The debt trap

FOR recovering alcoholics, the "cold turkey" technique is the best remedy to kick the habit. In other addictions, like heroin, for instance, the junkie has to be weaned away in a slow progression. But not for alcohol; just a drop can destroy a year's worth of abstinence. Do we just say no, then, to a report released by the US-based Citibank recently, that has urged Pakistan to seek IMF assistance to avoid default on its foreign debt? Are IMF loans more dangerous for the faith than the best spirit that can be distilled?