Justice, poverty, health, education, unemployment, inflation and inequality are central problems in Pakistani society. Instead of a reduction in poverty, the gap between the rich and poor has been widening fast in Pakistan. It is very depressing for common people that their welfare is being ignored by authorities and concerned departments. The day-to-day increase in the number of homeless people is another big problem. They are often found to be involved in street crimes in the city.
In Pakistan, 30 to 35 percent of the population is living on one dollar a day, reported the World Bank. For these people, it is very hard to provide three square meals a day for family members.
The income inequality in Pakistan has also increased drastically in the last couple of years and the trend continues unabated despite all claims of poverty reduction. The single most devastating factor for increased income and wealth inequalities in Pakistan remains the regressive tax system. Incidence of tax on the poor in the last several years has increased, while the rich are paying almost no direct tax on their colossal income and wealth. The great divide between the rich and the poor in today’s Pakistan is assuming alarming proportions, and may eventually lead to a civil war if preventive measures are not adopted immediately.
BISMA HANIF
Karachi
