ASIA/PAKISTAN - The political and social crisis affects above all the poor

Friday, 12 May 2023 poverty civil society society politics solidarity

PAKISTAN

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Karachi (Agenzia Fides) - "The current political crisis in Pakistan is the manifestation of a confrontation between powers and potentates which is not beneficial for the country. Tensions and street demonstrations have a negative impact on trade, education and the economy, worsening an already serious situation. People are suffering terribly, especially the poorest who are being strangled by inflation. Politicians should look and act for the common good of the nation", says to Fides Father Mario Rodrigues, diocesan priest of Karachi, principal of the prestigious St. Patrick's High School, an important Catholic educational institute which welcomes more than 4,000 students, incluing Christians, Muslims and Hindus.The priest notes that, due to the street riots that started after the arrest of political leader Imran Khan, "there are further problems with the supply and supply of basic necessities".
"People are suffering from misery and rampant inflation. The prices of flour and bread have skyrocketed, which is very serious. People have to think about subsistence and survival. Feelings of anger, ready to explode, are also emerging".
In such a situation, "we call on political leaders to exercise responsibility, respect the rule of law and put the good of the country before personal or party interests, prioritizing development, prosperity and the future of Pakistan", notes Father Rodrigues.
Catholic communities and institutions, in their own way, have taken initiatives of solidarity with regard to the neediest. St. Patrick's High School, thanks to the commitment and generosity of its students, collected food and basic necessities for 300 families in need. Father Mario is very impressed by the commitment of the young people: "We launched the solidarity initiative and all the students contributed to it. I am happy to see all this. Despite everything, there is hope in our country".
Pakistan's Supreme Court yesterday ruled that the arrest of political leader and former prime minister Imran Khan was unlawful, two days after his detention sparked violent protests across the country. Mr Khan was arrested on May 9 on charges of bribery by paramilitary troops in a raid by officers who broke into a courtroom in Islamabad. Activists of the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, of which Khan is one of the leaders, took to the streets, mainly in the cities of Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad, and clashed with the army and the police. Eight people died and hundreds were arrested during these demonstrations which turned violent. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 12/5/2023)