Loud Thinking

Archive for March, 2024

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) rumoured reappointment of Babar Azam as T20 captain has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. While Azam’s batting talent is undeniable, his previous stint as white-ball leader ended on a disappointing note, marked by Pakistan’s underwhelming performances at the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. This begs the question: Is Azam the answer to revive Pakistan’s T20 fortunes, or is this a recipe for repeating past mistakes?

Pakistan’s showing at the 2023 Asia Cup, where they finished just above Nepal and Afghanistan, was undeniably poor. However, focusing solely on results paints an incomplete picture. A more concerning aspect of Azam’s captaincy during this phase was the perception of favouritism in team selection. Critics allege instances where personal preferences may have overshadowed player form, hindering team balance.

Azam’s personal batting performances during the World Cup further stoked the fire of discontent. While his technique remains impeccable, his approach lacked the aggression demanded by the modern ODI game. Comparisons were drawn to legends like Sunil Gavaskar, whose style thrived in the bygone era of 60-over matches, a stark contrast to the current, fast-paced format.

If the PCB entrusts Azam with the captaincy again, his success will hinge on demonstrably addressing specific leadership weaknesses. Here are some key areas for him to address:

• Dispelling any lingering perception of favouritism is paramount. A meritocratic approach based on current form and player compatibility will be crucial in creating a cohesive and motivated team environment.
• Fine-tuning his batting to suit the demands of T20 cricket is essential. This might involve working on increasing his strike rate, particularly during the powerplay overs, where maximizing scoring opportunities is critical. In this regard, our team must aim 80+ runs in the first six power play overs. Additionally, developing a wider array of strokes to counter diverse bowling attacks would be beneficial.
• Strengthening communication skills and projecting a more assertive and proactive captaincy on and off the field is vital. Inspiring confidence in his team through clear communication and decisive leadership will be crucial in high-pressure T20 situations.
• Demonstrating a deeper understanding of tactical nuances specific to T20 cricket is essential. This includes effectively utilizing bowling resources, setting intelligent and aggressive field placements based on batter’s strengths, and making calculated captaincy decisions under pressure during the match.

Summing up, Babar Azam specifically needs improvement in the following areas:

1. Must look and exhibit fairness and impartiality in the selection of playing eleven
2. Selflessness in batting and must not play slow to get to the 50 and then accelerate to improve strike rate
3. Decisions must be bold, aggressive, and positive
4. Field placings must be proactive and anticipatory
5. Must radiate positive body wibes through strong verbal communication skills

By demonstrably addressing these areas, Babar Azam has the potential to lead Pakistan’s T20 team into a new era of success. However, the coming months will be crucial. The PCB’s final decision and, if chosen, Azam’s approach to leading the team in this fast-paced format will be under intense scrutiny. His ability to adapt, communicate assertively, and strategically guide his players will be the key factors determining whether this potential reappointment translates into on-field victories that reignite Pakistan’s T20 dominance

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
+92 321 9402157
Lahore.

Dear Managing Director of IMF,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention the unique challenges facing Pakistan’s economy and to appeal for your support in addressing them.

Despite enduring significant economic and infrastructural losses over the past two decades, Pakistan has remained steadfast in honoring its commitments to the IMF. Our track record of timely loan repayments is a testament to our unwavering dedication to financial responsibility.

However, it is important to acknowledge the immense hardships we have faced. As a frontline state in the War on Terror, Pakistan has borne a disproportionate burden, both in terms of human lives lost and economic costs incurred. The toll of over 90,000 lives lost (compared with 5000 KIA of 49 NATO countries during WOT in Afghanistan) and economic losses exceeding $1000 billion cannot be overstated. The ongoing threat of terrorism continues to disrupt normalcy, with attacks occurring regularly across the country.

Furthermore, our economy has been ravaged by natural disasters, most notably the devastating floods of 2022, which resulted in losses exceeding $40 billion. These calamities have strained our resources and hindered our ability to achieve sustained economic growth.

In light of these challenges, I implore the IMF to adopt a compassionate and pragmatic approach in its dealings with Pakistan. Rather than imposing stringent conditions on future loans, I urge the IMF to consider providing greater flexibility, such as waiving interest payments on previous loans and restructuring principle payments. Such measures would provide much-needed relief and enable us to focus on rebuilding our economy and infrastructure.

