The only thing is defense spending can’t be cut in absolute terms from its current level if the military is to go along with the change. Its growth should be frozen though or kept to a minimum, and reforms made to attract FDI and well as property taxes increased to make up the difference, similar to how other small countries did to survive in tough regions.
But the risks to national security are still high. Reforms to attract FDI and increase taxes on property as well as trimming fat/perks in defense operations could generate the billions needed to make up the difference. Lost skills may take too long to regenerate, especially with a western neighbor poised to take advantage of the situation. Something Indonesia wasn’t facing in the 90s.
That’s true, and a lot of their Russian equipment is probably having serviceability issues due to possibly delays in the supplies of Russian spares.
Both sides are maintaining peace for a couple of years now. There is no urgency to do anything on that front. The larger security issues for now and in the near future are on Afghanistan border and that may not be amenable to peaceful settlement as long as Taliban rules Afghanistan. Also, your advice from Indonesia is not transferable to Pakistan. Indonesia is a 'normal' country. i.e., Civilian supremacy over military. The President of Indonesia can call the Head of the military and say I have decided to appoint a new Head and the General will say 'Yes, Sir'. That doesn't work in Pakistan where the civilian government is a Potemkin village behind which lies the military. They make, break and dictate how the civilian government operates, what its policies, especially foreign and defense policies are. So, your plan to reduce defense expenditure and invest it in national development is a mirage. The civilians get the leftovers and scraps after the military finishes its banquet. No prime minister dare suggest to the military lets us scrap the new submarine project and build more schools or hospitals. If he does that, he won't be a prime minister soon.
For all practical purposes that has already happened. The LOC is completely quiet. India centric outfits in Pakistan can't be completely closed out because they may turn against the state esp. In these difficult times. So peace has been made as far as is possible. It is not possible to go further. However, I get your point , without some solution with India or some miracle or shift in geopolitics this Economic situation is not going to resolve.
Web translation for non-Urdu readers:
| 30 famous one-line jokes of Pakistan. Condemned in the strongest terms. - Officials have been suspended. An inquiry committee has been formed. We will not allow terrorists to destroy the peace of the country. He has claimed responsibility. . "RAW" and "Khad" are involved. . Let not the enemy consider our nobility as our weakness. . We are ready to deal with any emergency. . An inquiry will be conducted. . Kefir character will be delivered. . The back of terrorists has been broken. . The institution has nothing to do with politics. . A meeting has been convened after taking notice. . Kashmir's freedom is not far away. . We will end corruption and bring back the looted wealth. . These incidents are part of a conspiracy against CPEC. . Merit will be maintained in every case. . The poor will get justice at his doorstep. The civil and military leadership is on the same page. . Institutions should work in their respective spheres. . No one is above the Constitution. . The nation is united against external enemies. Terrorists will be dealt with iron hands. . The Prime Minister mingled with the people. . First of all, you don't have to panic. . The country's defense is in safe hands. . Matters of mutual interest were discussed. . The media is completely free. Minorities should have complete religious freedom. . Law will not be allowed to be taken into their hands. |
and for all the rallies and otherwise - in general ordinary Pakistanis are either still satisfied with it or simply finding ways to leave a failed nation. Hope is not a strategy - plans and following through with them are which is anathema to Pakistani character
