Pakistan has always been one of the
most resource-rich countries of the world but it has paid a
heavy price for being the most loyal ally of the United States
for over 50 years. Instead of being ungrudgingly appreciated
for its unflinching loyalty, it is constantly pressured to 'do
more'. Pakistan's losses on this count have been phenomenal:
the country has lost over 34 billion dollars and suffered
colossal damage to its infrastructure, cities and peaceful way
of life.
Twice the United States' failed policy
and lopsided actions in Afghanistan
have compounded Pakistan's problems. Yet, the refrain remains
the same: 'Do more'! Many well-meaning initiatives on several
developmental fronts - education,
poverty alleviation, and industrial growth - have
resultantly scuttled before they could gather momentum.
There are manifest indications that
global economic recovery is to begin in South Asia and China
where most US and
European multinationals
already own many companies. The 3
billion population of the region is mostly poor. But it can
easily transform into 3 billion new consumers. With a stable
and healthy Pakistan, South Asia and China could dramatically
alter the world's fortunes turning current economic reverses
into precipitous gains. It was time Pakistan's potential as a
catalyst for wholesome global change
is realized and Islamabad is
given the same level of economic assistance as
Egypt and
Israel.
PLodhie@LEDtronics.com
www.PABE.org
www.PAL-C.org
www.NCHD.org.pk
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