ON the face of it, Pakistan's greatest problems appear political in nature.It is almost as if there are few other points of contention, thus allowing those tasked with keeping the wheels of governance running the leisure to indulge in political games. But far from the commotion regularly witnessed in the corridors of power is a population keeping body and soul together on hope alone the hope that their plight will some day receive attention. How all the politicking distracts attention from this sad reality is reflected in the manner in which, over the past few days, moves and counter-moves at the top have relegated information of critical importance to the back burner. The report of the National Nutritional Survey 2011, launched in Karachi on Tuesday, paints a shocking picture: at the national level, 58 per cent of households are food insecure. The situation in Sindh is abysmal: 72 per cent of the population is food insecure, and of children under five, 17.9 per cent in urban areas and 32.8 per cent in rural areas are malnourished enough to face severestunting. Access to food is the most basic yardstick to measure people's welfare. The continuous downward trajectory of practically all social and economic indicators is well-documented, with interrelated issues such as the gas and power crises, rising unemployment, and the increasing cost of living extracting a devastating toll.

What is being done to address these issues? The ruling elites, civil, military and judicial, appear unable to think beyond the struggle over power and various political and constitutional issues. The importance of settling such points cannot be denied, but the one thing that can keep them from appearing a political charade is simultaneous and earnest focus on bringing about improvements in the people's lives. It is not just the government that is failing the citizenry; all in positions of influence must shoulder equal responsibility for failing to prioritise the people's welfare. Those fighting so hard to save the country, through the various means they deem fit, might wish to consider how meaningless a state is without a citizenry.