I believe with the present foreign, national security and economic policies, and a lack of people’s participation, the country cannot embark on the journey to progress.
The present political leaders both in the government and the opposition are not capable of solving the problems faced by the people. The democratic process cannot be strengthened without reforms in the socioeconomic sectors. How can Pakistan have a say in world affairs without becoming an economic power and increasing economic growth? Pakistan can only attract direct investment by removing the prevailing bureaucratic system and the common perception of Pakistan being the most dangerous country in the world.
It is time that both the civilian and military establishment realise that the real security of the country lies in the development of human and natural resources and a better quality of life for the citizens.
The gap between the haves and the have-not’s must be reduced. The generated wealth of the county must be distributed evenly between different strata of the society. The present economic policies are making the rich richer while the poor keep getting poorer. The middle class is generally believed to be the backbone of any country. In Pakistan, the middle class is taxed heavily and those with income from agriculture are not paying any taxes. Every citizen should pay according to his/her income.
I request to all those in a position of authority to use collective wisdom and establish a new social contract between the people and the state.
S T HUSSAIN
Lahore
