Invest in people

The coronavirus pandemic has probably, we hope – but only probably – made the world more aware of the humanitarian aspect of development. Large corporates, whose prime duty was to generate profit for their investors, have shifted at least some of their income and resources to developing and producing equipment, disposables and other things of humanitarian importance. We see and really appreciate messages by world leaders about how they intend to and how people should take care of each other. We are also thankful for the fact that corona spreads more through AC ducts and less through sweating in the sun. To date, the virus has not shown any respect for boundaries either.

We are hopeful that the post-corona world will be a better place to live in. We would like to remind world leaders – request them – to fight all the enemies of humanity, and to help each other. Just as a continuation, we would like to point out that US has indicated to invest more than two trillion dollars just to keep the economy afloat. A fraction of this money, if taken out of the offence/ defence budget and invested in poor countries will make America a lot safer. Only defence will not be able to keep the country afloat. We need to invest in civilian technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, etc.

Irfan U Khattak

Abbottabad