Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
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Pakisitanis are hurting and feel let down by PA/ISI in the UBL saga.

The Pakistan Government and Army/ISI has become too dependent on the USA for ‘MONEY’. Without this money, the government would further slow down, and the military would stop getting their ‘new toys’.
This is the reality!

The only way to overcome this ‘Dependency’, is to build the ‘Economy’.

To build the Economy:
Pakistan need to change its ‘tax structure’ to include the elite,
change its ‘huge Military expenditure’,
change it’s ‘madrassa / Jihadi’ based education,
Start building trade/relationship with India
Get rid of the ‘terrorists’ and their bases.

If not, then Pakistan will continue depending on other countries for money, it may be USA, or Saudi Arabia, China.
He who pays is the ‘Master’. And the master - servant relation will continue, whether Pakstan’s like it nor not - this is the REALITY.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

I disagree, "economy" has been suggested as one of the reason behind such malfunction but many of captured/traced suicide-bombers have been from well-off or decent-background families. What we need is stop getting directions from outside (USA, KSA or any other pimp), complete shut down of hate-spreaders, use military expenditure to develop its arsenal instead of buying outside (may be a better balance than current if there exists one). For "government" of Pakistan, it does need to overhaul its tax collection, currently from what I've learnt only 10% people pay taxes, elites' tax is non existent.

Pakistan's economy was fine even with so called US "aid"/"reimbursements" like in 90s.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

y only with India?? y not with Turkey, Iran and China!

and I agree with Captain, economy is not the only prob!

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

Well looking at what under attack rich countries in the ME are going through, I don't think economy alone can be enough.

Security first!

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

Of course lack of economic prosperity is the under lying reason for such issues. If the economy was in good condition, no one would have enough time to listen to sectarian hatred and other such bile coming out of the imams in the country.

However, there are other countries in the world that are in similar economic condition as Pakistan but they don't have the same extremism problem. So yes, even though the economy should be the primary concern, there are other factors that can't be ignored either. Unfortunately Pakistan has a leadership problem that hinders economic progress. The country undoubtedly needs a better tax structure. In addition, land reforms should be a top priority. Considering how such policies are going to be opposed by the country's top political elites, it is hard to see any progress being made.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

They go hand in hand as without security, who will invest in a country and you need $$$ for security. Pakistan was in the "next 11" (the group to watch till 2007) when the economy was better, but then things went downhill. The lack of any writ of government after CJ drama dried up any investments to the point now where even imran khan doesn't criticize musharraf as much as he used to do last year.

The only thing (or two) that are needed is that free speech in Pakistan, no matter if you like it or dislike it, should be protected in Pakistan and people need to own up the country as politicians are like chamelions who change colors based on what they see. It is not like Pakistan didn't achieve it before like in the sixties before nationalization and the later afghan war, but tough will is required NOT the ch***** tamasha that is done by the khappay khappay jokers.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy


Looks like you didn't follow whats going on around the world, OBL belongs to one of big rich families of Saudi Arabia. He gave up all for fighting against Russians. What makes you think putting few $$$ in people's pockets could keep them away from picking up weapons or giving up their life?

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

That does not make any sense. By that logic, there is no correlation between crime and poverty either considering that the top mob bosses and drug czars are millionaires and certainly not cash strapped.

Fact is that poverty (due to lack of economic progress) creates a tremendous discrepancy between the rich and the poor. This allows ill-intentioned rich folks to exploit the poor for their gains. When there is no job opportunities, there is nothing to lose, hence doing anything becomes better than sitting on your hands and doing absolutely nothing. A better economy will not magically solve all issues but in an ethincally diverse country like Pakistan, it will certainly help to a great degree.

With that said, re-invigorating the economy itself is much easier said than done. Even if there is a legitmate will from the leaders, which I doubt, there is just too much wrong with the country to fix in the short or medium term. I am encouraged by the improving trade ties with India though. I was pleasantly surprised that the government is actually going out there and doing something useful rather than just being involved in politicking within Pakistan. There is a tremendous amount of capital in India and I'm sure many Indian entrepreneurs would love an oppurtunity to invest in Pakistan as opposed to western entrepreneurs who would likely be too scared to do so at the moment. Frankly a reduction in military expenditure is in order too. The money saved there should be re-invested in education if for no other purpose than to show to the world that the country is very interested in its own well being. This will ensure that American aid continues as well because quite obviously that money is going to be needed for at least the next several years.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

The two cases are not even close as mob bosses and drug czars become millionaires AFTER being in that business while OBL types were RICH long before the fighting and joined fighting without any relation to the money they got as inheritance.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

good points, a few more

collect more taxes..actually some stats note that only about 1% pay taxes. I thought it was more like 11% but anyways even if we go with 11% that leaves 89% of the population who cant be arsed to pay taxes, and if we assume that 50% of the population is below poverty line and will pay no taxes that still leaves 39% who can and should, but dont pay taxes.

change education structure to provide more vocational education, the madrassas..even the good ones dont really do much to prepare students for industry, govt schools especially in poor areas, dont exist, if they exist they are understaffed or have phantom staff and the whole 12 years of education and then uni thing is really not in the reach of many people, make it affordable, accessible etc but also provide the type of technical training which can provide skills someone can take to marketplace in a matter of months or few years.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

Not necessarily. There is nepotism in the crime world as well. Many times a rich son takes over from the father etc.

