Today, we stand at a crossroads where the phrase “Everything will be sold for a penny” is not just a newspaper headline, but a harsh reality. National institutions, once symbols of our identity, progress, and sovereignty, are now up for sale.
It seems as if a storm of incompetence and corruption is hell-bent on erasing the very fabric of our nation. It feels like the land of Pakistan is on the verge of collapsing, plunging into the dark depths of directionless despair, where neither national dignity nor an independent economy will remain. This situation is a tragedy, but the question is, how did we get here?
Our rulers, who were entrusted with safeguarding public trust, have pushed national institutions into ruin for their personal gain, shaking their foundations to the core. In their priorities, there was neither the well-being of the people nor the development of the nation. The national treasury has become a den of plunder, where politicians and powerful individuals use public resources to line their pockets. This loot is carried out so systematically that every incoming government accuses the previous rulers, absolves itself, and then starts repeating the same story. Then, they pass amendment bills, weaken institutions, and celebrate their corruption.
The question arises: These national assets, which once symbolized progress, are now being pawned to pay off debts. International financial institutions are now influencing our policies, and we are being told that selling these assets is our only option. If we sell these assets to pay off debts, who will we rely on tomorrow? When the institutions are sold off, where will the country stand?
In today’s circumstances, the most tragic aspect is that the hopes and dreams of the public are also being sold for pennies. The institutions that were established to serve the people are now unable to provide them with basic services. The education sector, healthcare, and other essential services have been sacrificed at the altar of political corruption. The well-being of the people is not on their agenda. As a result, our children are deprived of education, the sick are denied treatment, and people are left longing for basic necessities.
The biggest issue is the lack of accountability in our country. Whoever comes to power gets involved in corruption without any fear, and when the public demands accountability, these rulers try to absolve themselves by blaming others. The process of accountability is now reduced to empty slogans and promises, and as a result, the people have come to believe that justice is perhaps not meant for them. Until we truly hold these politicians accountable and bring them to justice, the dream of change will remain unfulfilled.
Now, it is time for the nation to wake up and hold these rulers accountable, who have brought the country to this point. The public must reflect on how long they will tolerate these looters and incompetent rulers. How long will we remain a part of this system of oppression and corruption? We must demand accountability from those who have plundered the public wealth and national institutions.
The nation needs to understand that merely casting a vote is not enough; we must elect those who truly have the spirit of public service. If we make a firm commitment, this nation can witness a bright dawn. We have rare gems among us, individuals rich in honesty and sincerity, who have an immense desire to see the country prosper. Their hard work and dedication can illuminate the dark paths of this country. But it depends on the people whether they will give these individuals a chance to lead. We need to bring those into politics who truly understand the pain of the nation and are committed to its progress.
“Everything will be sold for a penny” is not just an insult; it is a tragic reality that is pointing to the decline of our national dignity, resources, and identity. If we remain silent on the actions of our rulers today, tomorrow we will have nothing left but regret and sorrow. The time has come for us to protect our national heritage, fulfill our dreams, and secure the future of generations to come by holding these rulers accountable. If we fail to do so, the day is not far when our national assets will be auctioned off for pennies, and we will be left carrying the heavy burden of regret as we become a cautionary tale for future generations.
