The 'poor' Neighbour

Dalrymple discusses three issues – democracy, terrorism and education in this essay. I have often emphasized here that education needs to be the highest priority, much higher than terrorism. Especially girls’ education is the key social lever in entire South Asia.

Democracy will happen at its own pace, and in very Pakistani style – whatever that may be. west's attempts to impose democracy thru force in Iraq have provided results for all to understand. In the region Iran became a democracy, by any count, even though the west is visibly upset with this democracy. That is the power democracy delivers. No more 2:00AM phone calls.

Should Pakistani leaders bow to this pressure coming from the West? Pakistan, in my view, owes to itself to remind the west that its priority is education, terror, and democracy.

It is a waste to compare India and Pakistan with democracy as the yardstick. Democracy has established roots in India for a reason.

Military’s role in Pakistan is that of an enterprise. The best is to view it as an outsourcing industry, which currently earns $3 billion per year and can earn even more.

Historically, almost from the arrival of Islam on the sub-continent, Punjabi Muslims and Pathans have fought for others and with others. No one can deny this, it should be used as competitive advantage by Pakistan, as the west for a long time, and several Islamic nations will need this resource.

Pakistani military needs to be held accountable for the $3B/year it earns by the shareholders – who are not generals. But its people (= parliament). An act of parliament that separates this enterprise from the rest can hold the military enterprise accountable.

This outsourcing charter would allow the military total control on all aspects of outsourcing, and ability to work out alliances of its choice, and how it compensates its members.

It is this Pakistani military enterprise, which is the highest common factor between the west and Islamic world. The revenue potential is huge.

For a foreseeable future, separation of power among the two, rather than sharing of power is more important. Alliance partners of Pakistani military enterprise can be asked to guarantee, that the separation of powers is honored at all times, if they want to use the outsourcing services.

Anil,

I hope your post was tongue in cheek otherwise, your claims sound obtuse if not out right outlandish.

Zeemax, in china they would have made that airport in 5 days..in Zimbabwe they would have madein 20 hrs. In India, they have had to determeine whether to fund basic services for a billion people, establish institutions of growth, invest in education etc in conjunction with making spanking new terminals. So all the major metros now..after 15 yrs of sustained growth have ambitious plans. $300B worth of Infrastructure projects are identified tobe completed in the next 10 years with 20% of that coming in from Private equity. So next time you go to India..hold your nose if you have to..or wait until 2017.

The building blocks are there now and it is now a matter of capital infusion.

#99 Posted by chaltahai,

I wish you the best. I mean it.

... #100...

But don't expect too much from private equity. It doesn't invest in infrastructure. I doubt any foreigner will in today's conditions. The Sharifs could do it when they recognised the global recession of the time and how to use it.

But we can discuss it.

"There is far less poverty on show in Pakistan than in India, fewer beggars, and much less desperation. In many ways the infrastructure of Pakistan is much more advanced: there are better roads and airports, and more reliable electricity. Middle-class Pakistani houses are often bigger and better appointed than their equivalents in India."

This is what I have been telling arjuns of chowk for a long time.

Zeemax, are you on crack? there are PE and family offices in mooslim lands in the gulf all jerking off to put money into the INdia infra opp. Abraaj, Invesco, Prince Waleed trust, DIA and even mohammed's dead ghost is chomping at the bit.

Education vs. Infrastructure

If there are two neighbors and one is spending his money on educating children and investing in business while the other is spending on home furniture and fancy clothing, the second one will look more prosperous. First one has brighter future though.

Having said that, India must provide reasonable healthy meals for the poorest of the poor, specially now since it can afford it. That will be a good investment.

#103 Posted by chaltahai,

Ok. So you're a ch'tya just as I had always thought.

End of discussion.

Pardesi, I hate to break it to you but there's no such thing as free lunch.

Zeemax, what does DIA investing into India has your panties in a bunch?

Well,Mr.Dalrymple has rightly pointed out the flaws that Paki govt. has today.....unfortunately Pakistan has had many rulers but no leader in these sixty years.Its the lack of ownership which is responsible for the retarded development of Pakistan as a nation....but having said tht i wud say tht not a single country on this earth is perfect.First of all,a country is known by its people...Pakistan is a beautiful country;with resilient and talented people.I dont know abt others but for me it really doesnt matter if the govt is military or civil as long as its taking my country forward.

An Optimistic Pakistani

#102 Posted by dost_mittar

["There is far less poverty on show in Pakistan than in India, fewer beggars, and much less desperation. In many ways the infrastructure of Pakistan is much more advanced: there are better roads and airports, and more reliable electricity. Middle-class Pakistani houses are often bigger and better appointed than their equivalents in India."

This is what I have been telling arjuns of chowk for a long time. ]


The outward show of poverty that India has can be obliterated in 6 months to a year. India has the money and the resources to build new airports, get rid of slums like Dharavi, and improve visible signs of prosperity.

The reason this is so easy to do in countries like Pakistan and China is that they are ruled by dictators, and they can do what they wish. In India, there are many internal political forces to contend with. Many successive governments have tried to remove the Dharavi slums, but the opposition and entrenched political interests would not let this happen. The commie party of India vetoes every legislation that aims and eradicating visible signs of poverty. Their constant refrain - spend that money on poverty-reduction programmes instead.

But otherwise, India is getting mush more prosperous than the outer appearance suggests. The good thing is that the infrastructure changes will happen, albeit slowly.

And coming to the comparison with Pakistan, while I am glad that their infrastructure is good (as it should be in any country), the comparison with India based on outward appearances is not an accurate one. As I said, with political will, India can change her outward appearance almost overnight, but for Pakistan to achieve the same level of technological prowess, democratic institutions, and educational institutions will take much longer. There is really no comparison between the two when it comes to these indicators of progress. And achieving what India has achieved in this regard will be much harder work than getting foreign/domestic contractors to build highways and public facilities, and to sell cellphones.

DM, in addition to what others have written..India has one of highest savings rate in the world, the lowest debt/equity ratio at the corporate level and cash rich balance sheets. India is a victim of building consensus..and consensus takes time.

"The reason this is so easy to do in countries like Pakistan and China is that they are ruled by dictators, and they can do what they wish. In India, there are many internal political forces to contend with. Many successive governments have tried to remove the Dharavi slums, but the opposition and entrenched political interests would not let this happen. The commie party of India vetoes every legislation that aims and eradicating visible signs of poverty. Their constant refrain - spend that money on poverty-reduction programmes instead."

Add Sonia's Congress to that.
Calcutta - has improvement programs,
Delhi has improvement programs
Bombay - zilch.

Ranjit:

"The new areas like Gurgaon and Noida are doing really well"

I visited Noida last year in July. It had rained in the morning for a couple of hours. I had to visit the NOIDA authority's head office. The building was like an island. All access to the building was closed. The car had to stop 500 metres from the building. Therefrom, I took the only transportation that could traverse in those conditions, a cycle riksha. When I got off the riksha, I had to fold my trousers above the knees, take my shoes in hand and show myself at the reception in that state. Had to repeat the same process walking from one wing of the building to another.

The shining India didn't appear too shining that day.