China has reached its current strong political, military and economic position by adopting the policy of self-reliance. Pakistan too has to say goodbye to foreign aid if it wants to make progress because foreign aid and loans are not capital but a liability. This liability has deep influence on our domestic and foreign policies. Those who argue that our economy is dependant upon foreign aid and loans are absolutely wrong.
Observation of history teaches us that we have earned nothing from foreign aid and loans. But this menace has been a cause of loss for us. This can be ascertained by looking at the so-called war on terror. Almost 35000 Pakistanis have lost their precious lives in this war. Nothing can compensate for their lives. Above all, this has destroyed our image at the international level.
Moreover, the compromises our rulers make about our country’s sovereignty are due to this aid. Now our government is planning to restore the NATO supply despite all the humiliation we have suffered. Taking aid and the loan has made us powerless and senseless. Self-reliance is not acceptable for certain ruling class because they are reluctant to leave their corrupt practices.
What can we do as a nation? All of us have to come on the streets against such policymakers. We have to tell them that only those rulers are acceptable to us who know how to stand on their own feet. If they are unable rely on our country’s resources, they have no right to remain in office. We cannot be independent unless we get rid of foreign aid and loans.
SULEMAN MANSHA
Lahore
