Book reading: ‘Pakistan needs civil reform for better execution of plans’

Author Moazzam Hussain discusses his book ‘Putting Pakistan Right’

KARACHI: We need major civil service reforms in Pakistan for improved execution of our plans, said author Moazzam Hussain while speaking about his book 'Putting Pakistan Right', during a book reading event on Wednesday.

No matter which political party comes into power, civil servants will always play the major role in delivery of services, he said. At the event, Hussain shared how he has focused in his book on the transformations that are needed in the country. "I have written various columns and articles in newspapers related to the war on terror, energy and regional connectivity," he said. Hussain added that his book is an insight into his personal experiences in the country and how he believes that many opportunities will arise with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Speaking about how he got the idea to write a book, Hussain said his friend from Lahore University of Management Sciences encouraged him to compile his experiences and writings from 2008 till 2015. Pakistan has been filled with negativity through media talk shows, politicians and other stakeholders, he said, adding that the people cannot do anything.

Hussain, who was in the task force for regional connectivity and economic integration with Pakistan's neighbouring countries for Vision 2025, said that the concept of Vision 2025 is similar to CPEC. He added that Vision 2025 was planned in 2013, soon after the general elections when Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz came into power.

While answering some questions, the author said that India has its reservations on CPEC because they think that the project will create a stronger bond between Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan, which, according to him, is somehow a disputed area. "China wants to become the economic superpower, which is why they are investing in infrastructure and goods in 64 countries," he said, adding that the day is not far when China will ask Pakistan to open the Wagha Border for trade purposes with India.

Referring to the friendship ties between India and Pakistan, he said that the two countries should look out for each other. "We [Pakistan and India] have more than 1.5 billion youth and in next four decades we will be having the largest number of aged people, which will bring about the worst human catastrophe in the history of mankind," he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 1^st, 2016.