Tackling incursion

Islamabad has to realize that in order to be able to fully assert its sovereignty, it has to work hard to be economically independent. While keeping friendly relations with the West, it has to realize that foreign economic assistance always has strings attached to it. The government has to learn to cut its coat according to its length. Simple living should be initiated from above, with the leadership acting as a role model for the nation. The consumption-oriented development strategy has to give way to a more realistic strategy geared towards the development of agriculture and industrial production, thus reducing unemployment and brining more revenues to the national exchequer. With the US gradually losing its position as an economic superpower, its influence on world politics too is on the decline. This requires necessary adjustments in Pakistan's foreign policy. There is a need to develop closer and more comprehensive relations with rising powers like China and Russia, and with brotherly Gulf states.

Pakistan's fascination for American weapons systems has increased the country's dependence on Washington despite the bitter experience of the 1965 war. To be able to assert its independence, Islamabad has to develop alternative and dependable sources to fulfil its defence needs.