THIS is with reference to the article ‘The budget and after’ (July 3) which I read with a heavy heart. At 86 years of age, I have seen Pakistan right from the start. Even when I lived and worked abroad for over two decades, I always kept in touch. I do admit that I have never ever been so sad and disappointed as I am now. There seems to be nothing to even look forward to.

The veterans with their second and third generations in politics now would have us believe that all this worsening of living conditions has happened due to the nondescript opposition party’s facilitated entry into the government, but that is a blatant lie.

The sad fact is that the so-called veterans, through massive corruption, greed and bad governance, had already brought the country’s economy to the brink of disaster, and all the current opposition party did while in power was just to give it the final push.

While we were in such a state of doom and gloom, some hope emerged when the army chief started helping the civilian administration. The army is one permanent and stable institution in the country, and enjoys a good reputation within and outside the country.

The army chief did play a constructive role in the rehabilitation of the country’s economy by meeting our friends in the Arab world as well as taking initiatives like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). However, there are limitations to what an individual or an institution can do without actually being a part of the government.

Apparently, relieved of all pressure, checks and balances, the veteran politicians are at it again in full bloom, calling all the shots. At my age, the worst I dread is dying an unhappy man. But what about millions of children and young men and women who have lost all hopes and have nothing to look forward to?

S.R.H. Hashmi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2024