Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, a cash-strapped Pakistan recently dispatched the second consignment of humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, sparking a massive reaction on social media platforms.
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, a cash-strapped Pakistan recently dispatched its second consignment of humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. A special plane, carrying around 100 tonnes of hygiene kits, medicines, and food packages, was seen off by Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani at Islamabad International Airport on Tuesday. Present at the departure were Palestine's ambassador in Pakistan, Ahmed Jawad Rabi’I, Minister for Human Rights Khalil George, and officials from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This act has generated a range of reactions on social media, especially considering Pakistan's economic challenges.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Jilani utilized the occasion to shed light on the persistent oppression faced by the people of Gaza due to Israeli security forces. He appealed to the international community to actively engage in resolving the conflict, advocating for the establishment of an independent state of Palestine with Al-Quds as its capital. Expressing full solidarity with the Palestinian people, Jilani condemned Israel's use of brutal, disproportionate, and indiscriminate force, particularly against civilians, including women and children, who are currently besieged in Gaza.
Pakistan delivered 100 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. pic.twitter.com/A2DYztrRww
— S p r i n t e r X (@SprinterX99880)As news of Pakistan's second consignment reached online platforms, users expressed a spectrum of opinions. Some social media users questioned the feasibility of Pakistan sending aid to Gaza while facing economic difficulties. Debates erupted regarding the allocation of resources, with concerns raised about the impact on the domestic front. Critics argued that the nation should focus on addressing its economic challenges before extending support abroad.
Pakistan continues to face several economic challenges characterized by a high debt burden, fiscal deficits, and inflationary pressures. The country is grappling with issues such as a large informal economy, energy shortages, and external imbalances.
Despite prior warnings, it appears that Pakistan's economy is on the verge of a crisis, presenting a bleak outlook that even seasoned economists find challenging to navigate. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva recently made a seemingly implausible suggestion, emphasizing the urgency of collecting more taxes from the affluent and safeguarding the vulnerable population of Pakistan. Her plea, underscored by a sense of desperation, highlights the severity of the economic predicament. Presently, an estimated 40 percent of Pakistanis, equivalent to 95 million individuals, are believed to be living below the poverty line.
In July, Pakistan secured a temporary reprieve with a conditional $3-billion IMF loan, offering a brief respite. However, the nation remains distant from addressing its profound structural issues, further complicated by what experts term the Triple-C crisis — a combination of the challenges posed by Covid, the Ukraine conflict, and climate change. The devastating floods of the previous year resulted in economic losses amounting to $30 billion, as reported by the UN, underscoring the formidable hurdles facing Pakistan's economic recovery.
Given that Pakistan's economy is in shambles at present, the humanitarian aid sent to Gaza, including 100 tonnes dispatched on October 19, has intensified discussions online. Here's a look at some of the reactions on X, formerly Twitter:
Itna maal tha apne pass 😁 pic.twitter.com/Hn5DAyJQbJ
— A.P (@AP598481619384)They should save something for themselves. 😄 pic.twitter.com/YKdIVVhivx
— MG (@MG92538091)Why don't you show this kindness to the millions of Afghan refugees in your country??
— 🍁AutumnBear🧸 (@autumnb62469716)China sent it to Pakistan and Pakistan sent it to gaza now what will pakis eat very wrong
— Ghost (@Ghost52264335)Is it true that Pakistan has provided support to Palestine, despite challenges in ensuring food for their own population?
— ADI_VIVEK (@vivekiips)I’m sure Hamas will distribute it properly. 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Have a great day Gaza
— winged fun (@vicspic3)Pakistan forcibly removed and deported 1.7 million Afghanis 5 days ago
That’s probably the food they left behind
Hmm I hope it’s not what Pakistan got for flood victims
— Daisy again 😡 (@roxy_scar24087)Better check that for weapons
— David Goliath 🇮🇱 (@DKlagstad)Did they do like Russia and send all their expired food?
— BITCOIN LIFE (@Kunachyy)The question is, from where?
— AarunTh Singh🇮🇳 (@thokchomarunsi1)While Pakistan itself is creating one of the greatest humanitarian crisis!! Wow 😆 https://t.co/tIyCBJb0p8
— wazma khan nasar (@Wazma0)Beggar send Aid 🤣😝😝 pic.twitter.com/lgV4KTMbrv
— JOHIRUL ISLAM 🇧🇩 (@JOHIR021)1st help urself....poor nation
— Waseem Hussain (@waseem1745)Pakistan khud aid packages pe zinda hai. Aur woh aids baat ta firr rha hai. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Pritam (@Prixxoxo)