HOW ironic it is that despite being home to abundant natural resources — such as rivers, cultivated lands, glaciers, mountains, excellent climate, minerals, gas, coal, etc. — Pakistan is still a poor country. In contrast, we see countries like China, Russia and Ukraine efficiently capitalising on their natural resources and generating significant revenues for the benefit of both the state and its citizens.

It has been observed that countries with vulnerable, volatile and weak systems remain marred by mismanagement and don’t have the capacity to use their natural resources properly. This is not just an economic problem. Our very existence depends on using our resources efficiently and creating and distributing wealth equitably.

Our stakeholders must do something concrete before it gets too late. If skyrocketing food inflation continues and the common man remains deprived of even the basic necessities, society will ultimately face violence and chaos.

Some fear that Pakistan is already heading towards becoming the next Sri Lanka, which is suffering from its worst crisis since independence.

It may be a pessimistic view, but not an unrealistic one. It is high time our rulers decided whether we will continue to live with the begging bowl or start working tirelessly to bring out the treasures buried in the earth, ocean and mountains to move towards prosperity. It is rightly said that there is no such thing as a poor country. Poverty is a system failing to use the country’s resources properly.

Syed Sadaqat Hussain
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2022