Fault lines

Letter September 05, 2024
Fault lines

KARACHI:

Pakistan's troubled history is marked by a series of poor decisions at both national and international levels. Unlike other nations that learn from their mistakes, Pakistan's leaders have continued to repeat the same errors since 1947, leading to a steady decline in the country's standing among South Asian nations.
The first and most significant mistake was fostering a rivalry with India, which has consumed Pakistan's resources and attention for decades. Instead of building a peaceful relationship, Pakistani leaders instilled a deep-seated hatred for India, which only escalated sectarian and linguistic divisions within the country. Excessive spending, driven by this rivalry, has diverted funds from crucial development projects, while unchecked population growth has added further strain.
To move forward, Pakistan must address its fundamental issues, starting with population control, expanding access to education and investing in infrastructure like dams. However, without a change in leadership mindset and a willingness to reconcile with past mistakes, Pakistan's future will remain uncertain. There is a need to re-shift focus and reprioritise socio-economic issues that, when solved, will provide long-term benefit. For this, professionals must be engaged to steer the country out of this time of instability.
Ravi Kumar Emani
Hyderabad, India