20k PKR (10 thousand Indian rupees) isn't that low. the poorest people in India, in states like Bihar don't even have 2000-3000 rupees a month. I'm sure you can find similar conditions in Sindhi Thar.
but of course all this is extremely tragic.
Yes that's true but the cost of living difference in an Urban population centre vs rural villages is massive. I rent a few properties and have seen the market increase year upon year, what would have cost you 25,000 a month a few years ago now is on the market for around 100,000 a month.
Even small modest flats and portions are no less than 15/20k. So blue collar workers are driven out of urban areas to the outskirts of the city where rent is cheaper, this increases their travel time, cost of travelling to and from work, the fatigue it takes on the body which leads to poor physical and mental health and very poor work-life balance.
By the grace of Almighty Allah I have been fortunate to be born into a little money, but those who are on the cusp of poverty or fringes really start to feel the heat.
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Long story short- a friend works in a large MNC in Islamabad and took his entire department for a meal to a popular fast food joint in the city, he invited his driver and peon for a meal too, they looked at the menu and said to him, "Excuse me sir, forgive us for saying this but could you give us the money instead, the price of that one meal will feed my house for 2 days".
That is the sad reality of our nations - when you look beyond the manicured greenbelts and posh airconditioned offices and luxury sedans carrying people with designer suits, the vast majority of people are living below the breadline.