Though it appears unceremonial for an army chief to speak on issues other than defence cadre, but General Qamar Javed Bajwa not only participated in a seminar on ‘Interplay of Economy and Security’ but also expressed concern over the country’s economic troubles and sky-high debts. His claim of improved security situation is on the record as the security forces have defeated the Indian RAW and Afghan agents, and restored the writ of the state across the country. The national security and economy are correlative and he called for broadening of tax net and maintenance of financial discipline to minimize reliance on foreign assistance. General Bajwa rightly pointed out fallout of the crisis after crisis which has been faced bythe country for the last four decades and the struggle to maintain balance between economy and security during the period. The infrastructure and energy sectors were considerably improved over the years, but the current account balance appeared to haunt the economy.The citizens need reassurance of benevolent and equal treatment from the state and it is high time to place economic growth and sustainability at the highest priority.
Pakistan needs structural as well as tax reforms to create fiscal space. The economy needs to be documented and exportable products should be diversified.The army chief called upon the government to take difficult decisions and take all the geographical components of the along with each other to move forward. Pakistan has the lowest tax to GDP ratio in the region and fiscal discipline appears as a priority to ensure continuity of economic policies.
There are no two opinions in the notion that Pakistan is facing hostile neighbours on its west and east sides which have constantly been trying to challenge not only the security but also economy of country.They have launched subversive activities in Pakistan to cripple its economy and challenge the writ of the government. Indian agents are present in all provinces and federal territories of the country in the shape of political parties, civil society groups, lawyers as well as media persons. The army chief has elaborated this point and it should be taken into consideration by all sections of the government. A national action plan is need of the hour to identify Indian agents in the country who are the part of fifth column and they must be brought to book.
