id is a time of celebration. But it is also a time for reflection. This Eid will be a humbling experience as the nation continues to battle through a series of challenges, political, social, economic and healthcare. Inflation has hit the country hard. For weeks now, the people have been at the receiving end of a paralysing inflation that is testing an already struggling economy and an exhausted populace. Add to that the country’s worsening energy crises and we have a recipe for disaster. Monsoons expected to bring some respite have unfolded flooding disasters and casualties with unprecedented rains.

Never mind the ongoing political instability, which appears to have become a permanent feature of the polity, the relentless lashing by one crisis after the other and the near-absent governance structures have left the people disappointed, demotivated and disillusioned.

This week, we look at the chaos that defines the times we live in. From a potential health crisis amid a new Covid wave and the cattle disease as people prepare to sacrifice animals during Eid ul Azha to the day-to-day challenges of power outages, inflation and simply being able to join family and loved ones for Eid.

As we step into the Eid holiday season, the spirit may seem lacking. But as one of our contributors points out: a slight change in perception can help bring a major shift in attitude and offer some relief in times of difficulty.

We wish you well-being, safety and comfort with family and loved ones.