In a sobering declaration that underscores the gravity of Pakistan’s current situation, renowned human rights activist Amjad Ayub Mirza has sounded the alarm, painting a grim portrait of the nation’s trajectory. Mirza’s stark warning comes amidst escalating turmoil and discontent, with various regions grappling with profound socio-economic and political challenges.
Central to Mirza’s concerns is the plight of Gilgit-Baltistan, where simmering grievances have spilled onto the streets in the form of widespread protests. Residents of the region are demanding fundamental rights spanning economic, social, political, and human dimensions, reflecting a deep-seated frustration with the status quo.
Similarly, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), dissent against exorbitant electricity bills and governmental policies has ignited a sustained civil disobedience movement. Mirza revealed plans for a mass sit-in protest slated for next month, signaling a continued defiance against perceived injustices and oppressive measures.
“The people are resolute in their opposition to the unjust electricity bills and discriminatory taxation policies,” Mirza conveyed to ANI. He further underscored the symbolic significance of the planned sit-in at Muzaffarabad, highlighting the disconnect between the nominal legislative authority and the reality of its powerlessness.
The situation is no less dire in Balochistan, where unpaid wages have provoked unrest among university faculty and staff. Mirza’s lament extends to the education sector, where students have been deprived of academic materials for months, exacerbating an already precarious situation.
Moreover, Mirza cited alarming projections from the World Bank, warning that a staggering ten million Pakistanis could spiral into poverty in the near future, further exacerbating the nation’s socio-economic woes.
The crisis extends beyond domestic borders, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa embroiled in turmoil stemming from porous borders and escalating violence. Pakistan’s strained relations with neighboring countries, marked by hostility and suspicion, exacerbate its isolation on the international stage.
The recent attack on Chinese engineers near the Dasu Dam has strained Pakistan’s crucial relationship with China, jeopardizing vital infrastructure projects and casting a shadow over bilateral ties.
In light of these escalating tensions and mounting challenges, Mirza has called for the balkanization of Pakistan as a means to address the grievances of marginalized communities within its borders. However, such a proposition remains contentious and fraught with complexities.
As Pakistan stands at a critical crossroads, its future hangs in the balance. The specter of collapse looms large, with the nation grappling with deep-rooted socio-economic disparities, political instability, and external pressures. The path forward remains uncertain, with profound implications for both Pakistan and the broader region.
