Fixing the economy

This refers to the article ‘Room for reforms’ (February 13) by Dr Farrukh Saleem. The writer has mentioned some alarming, albeit lesser-known, facts that have an adverse affect on our economy. According to the writer, a billion cubic-feet of gas is being stolen every day. In public procurement, an amount of Rs1.4 trillion is being lost to corruption. Pakistan’s 195 PSEs are losing Rs1.1 trillion every year. Circular debt worth Rs1.5 trillion is holding Pakistan’s power-sector hostage.

In my opinion, these are all the areas that need to be fixed on an urgent basis. Besides launching new projects, the government shouldn’t lose sight of those which are in losses for many years now. The government should pay individual attention to all these issues and take steps to resolve them.

Air Cdre (r) Azfar A Khan

Karachi