Alternate Pakistan

Current prevailing situation in our beloved country is a matter of concern for all of us, political unrest, energy crises, declining foreign exchange reserves, out flow of investments and above all, alarming increase in violence are posing a real threat to economic and social stability in Pakistan. Our problems are deep rooted and require a lot of struggle and hardship to overcome.

Pakistan has so much potential and resources but due to corruption, less awareness, illiteracy we cannot develop. Pakistan may become a developed country if several things happen. The government becomes less corrupt, and the money the USA gives to Pakistan should be used for good causes, such as water treatment, improving literacy, fixing the electricity, etc. Second, the people of Pakistan should be willing to change, and they should work hard for it. They should become more accepting of others, as well as their religions (whether they are Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, or even atheist). Third, the youth should take charge and become the future non-corrupt politicians, doctors, teachers, engineers, scientists, etc. Third, Pakistan should enter the market, and be known for something distinct that the whole world uses. Look at South Korea, only 58 years have passed since the Korean War has ended, and they have become such a modern, hard-working country. Each day countries like Korea, Germany are becoming self-sufficient. They have good plan and brilliant universities which is closely working with industries. For instance, In Germany, their students are the one developing satellites. We should provide our students great opportunities so they can participate as much as they want.

If we use our own resources properly we can overcome our energy crisis. Our country that faces a severe energy crisis has the potential to generate power supply for the next 100 years by utilizing its own coal reserves. This coal utilization can save four billion dollars by reducing oil import costs.

It is really worrying to think that the financial success of the government in our country is on the basis of financial arrangements rather than economic management.

Our governments feel happy to appoint IMF, World Bank or investment banking professionals as economic chiefs of the country. They either simply ignore the important economists for these positions, or they are just interested in short term fiscal management.

It is high time that our focus on economic planning and budgets to shifted towards clear cut economic goals for developing an industrial base in the country.

We need to come up with policies that ensure a culture of entrepreneurship in the country. Income support programs cannot serve the objective of economic freedom. It is actually the facilitation of doing business and converting ideas into returns that can change the economic outlook of Pakistan.

Written By :- Ahmed Tariq