So, at first sight, things do not look good. But, like a dose of bitter medicine, the news may eventually work in Pakistan’s favour. The country has for far too long been dependent on handouts in order to survive. Its reliance on the US in particular puts it at peril in terms of determining policies independently and chalking out the route best suited to itself. The pulling out of aid under the bill may benefit it by forcing the country to find other means to generate the resources it needs. These can come through a more efficient revenue generation system, based on improved tax collection and other means. The question of agricultural tax arises once more. There are also other means the country can use to place badly needed funds in its depleted kitty. Cutting down on unnecessary administrative expenses is one obvious way. Others have to be found.
The crucial message here is that we must work to gain the sovereignty we so badly need in order to make our own place in the world. We cannot hope to rely permanently on money handed out by other powers. Pakistan, as a nation, has plenty of resources to generate what it needs. It must work towards making this possible as quickly as is feasible so that the problem we face today goes away and does not return at any time in the near future.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (13)
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Why would one expect USA taxpayer to help Pakistan when overwhelming majority of Pakistanis hate USA?And support of terrorism is the main issue,though Pakistan has done better to control that.But impressions last for a long time.Other countries won't mind Paksitanis hating them as long as they don't resort to exporting terrorism.NS is much disposed towards peace if only Pakistanis let them pursue it.
Indian trolls at work.. Seems like they have nothing better to do then spend time on ET comments section. Meanwhile Pakistanis continue to prosper. Actually it is great news that Pakistan will not bee getting aid. You cant put a price to dignity.
Threaten them with Nuclear bomb ... What do they think of themselves ??? Tell them either you give us the alms or we hit you with our nuclear arsenal.... They need to be reminded ....
Pakistan with tits Taliban friends wil lsell opium and funf the infrastructure requirements in teh coming years...
To all those who do not understand economics, this means that Pakistan is bankrupt. There has been no progress in past 67 years whereas our neighbours keep rising.
Pakistan is a nuclear power, how dare they block Pakistan's "principled" and "rightly deserved" demand for alms.
Sooner or later people and countries have to change course to keep with changing times. All these years Pakistan has been receiving generous economic and military aid from the US, however the Establishment that was the beneficiary of those funds used propaganda to turn public sentiment against the very hand that fed it. No Donor would like to give a penny to anyone, more so when instead of gratitude and thanks what it receives are abuses and accusations. The Aid could not get Pakistan to alter course or give up on its strategic assets, when carrot does not work, will a stick be used ?
Not sure I buy the concept that without USA aid you would implement taxes on rich or agriculture industry .... don't recall when Pakistan ever taxed the rich or powerful even before USA aid. Editor also implies that USA aid has somehow stymied Pakistan's ability to make sovereign decision - common concept in Pakistan but nobody ever wants to identify something specific that Pakistan has done which is bad for Pakistan and was solely based on USA financial aid. USA has plenty of clout whether it gives Pakistan anything or not .. just ask Iran if you don't believe me.
End of Kerry Lugar and CSF bonanza +++±+++++++++++++++:::::::::: OBL lived in Pakistan for10 years and u expect the aid to continue?
Other ways of cutting expenses must be found +++±+++++++++++++++++++++ Eg PM jamboree to UNGA.
Sir dark clouds are gathering around Paki economy ,±+++++++++++++++++++++++::: Did u intentionally overlook the end of CSF?
Kashmir Kashmir Kashmir! lol