“I appeal to the people to reduce their tea drinking by one or two cups a day because we also borrow money for the tea, which is imported.” This bizarre statement given by a Pakistani Planning Minister was criticised by many but it is a practical advice seeing Pakistan’s perilous financial situation. But in Pakistan, emotions overpower practical thinking and public gullibility is so profound that the establishment is easily able to create a fool’s paradise for them. In Pakistan, everything is setting a new record...citizens have to cough up Rs 205 to buy a dollar, inflation is touching 14 %, fuel prices has been increased twice and have crossed Rs 200 mark, gas prices are up to 45 percent, foreign debt is at whooping $ 6.4 Bn, stock market has crashed, power and water problems are unprecedented and the list of woes is long. The IMF has been asking the Pakistani Government to withdraw fuel subsidy and increase taxes so that IMF’s stalled $6 billion bailout package could be revived and Pakistan does not default on loans. At this time when there is no money to run the Government, interestingly the defence budget is said to have increased by 11 percent; ‘eating grass but getting weapons’ prophecy is being taken too seriously in Pakistan it seems. The unstable political situation is also an impediment in country’s economic revival as loans from other countries are not coming easily. The otherwise ‘brotherly countries’ do not want to risk their credit into a country going the dooms way. Chinese too are more conscious in implementing the CPEC.

The internal situation in Pakistan is precarious if put mildly. After his ouster, Mr Khan has been creating chaos in the country. Riled by the ‘diplomatic coup’ against him, he is rousing public sentiments against the present dispensation. He has even warned that Pakistan will break into three parts, the Army will be destroyed and the nuclear weapons of Pakistan will be taken away. As per him, if Pakistan defaults on repayment of loans, the situation will be like that in Sri Lanka. With no money left, Pakistan Army’s will be the first casualty. The TTP and Baloch freedom fighters will have an upper edge and Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will break away. Again, Mr Khan has been criticised for his prophecy but thinking practically, there is some sanity in the doomsday scenario painted by him. Similar opinions were criticised in 1971 that warned against East Pakistan breaking away.
The profoundness of social unrest is alarming. People are vicious in their criticism of the Government. People are also openly criticising the Army which was never the case before. The TV channels in Pakistan are full of praises for India’s substantial economic and social progress, independent foreign policy and leadership. People are concerned about the pathetic situation Pakistan is in and its poor international standing. There are feelers that even the real power centre, the Pakistan Army is shaken up with the current internal situation. There are conflicting views within the Army with respect to “taking on the affairs” of the country to save it from disaster. The impending ‘retirement’ or ‘extension’ of Army Chief’s tenure is also a matter of regular debates within the Army and the society.
In this entire milieu, the establishment is doing what it does best......and that is to divert the public attention from all the chaos. No marks for guessing how it does that....YES...try to flare Kashmir issue. The increased targeting of minorities, migrant labourers, peace loving citizens and government officials in Kashmir is a planned strategy of Pakistan to divert attention of its public from the indicators of the impending collapse of their nation.
Since Jan this year, over a seven lakh tourists have visited Kashmir, which is one of the highest. The business is growing in Kashmir, schools are open, trade is thriving, and development work is progressing smoothly. The groundswell for peace is palpable. The candle light vigils and peaceful protests against targeted killings are new phenomena exhibiting the raw courage of people to condemn Pakistan sponsored violence. People are dead against hartals, bandhs and protest that affect their daily lives and livelihood. People want to move on with life...they want their children to go to schools....they want to prosper...they want to enjoy lives with their families and friends. This is not good news for Pakistan...hence it has planned a spate in killings of innocents in Kashmir to terrorise the people.
Peoples’ power is ultimate…..and it can move mountains. So, light a candle, hold a placard, march peacefully and condemn Pakistan sponsored terrorism.