National plan

The outgoing year came to an end amid political, security and economic chaos for Pakistan. Parts of the country are effectively under a curfew-like situation. It is often claimed with a degree of confidence that the country is out of the woods as far as economic uncertainty is concerned. But one wonders as to how a country can attract badly needed foreign investment in the prevailing precarious political environment. Economic growth is also likely to remain lower than population growth.

However, legitimacy and political ownership of the current politico–economic measures are probably the biggest challenges this government has on its hands. To take the country out of this mess and to put it back on track, all stakeholders need to be on the same page. Only a cohesive, well planned strategy can pave the way for a stable and progressing Pakistan.

Malik Atif M Majoka

Melbourne

Australia