By Advocate Shaheen Shamshad Gujjar
When the headlines shriek about the political turmoil – government collapses, leadership crisis or institutional deadlock – it may appear as a remote battle isolated to the halls of power. However, the fact shows that a political crisis is a tidal wave which rapidly sweeps over the whole nation,in which the layman usually faces the brunt of the burden.
Read also: Maryam Nawaz promises a modern Punjab, rejects political point-scoring against province
Political unrest and economic prosperity are deeply interconnected. Political uncertainty leads to currency devaluation and a substantial increase in inflation. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of the layman by making essential goods and services much more expensive while decreasing the actual value of their salaries and savings.After inflation, the biggest impact of political crisis on laymen is unemployment and job insecurity. High unemployment has an adverse effect on the economy as it reduces consumer spending, lowers GDP and reduces tax revenue .Persistent political uncertainty compels businesses to adopt a “wait – and – see” approach. Firms postpone large – scale capital investments,capacity expansion,and hiring initiatives. This defensive corporate behavior directly results in stagnant job creation and wage freezes. For young professionals and blue – collar workers,the political crisis eliminates opportunities,fostering a climate of job insecurity . It can also contribute to social problems like increasing the ratio of poverty and crime. For instance, Pakistan is in complete political unrest and the unemployment ratio of Pakistan in 2025 is 6.3 – 8%.
In extremely unstable circumstances, the focus frequently changes to keeping power, which can result in restriction in freedoms, press censorship and an increase in human rights violations or security challenges such as domestic terrorism.A political crisis often poses a severe threat to the rule of law,as it can lead to the erosion of constitutional norms,the weakening of legal institutions,and a decline in public accountability.Governments in crisis may attempt to undermine or interfere with the independence of the judiciary,often through controversial appointments or restructuring legal bodies. When the legal and political systems are perceived as unfair,manipulated,or corrupt,all the state institutions lose their credibility and public confidence. All of this means that the layman is a victim of this system and fails to get justice.
As crises become prolonged , the layman can become disillusioned with the entire political process.They see politics not as a mechanism for positive change ,but as a self – serving, chaotic spectacle. This leads to Voter apathy,where citizens stop participating ,thus further weakening the democratic process.Political crises are often characterized by extreme rhetoric and the demonization of opponents. This divisive language often trickles down into society,exacerbating existing social cleavages based on ethnicity,religion,or class. Family arguments,workplace tensions,and even violent confrontations can become more common as the political divide becomes a personal one.
The constant barrage of negative news,uncertainty,and economic anxiety takes a measurable psychological toll. Economic hardship and future uncertainty are major sources of stress,anxiety,and depression. Small business owners worry about bankruptcy,parents worry about their children’s future,and all worry about the rising cost of living. If the crisis leads to funding cuts or policy neglect in the public health sector,the layman faces reduced access to affordable healthcare,longer waiting times,and a decline in the quality medical services when they are most needed due to crisis-induced stress.The government’s focus shifts to political firefighting,often leaving public sectors adrift. Healthcare is severely impacted,with hospitals facing shortages of vital medical supplies,staff,and even electricity. Education suffers as schools shut down due to civil unrest or lack of funding,effectively stealing the future from the nation’s youth. The daily chore of living – access to clean water,reliable electricity,and waste collection – becomes a struggle as municipal services deteriorate.
The impact of a political crisis is not merely a change in leadership; it is a fundamental attack on the economic stability and civic well – being of the common citizen. By prioritizing short – term political gains over institutional stability,leaders impose an “Uncertainty tax” on every household,manifesting as higher prices,fewer jobs and a reduced quality of life.For a nation to achieve sustainable growth and social cohesion,the political class must recognize that resolving crisis and adhering to constitutional norms are not mere political luxuries,but essential preconditions for safeguarding the economic and mental security of the layman.
While the political elite are responsible for the crisis, it is the layman who must display the resilience to survive it. Historically, the burden of overcoming a crisis falls on organised civil society and the informal economy. In times of state failure,communities often rely on informal networks – family,neighbourhood groups, and religious charities – to provide basic services and food distribution. This grassroots – solidarity acts as a crucial safety net.Ultimately, the crisis motivates the layman to become more politically engaged, not in support of the failed elite,but in demanding fundamental institutional reforms. They seek systems that are transparent,accountable,and insulated from the self – interest of power-hungry politicians.
“Political stability is the fundamental prerequisite for a secure job,a manageable budget,and a peaceful night’s sleep for the layman”
In conclusion, a political crisis is not an abstract concept; it is an existential threat to the ordinary citizen. It is the immediate loss of a job,the sharp hunger from unattainable food prices,the fear of violence in the streets,and the systematic failure of the institutions meant to protect and serve. While the politicians engage in maneuvers for power,the layman pays the steepest price,enduring years of hardship for a political game they never chose to play. The return to normalcy requires not just a new set of leaders,but a complete rebuild of the social contract to ensure the state’s first duty is to the stability and welfare of its most vulnerable citizens. Most importantly,the elections should be free and fair.
Disclaimer: The views and analysis expressed in this article represent the writer’s personal opinion. They do not reflect the editorial policy of any institution, organisation or media outlet, and should not be taken as official policy or position.
About the Author