Either way, just because OBL was a rich man does not make it true that there is no relationship between terrorism and poverty. It is exceedingly obvious that when people don't have any job opportunities, the life of a criminal/extremist appears a better option than doing nothing. The poor are by far the easiest prey. Obviously rich people have extremist ideas as well but they are not going to go out there and do all the dirty work when they can just as easily get some poor schmuck to do it for them.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

^ agreed.. the rich and/or educated extremists will be much lower in percentage... the powerhouse of the jihadis will tend to come from the lower economic classes or the less educated classes...

so while ideology is definitely a problem.. economy is a bigger one imo..

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

That is a good post. I agree that economy is Pakistan's biggest problem. Sadly most Pakistanis continue to overlook it. Especially those outside of Pak.
I also agree with almost all the above remedies you have listed, but disagree with building trade with India. Problem is Kashmir. I would rather like Pak to stay away from all things Indian until that issue is resolved.

But overall, it was a nice post.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy


so what was background of terrorists of 9/11? 7/7? were they from poor families?

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

Economy things come later

we need a strong and proper educational system first.

closed all Madrasas runned by SA money/fund

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

runned? :)

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

Equal Opportunity is important, people need to be given more opportunities. What happens is the wealthy remain wealthy and the poor keep struggling to make ends meet. Something needs to be done in order to help improve the living standards of everyone. So maybe, people who are extremely wealthy open up small business and employ people who are not so well off. A small coffee shop, book store whatever its not easy but it is possible. Yes ,I know the business might not be successful, there is risk involved but then there's risk involved in everything. My creating more jobs not only do we help improve the living standards of many but we also help create a much stronger economy.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

:chupki: bat samjh main agai hai na

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

Agree economy is the key to safe and healthy nations. It’s the education based on western thinking that is the key ingredient for a modern industrial/technology based economy. To large extent the concept of nation states and democracy itself is based on the western thinking, which is to free the mind. Any nation that wants to implement either (modern economy or a vibrant democracy) needs the play by this rule. I am not advocating all nations to throw away their religions and customs, rituals and traditions; they can absorb western thinking without hesitation, without b*****ng them as evil. It might push the religion to a symbolic status. So be it, because you want to be part of the game, they you have to play by the rules which shaped it. Even Christianity has evolved based on this free thinking principal; Judaism and Hinduism have changed. Islam is changing as well, but unlike other religions it’s doing it kicking, screaming and complaining.

I am not a Pakistan expert, but does Pakistan have political leader like Lallu Yadav, Karunanidhi, Raja (2G scam) or Mayawathi (UP CM)? I doubt the answer is no. I mention them not because they are some of most corrupt leaders in India, because all of them had humble beginning from oppressed sections of the society. They were able to grab political power and set example for many to follow (some of whom would probably be more able and not as corrupt), because India observed the western thinking whole heartedly, right from the time of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. The education syllabus in India is based on western thinking. If you have doubts, check their school books.
Therefore my friends, start being liberals in thinking. Pakistan needs leaders who can take them in that direction. Nawaz Sharif and Musharraf had the opportunity to do exactly that, but they floundered. Soviet era war destroyed the Pakistani fabric; they had the opportunity to mend it and take Pakistan in a new direction. Instead they choose to use religion to chase wild dreams, namely bleed India in Kashmir (Kargil) and control Afghanistan (Taliban). There is not point is blaming America or India.

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Re: Lesson to Learn - Strengthen the Economy

Boooo.

AS if your politicians are ever going to let you do that.

What else is strengthened anyway?

Your government offices?

Your social welfare system?

Your natural resources

Not even your Education sector has ever been bothered to be strengthened !!

Your religious leaders are already too occupied in calling names and issuing the fatwa of kufr for fellow muslim brethren quite an occupation right?

And on the top of everything, you have this terrorism menace hanging over your head like an uncovered sword.

I tell you what:

Dig a BIG BIG hole and throw all of your politicians into it and then set it to fire like we do with the trash. Good riddance and a new start. Phew.