Syed Saman Sher
(www.thenewslark.com)
Pakistan faces multiple challenges on various fronts, and each issue must first be highlighted to gain the attention of the competent authorities before solutions can be found. However, what about those people and their problems who are almost non-existent in the eyes of the world—those whose struggles are rarely highlighted and whose daily lives are far more challenging than others?
This is particularly true for the rural population of Pakistan, whose voices often go unheard. Their struggles rarely make it to the forefront, and their issues become secondary, overshadowed by the more pressing problems of urban areas. These are the unheard people of Pakistan, whose difficulties are often left unaddressed.
Mainstream media in Pakistan has largely been dominated by the urban middle class, focusing on the problems of major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, and Faisalabad. But who is there to report on what is happening in Kohlu? Who will speak about the challenges faced in Hala, or the living conditions in Kurram Agency? These areas receive minimal coverage, which, in turn, makes their residents feel like less important citizens. Their issues become secondary, only receiving attention after the more prominent problems of the “important” cities are addressed.
Even government officials assigned to these rural regions often limit their work to the central towns of that jurisdiction where their offices are located, rather than paying attention to the surrounding rural areas under their jurisdiction. For instance, during instances of rain-induced flooding, price hikes in fruits and vegetables, or the sale of unhygienic food, officials often restrict their visits to urban areas. This neglect contributes to higher mortality rates in rural areas and results in inhumane living conditions.
Rural areas have long been plagued by a plethora of problems, including inadequate infrastructure, dysfunctional schools, and insufficient healthcare facilities.The lack of attention from government branches, including executive and legislative representatives, has further compounded the situation.
To illustrate this further, consider this example: a person who does not live in Karachi is still likely to be aware of the city’s problems—such as street crime, pollution, and water scarcity and people including the media usually raise their concerns regarding these issues. Yet, very few people are familiar with the struggles faced by residents of riverine villages, coastal towns, border areas, or other rural regions an
It is well understood that metropolitan areas are crucial for the country’s economy, as their tax revenues and income are driving forces for national development. However, there is a reason why Pakistan has struggled to build new cities and why rural-to-urban migration rates remain excessively high. This rapid migration places immense strains on city’s infrastructure and resources, while pushing rural communities further into the shadows.
Addressing these disparities requires a shift in focus, both in media representation and in the priorities of government authorities. It is only by amplifying the voices of rural Pakistan that we can hope to build a more inclusive and balanced future for all. The people of these regions deserve to be seen, heard, and cared for—just like the citizens of Pakistan’s bustling urban centers.
