London to Lahore
Pakistan media is abuzz with the news about the return of Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan, possibly in October. Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s three-time prime minister, has been in self-exile in London since November 2019 after getting a four-week bail from the Lahore High Court on medical grounds. Other than Pakistan, despite his frail health, he has consistently been flying all over the world - London to Dubai, Dubai to London, not to exclude many other European cities. However, one wonders if his endless love for his beloved country is taking him back to Pakistan, or is it something else making him come back to Lahore with much enthusiasm and fervour? In sum, Nawaz Sharif’s much-anticipated return from London to Lahore can be better described in the words of Mirza Ghalib…….Sharm tumko magar nahin aati!
Spectre of Hyperinflation
Pakistan can be referred to as the land of possibilities that mostly take place in a reverse direction. Having lost its ability to pay monthly power bills, the 240-million nation now finds itself nowhere when it comes to making both ends meet, let alone education and other ‘luxuries.’ However, as the ground realities suggest and as per a fresh warning issued by the World Bank, Pakistan is in its tipping point crisis, with its 40 per cent population now living below the poverty line under elite capture. Not only this, Pakistan takes the lead with the lowest per capita income in South Asia and the highest out-of-school children in the world. Time is running out as the ailing economy is yet to change course to take off for a brighter future.
Asia Cup Nightmare
The ICC Cricket World Cup is around the corner. Nonetheless, considering Pakistan’s poor performance in the Asia Cup, which recently concluded in Sri Lanka, the overall chances are not so high for a team that lacks strength in many departments. For instance, Pakistan does not have a proper spinner as well as a genuine all-rounder who could pose any threat to the opposing side. The team’s opening pair is not yet final, struggling with a new combination in every next match, while, other than the skipper Babar Azam, the middle-order strength is as shallow as a rain puddle. Though it wouldn’t make a difference to a highly politicized cricket board that revels in changing its chief many a time throughout the year, Pakistan’s early exit from the World Cup would be a nightmare for a cricket-loving nation. Fingers crossed!
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