TexasJohn said:
So tell me what good has happened to the common ( not rich) man in Pakistan? Is the law and order situation better? If he is into " enlightened moderation", why does Pakistan still have Hudood laws. He could "un-ordinance" that in one sentence. Has unemployment dropped as a result of American money? or how about power and water issues? If the Army cannot ensure law and order, and remove the gun culture, than who can? Is he not alienating the Baluchis? Even the Americans do not really trust him anymore, they are simply playing along for now.
In addition to what Sig wrote in his excellent post #7, I have a just a few things to add.
Rome wasn't built overnight, so Pakistan will need more time to change into a successful society, nevertheless we're well on track.
I give all the credit to Mush and Aziz for this great achievement.
Pakistan was on the verge of defaulting in 1999 when Mush took over. Forex had declined to a depressing and shameful historical low of $700 million, today forex stand at $13 billion.
Poverty, which climbed to 32% in the late nineties has come down to 23.9% and under the current KHH programme, it will be reduced to 12.5% by the year 2015. That is as low as in The USA!
GoP has created 7.5 million new jobs in last 6 years, 5 million only in the last three years and the figure is to increse. In certain specific area's we even face shortage in skilled workers today.
Under the current programme, the IT sector only will see creation of 500.000 new jobs in three years without foreign involvement. With more FDI in this sector, the number could even increase.
How the returns have been given to the common man can be measured from the fact that over 7.000 villages have received electricity in last year only. By the end of 2007 all of Pakistan will have been 'electrified' and 95% of the population will have access to clean water.
Mush is the mastermind behind the four mega water projects, due to be completed by 2015. That will not only solve water shortage in Pakistan but will also revolutionise the aggriculture, hence lift the economy.
It will also prevent further dessertification of Pakistan.
Living standard is rising, not only for the rich upper and the middle class but also the common 'poor' man!
For instance, just two years ago only 500.000 people owned a cell phone in Pakistan; today over 30.000.000 have a cell phone.
Disposable income is growing faster and faster.
Eventhough Pakistan is under military rule, people enjoy full freedom of speach and press.
Just take any English newspaper and read the editorials and opinions whats been written about Pakistan and the politics to judge for yourself.
Never under a civil government did we enjoy such freedom before!
Law and order.
Well I can't remember when was the last time Paramilitary entered Karachi. Thats used to happen a lot under the last two civil goverments.
Balochistan will remain a problem for some time to come, some foreign elements are partly to blame for that aswell.
I could go on and on but I think you have a pretty good picture now how Pakistan is doing under Mush.
I love the guy, I love Pakistan!
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