PERILOUS NEIGHBORHOOD OF PAKISTAN AND ITS ECONOMIC HOPES AND HURDLES.

• Author: Zafar, Sikander

Byline: SIKANDER ZAFAR

H e was transferred to a military ambulance that broke down after running a few paces. It took two hours to replace it and by this time the oppressive heat and swarm flies had exhausted Jinnah (Father of the Nation). He passed away in dignity after reaching his official residence. His absence left an agonizing imprint on the future course of Pakistan, something that he, himself feared but could do little to prevent. Beverly Nicolas described Jinnah as a person who was equipped with "a great deal that hangs on the silk cord of that monocle." He further postulates that absence of Ghandi would be quickly filled by Nehru, Rajagopalachari, or Patel. But if Jinnah goes who is there? Pakistan is indeed a hard country.

Losing the captain of the ship right after it was set to sail was the initiation of myriad of complications this infant country had to face. This made Pakistan vulnerable from all external and internal fronts. Even before its creation, British bureaucracy and the likes of congress leaders used to claim that the "moth-eaten Pakistan" will find it difficult to survive. With only 200 million rupees Pakistan had to dwindle the complication of refugee conundrum, Kashmir issue and propel the decumbent economic activity.

The traditional security threat from India and Afghanistan further aggravated the situation. It called for a military expansion that costed 35 million rupees yearly. This propelled the amateur governance to resort to foreign loan and American Military aid. In short, Pakistan was not well equipped to face the jeopardous pressure from all fronts. Consequently, it had a long-lasting impact on the economy of the country that is still sluggishly proceeding and mostly stagnant, even after eighty years of its creation. But the world is immensely interconnected today, and the geostrategic location of Pakistan engenders the country to develop its regional importance. Allowing it to bring prosperous economic prospects not only for the people of Pakistan but entire Middle East, Central and South Asia. The arduous neighborhood of Pakistan thwarts its economic progression, but it also puts into play prospects that has the sturdiness to fashion it to become a regional economic power.

INDIA'S WATER TERRORISM AND ITS IMPACT ON PAKISTAN'S ECONOMY

The issue of Kashmir has plunged the country to bite the bullet. It is not only a territorial dispute but also India's playground to stress Pakistan from its rivers. As most...