Lankan economic revival shows the way
Pakistan’s jet-set prime minister was in Colombo this last weekend, for the annual ritual get together of Commonwealth heads of government before flying off to Thailand’s capital for an Asia-Pacific Conference. Renewing the already strong relationship with Sri Lanka, these days under the global scanner for purported human rights abuses against civilians in overcoming the minority Tamil insurgency after 25 years of bloody struggle in 2009, Nawaz Sharif’s was a voice in support of his visibly stressed host, President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Amid stinging criticism led by the UK, with heads of government from Canada, India and Mauritious abstaining to register protest, the Pakistani PM was not alone in support of Rajapaksa. While the British PM David Cameron was too in-your-face in his criticism, preferring to visit the Tamil stronghold in the north, instead of attending the opening, Australia and New Zealand too weighed in favour of the Lankan government.
Mian Nawaz may not be the most eloquent of politicians around, but he definitely is becoming quite adept at making the right kind of noises. In his speech at the summit, he listed the grave issues staring Pakistan in the face: a struggling economy, poverty, energy shortages, natural disasters and militancy. In keeping with the theme of this year’s Commonwealth summit is ‘Growth with Equity-Inclusive Development,’ the PM intoned, “Equitable development was one of the most significant contemporary challenges confronting the nations.” He reaffirmed, Pakistan would continue to subscribe to the Commonwealth bent towards promoting peace through international cooperation and poverty alleviation through sustainable economic and social development. Both Nawaz and Rajapaksa also discussed economic, trade and bilateral investment opportunities for both countries and how to make the most of these.
While Nawaz’s catalog of issues confronting Pakistan was much like before spot on, in his Lankan sojourn he must have had a feel of the sort of positive energy that is unleashed when a nation is freed from a devastating insurgency. Growing at up to 8.2 per cent since the civil war ended, the Lankan economy is a picture of vim and vigour. The revival is displayed in the kind of showcase projects that Mian Nawaz is so fond of, such as a spanking new $350 million highway linking Colombo to the main airport. While Nawaz has vowed to curb militancy and end the energy crisis, the proof of his sincerity shall be tested when precise action follows pledges to reclaim this nation from terrorists.