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.
“Waziristan military campaign ends and region is relatively peaceful”
Wishful thinking. I hope peace prevails throughout Pakistan. That will be my only wish for 2010.
What I find most interesting in this poll is the option that has received the LEAST votes till now: All out war with India.
I hope this indicates that a maturity in India – Pakistan relations is beginning to set in, despite media theatrics.
Since a number of people have raised the subject of load-shedding, let me make a point about it:
First, I also do not think that it will happen, but it is a great choice to have because of all the things on this list it is the one thing that is easiest to do if we really wanted to.
Ending loadshedding means plugging the energy shortfall. That shortfall is 4000MW or 4GW. Essentially, that is a doable job in a country Pakistan’s size, both in terms of technology and in terms of costs. Not easy to do, but very doable. The Chinese will do it for us if we were to ask them. The hurdle is not technology or cost for a shortfall that size, it is only political will. But, that is a problem with everything !
CORRECTION: As pointed out by a reader, above, the choice regarding a “military coup” should be about 2010, not 2009. That is a typo. We are unable to change it in the question (since that would reset the data) but hope that most readers understood the intent.
Some comments from the ATP Facebook Page:
– “Since we have already seen the worst in 2009 so let us hope for the best in 2010”
– “I am surprised at how many people are voting that Gen Musharraf will be tried in court in 2010. You really think so? Also, I think the number of people who have voted that Zardari will be removed as President is also too high.”
– “well simply no one is sincere with Pakistan, so there will nothing gonna change till we do not change our thinking….. please think collectively instead of thinking individually…”
– “Removing Zardari or putting mush in jail won’t help Pakistan. Getting rid of U.S. will be the best that Pakistanis can do but so far I hear no evil, see no evil about ridding Pak of U.S. from Pakistanis! LOL.”
– “i thnk no change,,
bcoz we own don’t want to change our self,,,,,,
no president,no U.S,no Talban,no System , is responsible 4 our poor conditions>>>. +\”
– “We need to chill and start taking ourselves lightly. We are not the most important country or the nation in the world. Once we start taking ourselves less seriously, we will start noticing our flaws.”
– “no we are the starting points ,,,
we r the ending points…..WE THE YOUTH”
– “Happy New Year Everyone! may this year brings good luck, love, happiness, contentment, PEACE, care, rewards and blessings of Allah to you. May you all be successfull and prosperous, with all health, wealth and happiness. May you live long and stay safe. With bestest wishes ad prayers.”