There is no denying the trials that lie ahead. The surge in global oil prices and its impact on developing and import-reliant economies like Pakistan is just too obvious. Already struggling in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic that had stalled economies the world over, the country had for long been challenged on altogether too many fronts. Not to forget the unique set of political challenges Pakistan finds itself in ever so frequently that almost always divert attention and effort from actual governance and policy making.

We have been unfortunate that way.

The fact that the economy and policies related to it have served as mere fodder for political point-scoring instead of genuine political concern and will speaks volumes of the manner in which the country has been governed mostly. One such example can be found in the recent controversy surrounding claims by the recently ousted Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government regarding the option of procurement of Russian oil at discounted rates.

As things stand today, there is no immediate relief in sight. Political rhetoric and tear-jerking words can do little to alleviate the misery people find themselves in, not to forget an absolute waste such acts amount to. But in the process of living through a crisis, it is essential to take a moment and rationalise the events that have taken place or are taking place. In attempts to pacify negative public perception in the wake of unpopular but necessary governance decisions, political leaders have often taken to shifting blame – a process that Pakistanis have long been familiar with.

This week, The News on Sunday attempts to look at the recent surge in prices of petroleum products in regards to its impacts and possible outcomes. We also make a humble effort to try to wrap our minds around the events, global and national, political, financial and otherwise that led to the current testing situation. This week, we stare into the abyss.