Adil Najam
Following our tradition from last year, and despite the rather spotty record, we once again ask our readers to predict what might have transpired between now and when the last day of 2010 rolls around. We give here a bunch of possibilities, which of these – multiple answers are OK – do you think would have come true between now and the end of 2010.
This is a blog poll – and its should be taken no more seriously than that. Our purpose is to facilitate discussion and reflection; there is very little about it that is scientific. We have come up with a list of 15 possible news stories that could become big in 2010. Some of these, if they were to transpire, would be desirable developments; some clearly not. These may not be the most ‘likely’ stories of 2009. They are merely our list of some interesting possibilities in multiple domains. The list is, by definition, subjective. One hopes it is also reflective and will lead to reflection by our readers. We have no doubt that there will be other stories that could and will become big in 2010. Feel welcome to discuss those in your comments.
I think that the economy is the real issue. I do not see any reason for a dramatic turn to happen. The real thing is jobs and they are just not there until real economic activity picks up.
Given Pakistan’s phenomenal tendency to rise from the ashes, here are 10 economic predictions that will make 2010 the year of Pakistan.. (yes wishful thinking, but Inshallah, never underestimate the resilience of the people)
Pakistan rises to become economic dynamo in the region in 2010
Pakistan exports rise to more than $50 Billion
Pakistan higher education reforms lead to 5000 PhDs coming back to Pakistan
Pakistan becomes high tech power house through rising IT exports beating other countries in the region
No more power cuts in major cities
Pakistan becomes major defense exporter
Pakistan attracts enormous foreign capital as FDI returns after recession
Pakistan economy grows by 10% in 2010 highest in Asia
Pakistan invests in new energy systems like Solar and Wind Power, highest in the region
Pakistan has highest mobile phone penetration in the region beating arch rival India
I am also hopeful that 2010 will be a better year. We are doing a number of things right and I hope they will start bearing fruit. 1. elected govt, 2. less military interference, 3. fight against Taliban, etc.
Best wishes to ATP team
I have another 10 more choices. Of course these are dire predictions.. but plausible scenarios
Pakistan sinks into further chaos with multiple ‘mega’ bomb attacks in major cities
Pakistan at full scale war with the U.S. moving from proxy war to full war
Taliban take control of SWAT again
Karachi burns with MQM taking on Taliban in a full scale war
Sindh and Baluchistan slide into total Chaos
Militants launch daring attack on GHQ much bigger than one before killing top generals
A few Pakistani nukes fall into the hands of Taliban and Al Queda
More drone attacks this time in Balochistan and Muridke
America pushes Pakistan into deeper military thrust into FATA and other tribal areas
Black out in all of Karachi with total failure of all power systems
Hopefully, things will improve in 2010. But the pessimist in me tells me:
Faraz, sehn-chaman main bahar kay mausam
Na Faiz dekh sakay, na hum yeh daikhain gay