Additionally, I propose a novel solution to bolster Pakistan’s economy: advocating for developed countries to implement a zero-rated tax regime on imports from Pakistan. This initiative would stimulate trade and investment, creating opportunities for economic growth and development.

I believe that by working together collaboratively, we can overcome the challenges facing Pakistan’s economy and pave the way for a brighter future. Your attention and consideration to these matters are sincerely appreciated.

Thank you for your time and continued support.

Sincerely,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
+92 321 9402157
Lahore – Pakistan
nayyarahmad51@gmail.com

Pakistan’s urban landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Fueled by a fast-growing population, megacities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi are experiencing a strain on infrastructure and resources. This rapid urbanization presents a complex challenge, but also an opportunity for innovative solutions. The current government’s tenure and timing offers a window to address this pressing issue by strategically developing new, future-proofed cities.

The Urgency of Urban Planning:

Pakistan’s population is projected to reach 400 million by 2050, with a significant portion migrating to urban centers. This population boom creates a multitude of challenges. Existing infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the growing demand for housing, transportation, sanitation, and essential services. Traffic congestion grinds commuters to a halt, air quality suffers, and access to basic amenities becomes strained. Traditional urban planning approaches of recklessly constructing overhead bridges and underpasses are no longer sufficient to accommodate this unprecedented growth.

Learning from the East: The Wuhan Model:

The Pakistani government can draw inspiration from successful urban development projects in other developing nations. China’s Wuhan, for instance, serves as a prime example. Over the past few decades, Wuhan has transformed into a modern metropolis through strategic planning and infrastructure investment. The city boasts efficient public transportation systems, green spaces, and a thriving technology sector. Key features of Wuhan’s development include:

Focus on Sustainability:

Wuhan prioritizes eco-friendly practices, with green building initiatives, renewable energy sources, and well-planned waste management systems.

Smart Technology Integration:

The city leverages technology to optimize resource utilization and enhance citizen services. Traffic management systems, digital governance platforms, and interconnected infrastructure contribute to a more efficient and livable urban environment.

Knowledge-Based Economy:

Wuhan fosters innovation by establishing research centers, universities, and incubators for tech startups. This focus on knowledge creation attracts skilled professionals and drives economic growth.

Building a Network of Future Cities in Pakistan

Pakistan, with its participation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, has a unique opportunity to leverage Chinese expertise and investment for developing its own network of future cities. Here’s how this vision can be realized:

Strategic Locations:

The six new cities can be strategically located across Pakistan’s provinces, considering factors like existing infrastructure, resource availability, and economic potential. One city could be established in each of the four provinces (Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan), with additional cities in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This geographically dispersed approach promotes balanced regional development.

Master Plans with a Long-Term Vision:

Each city should be meticulously planned with a long-term vision in mind. Master plans should incorporate sustainable practices, smart technology integration, and a focus on specific industries or sectors to create unique economic identities for each city.

Public-Private Partnerships:

The government can leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract private investment for infrastructure development, housing projects, and commercial ventures within these new cities. PPPs can ensure a steady influx of funds and expertise for efficient project execution.

Challenges and Considerations:

Developing six new cities simultaneously is a massive undertaking. Careful consideration needs to be given to several challenges:

Funding:

Securing sufficient funding will be crucial. Utilizing CPEC resources, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and exploring innovative financing models like green bonds are potential solutions.

Human Capital Development:

These cities will require a skilled workforce. Investment in education and training programs is essential to ensure a ready pool of talent for the emerging industries within these urban centers.

Social Cohesion:

Integrating new populations and fostering a sense of community within these planned cities requires proactive measures. Investing in social infrastructure like community centers and parks, along with promoting cultural exchange and inclusivity initiatives, will be vital.

Building a Brighter Urban Future:

The development of future cities in Pakistan presents a transformative opportunity. By learning from successful models like Wuhan, Pakistan can create well-planned, sustainable urban centers that cater to the needs of a growing population. These cities can serve as engines of economic growth, attracting investment, fostering innovation, and generating employment opportunities.

However, success hinges on meticulous planning, robust funding mechanisms, and a focus on social development. By embarking on this ambitious project, Pakistan can pave the way for a brighter urban future, fostering a more prosperous and equitable society for all its citizens.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
0321-9402157
Lahore.

