Convergence of interests

Putting money into the Stock Exchange made a few people very rich, while the rest of the businessmen toiled for a pittance and the static exports are a true indicator of this sad fact. Agriculture is also a neglected area, and here the US could help by giving their technical support to our farmers. In the long-term these two avenues are the best solutions to our economic woes. Agriculture and exports. In the long-term these two avenues are the only solutions to our economic woes.

Both need real support from the US and not just lip service. We must become self-reliant in food, and do away with our bread lines, these lines for flour and for petrol make for unhappiness which is the breeding ground for militancy.

Putting money into the Stock Exchange made a few people very rich, while the rest of the businessmen toiled for a pittance and the static exports are a true indicator of this sad fact. Without economic progress we will be at the mercy of the militants, who offer the religious sweetener, which is so easily swallowed by a gullible public especially those on the poverty line.

President Zardari has to make it clear to the Americans, that to rebuild the confidence in Pakistan will need a concerted effort in establishing zones to bring international groups here to boost the economy which can only be lead by the US itself.

As mentioned in my earlier column we have outstanding economists such as Dr Hafiz Shaikh and Salim Raza, recently retired from Citibank, and of course Shaukat Tareen. This would make a formidable team to face up to our economic woes, and to chart a new course for the nation's future.

The president is short of credible managers, and needs clear headed professionals. Salman Taseer is another strong willed hard-nosed businessman and is result oriented - who better to deal with the slippery mullahs? Or the Americans for that matter.

President Zardari has the greatest opportunity yet offered to a Pakistani ruler - the option to bring his own team. He should pick the best of the best.

The writer is a political analyst