The people of Pakistan have historically shared common bonds of culture and faith with citizens of Turkey and Iran, irrespective of who heads government. Similarly China and Pakistan have evolved common interests because of strategic geographical location and common interests. China, Turkey and India in our neighborhood have achieved technological self sufficient, followed with economic development because of state investment in education, research and development, with strong institutions and regulations.
Government headed by Erdogan brought economic prosperity and stability to Turkey, yet charges of financial impropriety has lead to massive public discontent and an investigation has been launched against him. Allegations of kickback have surfaced against prominent members of ruling political elite and their family. Business friendly governments help in investment, economic growth and tax recovery, but when politics is dominated by businessmen, than temptations of greed lead to massive corruption, cartelization, flight of capital and tax evasion.
What we lack in Pakistan are strong independent institutions to regulate financial deals with foreign governments and not allow common cultural bonds between nations to shroud what amounts to day light heist, beneficial to individuals, and loss to national exchequer. For example one sided Karkare Rental Power project with Turkish company or deal in 2009 between Turk Hava Yollari and PIA, reducing latter to serve as spoke serving former, rendering expensive induction of long range B777 un-viable, should awaken us to ground realities. Present government, has surprisingly decided to lease 21 more aircraft from Turkish leasing company and strangely same individual who brokered controversial deal with THY in 2009 is now involved in leasing deal, in violation of PEPRA rules and transparency. What we forget is that elected Turkish political elite or any other government of a self respecting nation are required to look after their economic interests and not those of other countries.
ALI MALIK TARIQ
Lahore
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