Loud Thinking

Archive for May, 2023

20 May 2023

My Dear Pakistanis!

اسلام و علیکم

It is not correct and wise thinking that only the ministry of finance can stem the economic rot of Pakistan.

If at all we have to get rid of the slavery of the IMF, the entire nation, including the government machinery, needs to correct our direction (Qibla) without wasting a moment, as waste of over 75 years was more than enough time to completely mortgage our country into the stranglehold of our creditors.

Now, leaving aside politics, we must concentrate and focus only on the factors that could re-build Pakistan on a fast track model.

Given below are some doable homegrown solutions for Pakistan to economically flourish without taking any help from the IMF:

Invest in IT sector. Pakistan has one of the best brains in this field of technology and must go all out harness its potential for a getting fast returns in the shape of providing employment and generating forex reserves.

• Invest in renewable energy. Pakistan has a wealth of renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power. Investing in these resources would help to reduce the country’s reliance on imported oil and gas, which would save money and reduce pollution.
• Expand the tourism industry. Pakistan has a rich history and culture, which could attract tourists from all over the world. Expanding the tourism industry would create jobs and boost the economy.
• Promote small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of any economy. By providing support and training to small businesses, Pakistan can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
• Improve the education system. A well-educated workforce is essential for economic growth. By improving the education system, Pakistan can produce a more skilled workforce that can compete in the global economy.
• Invest in the agricultural sector. Pakistan is a major agricultural producer, but its agricultural sector is still underdeveloped. By investing in the agricultural sector, Pakistan can increase food production and reduce its reliance on imports. This would help to boost the economy and create jobs.
• Export trained manpower. Pakistan has a large pool of skilled and educated workers. By exporting trained manpower, Pakistan can earn foreign exchange and help to create jobs. This would help to boost the economy and improve the standard of living for its citizens.

Here are some specific examples of how Pakistan can invest in the agricultural sector and export trained manpower:

• Invest in irrigation and water management systems. This would help to increase crop yields and reduce the risk of crop failure.
• Invest in agricultural research and development. This would help to develop new crops and agricultural practices that are more resistant to pests and diseases.
• Invest in agricultural education and training. This would help to create a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the agricultural sector.
• Develop a strategy to export trained manpower. This could involve working with foreign companies to identify the skills that they need and then training Pakistani workers to meet those needs.
• Reduce corruption. Corruption is a major drain on the Pakistani economy. By reducing corruption, Pakistan can save money and improve the efficiency of government services.

• Expanding trade with other countries. Pakistan could negotiate trade deals with other countries to increase exports and reduce imports. This would help to boost the economy and create jobs.

• Attracting foreign investment. Pakistan can attract foreign investment by creating a more business-friendly environment. This would bring in much-needed capital and help to create jobs.

• Investing in infrastructure. Pakistan’s infrastructure is in need of major investment. By investing in roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, Pakistan can improve the efficiency of the economy and make it easier for businesses to operate.

Radical restructuring of the judicial and taxation systems is also the crying need of the hour.

In addition to the above suggestions, Pakistan may also consider the following:

Freeze politics for 10 years. We have had enough of politics, which has virtually blown us apart and badly divided the nation, whereas, without unity there can be no prosperity. Now Pakistan deserves a break from politics, as otherwise also without grass root level democracy in the political system and the political parties (sans proper/genuine intra party elections), claims and slogans for democracy were a sham and a big farce.

By taking the above-mentioned steps, Pakistan, to a large extent, can achieve economic prosperity without relying on the IMF.

Sincerely,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.

Dear Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,

I am writing to you today to urge you to take the necessary steps to create a new social contract for Pakistan. The current social contract is broken. It is no longer working for the majority of Pakistanis.

The old social contract was based on the idea that the government would provide for the basic needs of its citizens, such as education, healthcare, and security. In return, citizens would be loyal to the government and obey its laws.

However, this social contract has broken down. The government is no longer able to provide for the basic needs of its citizens. The education system is in shambles, healthcare is unaffordable for many, and the security situation is dire.

As a result, many Pakistanis are feeling disillusioned and disenfranchised. They feel that the government is not working for them and that they have no voice in the political process.

This is a dangerous situation. It is breeding resentment and anger, which could lead to violence and instability.

We need a new social contract. A social contract that works for everyone, not just the elite. A social contract that guarantees basic rights and opportunities for all Pakistanis.

A new social contract would need to include the following elements:

• A strong commitment to education and healthcare.
• A fair and just legal system.
• A government that is accountable to its citizens.
• A strong economy that creates jobs and opportunities for all.

A new social contract is not a magic bullet. It will not solve all of Pakistan’s problems overnight. But it is a necessary step towards building a more just and prosperous society for all.

As such, I urge you to take the lead in creating a new social contract for Pakistan. It is the only way to ensure a better future for our country.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.
16 May 2023.

9 May 2023
Respected Prime Minister of Pakistan

اسلام و علیکم

Yesterday, the news came that now Pakistan is striving to arrange another one billion USD to fulfil the next condition of the IMF for approving its agreement with Pakistan.

There was another media report that your government is planning to provide relief to the common man in the next budget, with 50% and 30% increases respectively, in the pay and pensions of the government employees and fixation of Rs.40,000/- as the minimum monthly wages, which is a laudable step, but won’t make better, the life of a common man, unless, the above increases are doubled, keeping in view the recent unprecedented and unimaginable increases in the rents, rates and prices of every item of the daily use.

Obviously, for such a huge relief package and to meet the IMF’s condition, government will require additional resources, for which your attention is again invited towards my proposal of 4 March 2023, to generate a minimum of 10 billion USD in a very short span of time, which must be tried, because even if this plan fails, it would not cost your government a penny.

Moreover, another relief for the government and private sector employees should also be considered by changing salary payment duration on weekly or fortnightly basis, instead of the current system of payment after 30 days, which is too long a period during such a high inflation era.

Best wishes and kind regards,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore

Proposal of 4 March 2023
AoA.

I take this opportunity to humbly suggest that Pakistan can collect 10 billion USD in a flash by mobilising two million overseas Pakistanis (and resident Pakistanis as well) to deposit ONLY 5000 dollars in special [Save Pakistan Account ] on a profit of 10% per annum payable in PKR (so for all times there will be no pressure of repayments in FE) on quarterly basis.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
03219402157
Lahore.