One would like to know what is meant by such terms as ” the West” and, more importantly, in what sense *isn’t* this a “military dominated govt”. It seems like a fairly accurate description to say the centre only has a “tenuous hold” on the provinces.

Of course, one would not expect a civil servant or a politician or a ‘fauji’ to see anything *but* progress, since the “6% growth” over the last 30 years has mainly been appropriated by them.

Optimism will be to recognize the problems and hope that the situation will better.

Anyway, thanks for sharing that piece. It was a good reminder that a lot is changing as we continue living in moments.

I mean, let’s put to one side the stark and obscene inequalities behind this “6 % growth”.
Politically: the country is a laughing stock after the farcical Ordinance and -though it pains me to say it-the ridiculous shenanigans of B.B. Kchi is is run by thugs and criminals..mafias.

In Swat and other regions there has been a radicalisation (with prostitutes being beheaded, music shops burned to the ground).
And in Wazirastan? Why don’t they send some effin NGO’s there? The army is demoralised (over 200 are being held prisoner and already three have been executed). And are you telling us that the nazims and army are any less corrupt?

I don’t know Raz, I’ve come back after three years and behind the superficialities of the ‘new wealth’ (which is really just the fee of a prostitute, if you excuse my language)there seems to be little, if any real progress.

On a more general level, I see this country lurching to a conservate outlook.

Would love to hear your own reflections/insights on the situation..in your own words.

it depends on once own choice whether they like to moan about half empty chalice or just want to appreciate that atleast chalice is not completely empty.