THE depression from a layered smothering of citizens Covid and floods, to inflation and utility bills is at a stage where it overwhelms our capacity to cope with change. Despair has set in because we are unable to see our own self-worth or find strategies that promise a better future, which paralyses our ability to develop or act rationally. Consequently, it`s difficult for people to expect a sudden, intrinsic development of citizens.

Unquestionably, Pakistan is in the midst of terrible times. But countries do emerge from such tumult: Russia made an admirable recovery following the turmoil that ended Oleg`s Ukrainian dynasty, and Britain bounced back after it lost control of America in the 18th century. Similarly, China rose dramatically after its civil war by relying on indigenous expertise rather than foreign assistance such as when it mended defects in a Soviet-built dam after an aggressive response from the Russians: `This is your problem, you fix it.

Taking a cue from history, we should not despair. The streets of Karachi are filled with ingenious public transport that is adapted to purpose and built to suit tighter pockets. At the other end, Pakistan is witnessing a significant revival in sports the Pakistan Super League facilitated foreign players, which benefited the Pakistan team in terms of interaction and knowledge. Also, almost four decades later, we returned to the game with 17-year-old Hamza Khan winning the World Junior Squash Championship, beating his rival in Melbourne, Australia, in July.

Women athletes and other professionals continue to scale new heights. In the practice of medicine, they secured key positions in nursing and other areas of the field. As mountaineers, they conquered the steepest of peaks and we can also expect success from the women`s tent pegging team. There is much cheer to be found in an exceptionally humane and courageous event Pakistan`s mountaineers climbed the savage mountain, K2, to locate the body of an Afghan climber for his relatives.

On the tourism and social fronts, international flights can now top up in Skardu and tours of Gilgit-Baltistan are safe. The elderly and the differently abled have the required assistance to help them stay independent by way of various alterations, such as side-wheels on motorcycles.

Moreover, our art world is flourishing and is awash with innovative techniques, wherein painters, such as Imran Qureshi in this instance, blended the Mughal miniature technique with action for his mural on the ceiling of the Metropolitan Museumof Art in New York. Then, there are Pakistan`s filmmakers such as Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy who will soon direct a Star Wars film.

Pakistan has an immensely rich heritage,anditsyouthhasusheredinthe eraof young entrepreneurship. Besides, we have exemplary IT specialists who can become trailblazers in the age of artificial intelligence. In addition, disciplines such as physiotherapy and laboratory and research promise work, knowledge and progress to those with basic academic qualifications.

Despair is dangerous and must be shaken off. We can undo our sorry state by focusing on the effort to emerge as a progressive nation, dedicated to health, education and social well-being. Take Finland`s example; it leads in the happiness index but isn`t that rich. We must devise a system whereby a poor person has free transport to a hospital with costfree, precise and timely attention and intervention.So how can we begin anew? To start with, plug the culture of cheating, stealing, bribery and begging.

Ensure education, coach adults in interpersonal and public communications, nurture an ethical and tolerant environmentat workplaces along with team-building and relentless pursuit of excellence in quality. These will increase revenues, create better work conditions and boost financial returns for institutions and the workforce.

Furthermore, trade is a vital component of progress that can thrive despite limitations.

For example, when Poland imposed crippling taxes on transit goods, Russia traded with Germany via Archangel. Our innovative youth have turned rickshaws into cars and Nust students have built an e-racing car. Young entrepreneurs now need loans from perceptive and educated bank loan officers.

We should also invest in platforms for debates and foster a liberal exchange of ideas without the fear of conflict.

Everyone has the right to air their views and no one has to bear the burden of being `right` at all times. Such an environment can mark the beginning of a tolerant, moderate, and therefore, successful nation. • The wn~ter is a retired urologist, a keen reader of history and an observer of society.