclear test. He promises to bring an end to the economic and energy crises. Pakistan’s populace eagerly await the results.
Prime minister elect Nawaz Sharif addresses the country on the 14th anniversary of Pakistan’s first nuclear test. He promises to bring an end to the economic and energy crises. Pakistan’s populace eagerly await the results.
A woman mourns the death of a loved one in a bomb blast near a Shia locale in Peshawar. Shias areas are under constant threat from the Taliban and their offshoot organizations.
A woman mourns the death of a loved one in a bomb blast near a Shia locale in Peshawar. Shias areas are under constant threat from the Taliban and their offshoot organizations.
The bodies of a Shia lawyer and his two children are carried solemnly to their graves. Shia professionals have been individually targeted. Even whole families have been morbidly executed.
The bodies of a Shia lawyer and his two children are carried solemnly to their graves. Shia professionals have been individually targeted. Even whole families have been morbidly executed.
On the same day Sindh’s new government is sworn in. Despite it mostly mirroring that of the previous five years, perhaps this is a time where political pressure will force change in Sindh and its burning metropolis Karachi..
On the same day Sindh’s new government is sworn in. Despite it mostly mirroring that of the previous five years, perhaps this is a time where political pressure will force change in Sindh and its burning metropolis Karachi..
Pakistan’s largest minority, women, are represented in this Sindh assembly. Despite the heartbreak people face in their daily lives, there is renewed hope in the progress of democracy. Only time will heal the deep-rooted wounds. However, the question is, how long?
Pakistan’s largest minority, women, are represented in this Sindh assembly. Despite the heartbreak people face in their daily lives, there is renewed hope in the progress of democracy. Only time will heal the deep-rooted wounds. However, the question is, how long?
Women on the lookout for water in Rawalpindi. The energy crisis across Pakistan has halted water supply in Rawalpindi and Peshawar. Clean drinking water remains a scarce resource throughout the country.
Women on the lookout for water in Rawalpindi. The energy crisis across Pakistan has halted water supply in Rawalpindi and Peshawar. Clean drinking water remains a scarce resource throughout the country.

The past few days have seen a reminder of many recurring problems in Pakistan’s history. The victimisation of Shias, horror in the battle against polio, a never ending energy crisis, and reminders of a poor economic reality. However, new governments have been sworn in, and  the to be Prime Minister, as well other newly elected politicians, have made optimistic claims on Pakistan’s future. In this post-election era, there appears to be fresh hope amidst the harsh daily realities for the citizens of Pakistan. - Photos and text by Agencies

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