Prioritise now

A tiny particle has changed not only the world order but also its culture. The world should realize that its piles of nuclear weapons have failed against the coronavirus. This is the right moment to reconsider national priorities. An economic collapse is bound to occur. The world, including Pakistan should forthwith reduce its defence expenditure to a very nominal amount. This is the only way for states like Pakistan to survive.

I hope that the government will reduce the defence budget to the extent sufficient to pay salaries and cap its nuclear programme and other defence-related purchases. The savings should be diverted to education, health and other social sectors.

Sikander Aqeel Ansari

Islamabad