The debt trap.

Byline: Ahmad H. Ghumman - Islamabad

THIS is with reference to the article 'Defining challenges' (Jan 29) which has rightfully concluded that critical challenges confronting the country remained unaddressed for decades.

However, it is imperative to focus on the fiscal challenge first. The country is in the grip of a severe debt trap, and efforts to get out of this vicious circle, regardless of its historical background, are apparently being compromised because of public pressure for relief and desire for rapid economic growth.

This riddle requires an independent, fair and bold analysis with practical suggestions to solve the same. A full spectrum of the debt trap must be made known to the policymakers aas well as to the nation.

The overall size of the national debt stock has continuously been increasing since long...