While the year 2021 has been very important in terms of events all over the world, it has also left an indelible impression on the people of Pakistan. This year began with leftover Covid uncertainties, continued with some hope with the start of the vaccination process, was marked by crippling inflation in the country, and is ending with yet another Covid wave expected, even more inflation, and a heightened sense of political, economic, social uncertainty in the country.
The incumbent government failed to control the inflation even during the year 2021 despite tall claims. Petrol, flour, ghee, sugar and pulses became more expensive as compared to last year 2020 while the price of domestic LPG cylinder increased by Rs1022 in one year. Growing unemployment was another factor that contributed to a gloomy atmosphere in the country.
From the Osama Satti case in January this year to the mob lynching of Priyantha Kumara in December, Pakistan seems to have grown a year in regression. The year 2021 also witnessed violent protests from TTP, only to be once again let off the hook by the state, which also decided some parts of the TTP could also be granted amnesty.
Politically too, 2021 was full of upheavals, the government and the opposition were busy trying to sway each other, and the people kept bowing to the changing attitudes and statements of the political leaders. However, there was no change in the political chambers but the government was able to pass a number of laws, while the Senate election also saw a lot of ups and downs.
The year is ending on even more rumours and musings, this time about Nawaz Sharif’s impending return. In fact, the Sharifs featured prominently throughout the year – with some analyst or the other predicting a split every second week. That has not happened till this last day of 2021.
The federal government continued to focus on development work, but the health card came to the fore, while the Sindh government seemed to focus on Karachi’s infrastructure and work on roads, flyovers and underpass projects in the metropolis was expedited.
This year – once again – journalists fell victim to violence in the line of duty; according to the CPJ, Pakistan lost two journalists this year, and the country was also listed in the Impunity Index as a place where journalists get killed and the killers get away with it.
Internationally, for Pakistan the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan remained the most important event of the year. This year once again Pakistan failed to extricate itself from the FATF grey list. However, an extraordinary session of the OIC was convened due to the excellent efforts of the Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Happily, Pakistan has done well in its handling of the Covid crisis, as far as the vaccine rollout goes. The country has vaccinated 30 percent of the country’s total population and 46 percent of the eligible population. We hope there is continued effort to raise awareness regarding Covid protocols and importance of vaccination.
With memorable events, the sun of 2021 has set while the sun of 2022 has risen with new hopes, aspirations and expectations. It is hoped that in the coming year the hardships of the Pakistani people will be alleviated and their lives will be prosperous and the darkness of despair will be dispelled.
