Is it the incapability of the government or other security issues? Amid all the political chaos in Pakistan, one thing that is escalating is poverty, that too at a frantic rate. What is saddening is that nobody seems to take notice of it because of other “serious issues” surrounding the country. As a result there is a massive increase in population living below the poverty line which is increasing with every passing day.

A successful country always protects the rights of its poor but unfortunately in Pakistan, the poor are even devoid of basic necessities of life. They are kept uneducated and unhealthy which limits their goals, almost submitting to misery and embarrassment. The gap between the rich and poor is increasing at a rampant pace and no immediate or long term solution can be seen. Negligence on such issues can result in horrible consequences. It develops a class system between the two, making the poor feel inferior and apologetic in front of the rich. It increases the crime rate in the society due to inequality and the fragility of the justice system.

The lack of involvement of women in the economic sector especially in the rural areas is a major concern. They are not encouraged to get education and have a career of their own. They succumb to the pressures of culture and societies and accept their roles as being inferior to men.

It is unfortunate that the vision of Iqbal has never been understood by the people it meant for. How long will we blame others for our own failures? How can we expect the government to eradicate poverty when they are also from within us? Why do we keep on cursing foreign forces for conspiring against us when we have become our own enemies?

It’s about time we stop blaming and bragging about others and to stand up for our own self. It’s important that we send our children to schools and liberate them for they are not below anybody. Education is perhaps the only way to overcome adversity and built confidence in the society. It is going to be tough but if we work hard today despite all the hardships, only then we can look up to a better future.