Dear Mr. Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Pakistan,

اسلام وعلیکم

I extend my warmest congratulations on your resounding election by the National Assembly of Pakistan to lead our nation as its Prime Minister for the next five years.
Your today’s speech in the National Assembly comprehensively addressed key issues crucial for propelling our country forward. While commendable, I suggest future considerations include acknowledging the invaluable partnership with China, a steadfast ally. I encourage your early engagement with China to further strengthen our bilateral ties.
As an esteemed leader, you are likely familiar with Dr. Henry Kissinger’s timeless wisdom: “The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been.” Additionally, Dr. James Leong’s insights on leadership, particularly exemplified by Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s transformative governance in Singapore underscores the importance of meritocracy in team selection.
Given the weight of your responsibilities, selecting a capable chief of staff is paramount. This individual should possess a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of governance, both domestically and internationally, with a steadfast commitment to public service and the welfare of our citizens.
Moreover, from the day one, you will receive suggestions and summaries about increasing rent, rates and taxes to run the affairs of the government, which will further break the back of the poor, lower middle- and middle-class population, as was done during the previous 16 months tenure of the PDM government. In this regard, the best solution was to assign the task to the concerned suggesting such enhancements to reverse the current ratio of 20% direct taxation and 80% indirect taxation; and put a cut of 50% in not only the salaries of the senior government officials, but in their perks and TA/DA as well.
Your commitment to merit-based appointments is laudable and pivotal in shaping an effective administration. This responsibility entrusted upon you by Allah (SWT) necessitates the formation of a team that will leave a lasting legacy, steering Pakistan towards prosperity and fulfilment of its potential.
As history reveals, personalities shape destinies. Hence, the strategic significance of ministries, particularly finance, foreign affairs, interior, and defence, can not be overstated. Foreign policy, in particular, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our national interests and fostering international cooperation.
The importance of foreign ministry can be gauged by the following famous quote of the late US President John F. Kennedy:
Quote. “Domestic policy can only defeat us; Foreign policy can kill us.” Unquote.
Looking ahead, envisioning Pakistan’s trajectory by 2029 is imperative. I propose ambitious yet achievable targets encompassing economic growth, poverty alleviation, environmental stewardship, and social development.
I will suggest the following stage for Pakistan in 2029:

1. Exports: $150 billion; with specially focusing on agriculture, IT, and tourism.
2. GDP: $1000 billion
3. Foreign Loans: $50 billion
4. 100 million population to be taken above the poverty line of having income above $2/day.
5. Pollution control and environmental protection laws are to be strictly implemented all over the country.
6. Area under forest cover to be tripled in five years.
7. All school going kids are to be provided the facility of schools.
8. Excellent health facilities at all Tehsils.
9. Provision of clean drinking water facilities at all Tehsil levels.
10. Completely autonomous and authorised local bodies system in place all over the country.
11. Aim for minimum 5 gold medals in the 2028 Olympic Games and 10 gold medals in the 2026 Asian Games.
12. All major cities have an efficient garbage collection mechanism.
13. Turnaround of all the government organisations to make them profitable.
14. All district headquarters to have efficient public transport system.
15. Worth of Rupee to improve so its values stay at Rupees 150 to a USD.
16. All divisional headquarters cities are to be upgraded as smart cities.
17. Last but not least, inculcating the rule of law in the genes of the Pakistani population, for which the top echelons of the society must set personal examples to fully abdicate the VIP culture.
    The above targets can only be achieved by revamping our entire civil service and reforms in Police, Judicial and taxation systems, and by redefining our foreign policy, which should be completely aligned towards achieving the above national interests. Moreover, specific suggestions for a fast track national growth and development in key sectors are provided at the article titled ‘Navigating Storm: Uniting Pakistan Through Shared Goals’ Link :- https://www.snayyar.com/navigating-storm-uniting-pakistan-through-shared-goals.html

Reinvigorating our foreign office demands a paradigm shift in mindset and approach. Empowering our diplomatic corps to act as proactive agents of change and economic ambassadors for Pakistan is indispensable. This transformation requires visionary leadership and strategic investments in training and capacity-building.

In conclusion, I offer my sincerest wishes for success in your endeavours. May your tenure be marked by transformative leadership, steadfast commitment to our nation’s ideals, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of every Pakistani.

With utmost respect and best regards,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
+92 321 9402157
Lahore.
March 3, 2024