This is not an alarmist view spread by either Brettonwoods twins or the ever friendly Washington with a myopic view of Waziristan homes but a report in a section of Pakistani media.   

Meeting in Brussels in the third week of October, the Friends of Democratic Pakistan categorically stated that notwithstanding their bleeding hearts for the miseries of Pakistan, they were not signing any more blank cheques. Same message is in store from the Pakistan Development Forum, which is scheduled to meet in Islamabad on November 14 and 15.  

If Pakistan fails to come up with a credible future action programme to improve the macroeconomic indicators, there will be end of support from friendly countries and international financial institutions, The News International reported on November 1, quoting diplomatic sources.

With GDP growth pegged at 2.8 percent this fiscal, and debt burden in excess lf (Pakistan) Rupees nine trillion, there is very little any external donor can do than to shun Pakistan if the aid is destined not to go down the drain.  

Problem with Pakistan is that it is not unaware of its problem and the way out of the mess. Mere awareness is no use since there should be a readiness to come to grips with the problem in all its complexity.

Successive finance ministers, including those ‘loaned’ by a leading American Bank and the present incumbent have correctly diagnosed the disease and wrote the correct prescription.   That is leading the country nowhere with the political leadership unwilling to administer the prescribed dosage.  

The question that stares at Pakistan and its well wishers is how long will Islamabad dodge the issue. Also how long it would be able to cash in on Afghanistan troubles, which as the world knows today are primarily a creation of Pakistan itself.

It is in finding answers to this question and a willingness to broaden the tax base through a judicious mix of populism, realism and economic wisdom that a turnaround in Pakistani scrip rests.

At the same an all out fight is necessary against corruption which is endemic.

There are no short term solutions. It will be a painful process.

The proud Pakistani will not like to live on doles. And he/she will go along with the exercise provided the leadership convinces the nation of the need for sacrifices.

It is sadly a tall order in today’s Pakistan.

Leaders of the treasury and opposition are standing tall alike at the bar of the nation, accused of stashing millions in coded Swiss bank lockers.