Fact check

This refers to the letter ‘Fact check’ (Jan 7, 2020) by Dr Najeeb A Khan. The writer says: “If the performance of dictators was better than politicians, it is because foreign powers generously doled out financial assistance to Pakistan.” This is contrary to the truth. Foreign debt has risen faster under civilian rulers, due to the largesse of foreign donors like the IMF and the World Bank. The amount of foreign debt under the incumbent PTI government as of now stands at $106 billion. Obviously, it is the civilian governments which have been the recipients of financial assistance from abroad.

The writer further observes “The law of necessity used by Justice Munir and other judges is no longer valid after constitutional amendments.” Again this statement is not correct. Former PM, Nawaz Sharif was released from jail and allowed to go abroad. There is no provision in the law and constitution which allows a convicted person to be released on any grounds. The doctrine of necessity is ingrained in our jurisprudence in practice, not withstanding what one may say otherwise.

Shoaib A Majeed

Karachi