Years of financial mismanagement and political instability have pushed Pakistan’s economy to the brink of collapse, exacerbated by a global energy crisis and devastating floods that could submerge a third of the country in 2022.
The country needs billions of dollars in financing to service existing debt, while foreign exchange reserves are depleted and the rupee is in freefall.
Poor Pakistanis are feeling the brunt of the economic turmoil, and at least 20 people have died in crowds at food distribution centers since the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.